Small Change

Small Change

Year: 1976

Runtime: 104 mins

Language: French

ComedyDramaMoving relationship storiesStudent coming-of-age challengesEmotional and touching family dramas

Set in the small French town of Thiers, the film presents a series of childhood vignettes: a boy discovers his attraction to girls, couples double‑date at the cinema, two brothers give a friend a haircut, one child endures an abusive home, a baby and a cat stare out an open window, a kid shares a dirty joke, and another boy develops a crush on his friend’s mother.

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Timeline & Setting – Small Change (1976)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Small Change (1976). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Summer 1976

The story takes place during the summer of 1976 in a small French town. The long sunny days frame school life, friendships, and the kids’ attempts to understand love and authority. The period allows the film to explore childhood innocence amidst adult failures and social realities.

Location

Thiers, France

The film unfolds in Thiers, a French town, during a hot summer. Much of the action centers on school days, neighborhood spaces, and the daily rhythms of family life. The setting emphasizes the everyday experiences, joys, and worries of children growing up in this community.

🏙️ Small Town 🎒 School life 🧭 Community life

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:59

Main Characters – Small Change (1976)

Meet the key characters of Small Change (1976), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Patrick Desmouceaux (Georges Desmouceaux)

A motherless boy who begins to notice romantic feelings and seeks affection amid the rough edges of school and home life. He shows a mix of curiosity, vulnerability, and capacity for empathy as he navigates friendships and authority.

💔 Family 🧒 Childhood 💭 Yearning

Julien Leclou (Philippe Goldman)

Lives in poverty and endures physical abuse at home, which bleeds into his school life. He fights to stay awake in class and maintain dignity, while clinging to hope and moments of connection with friends.

🏚️ Poverty 🧒 Childhood 🩹 Abuse

Oscar (Sebastien Marc)

One of the group of children around Patrick and Julien, reflecting the everyday joys and worries of childhood in the neighborhood. He participates in the scenes that mix play, mischief, and moments of care among peers.

👦 Friendship 🧸 Play 🧒 Childhood

Mr. Richet (Jean-François Stévenin)

The schoolteacher who observes the children's world with attentive care and offers guidance. He embodies authority and compassion, highlighting the balance between discipline and understanding in a child’s life.

👨‍🏫 Teacher 🧭 Guidance

Nadine Riffle (Tania Torrens)

Laurent’s mother and a neighborhood hairdresser who appears as part of the children’s world. She represents parental figures and the adult presence that shapes the kids’ day-to-day experiences.

👩‍👧 Family 🗺️ Neighborhood

Laurent Riffle (Laurent Devlaeminck)

A friend within the group whose interactions mirror the shared challenges and small triumphs of childhood. He participates in the mix of school life, home life, and neighborhood play that defines the film.

👦 Neighborhood 🧡 Friendship

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:59

Major Themes – Small Change (1976)

Explore the central themes of Small Change (1976), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧸 Innocence & Vulnerability

The children’s world is filled with small adventures and blunt realities that test their simplicity. Accidents, moments of mischief, and first crushes reveal how fragile innocence can be. The film follows how these moments shape the kids’ sense of safety and belonging, even as adult issues intrude.

⚖️ Childhood Justice

The story highlights injustices faced by children, from home life to social systems. It contrasts adults’ decisions with children’s needs, underscoring calls for protection and rights. The ending’s message about child abuse and justice echoes the film’s plea for fair treatment and accountability.

🌱 Resilience & Growth

Despite hardship, the children learn to endure, adapt, and support one another. Their small victories—like surviving tough days at school or navigating complicated loyalties—point toward personal growth. The film closes with a conviction that love and resilience can guide them toward a better future.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:59

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Unlock the Full Story of Small Change

Don't stop at just watching — explore Small Change in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Small Change is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Small Change Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Small Change, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Small Change Summary

Small Change Timeline

Track the full timeline of Small Change with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Small Change Timeline

More About Small Change

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More About Small Change

Explore More About Movie Small Change

Small Change (1976) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Small Change (1976) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Small Change (1976) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow