Au revoir les enfants

Au revoir les enfants is a 1987 film about a French boarding school run by priests that seems to be a haven from World War II and The Holocaust until a new student hiding a secret arrives. Directed and written by Louis Malle. Julien Quentin I'm the only one in this school that thinks about death. It's incredible! Jean Bonnet Are there wolves in these woods? Père Jean Worldly wealth corrupts souls and withers hearts. It makes men contemptuous, unjust, pitiless in their egoism. I understand the anger of those who have nothing when the rich feast so arrogantly. My message today is especially for the youngest among you who will be confirmed in a few weeks. My children, we live in a time of discord and hatred. Lies are all-powerful. Christians kill one another. Those who should guide us betray us instead. More than ever, we must beware of selfishness and indifference. You're all from wealthy families, some very wealthy. Because you've been given much, much will be asked of you. I don't mean to shock you but only remind you that charity is a Christian's first duty. St. Paul tells us in today's Epistle, "Brothers, be not wise in your own conceits. Do not repay any man evil for evil. If thine enemy hunger, feed him. If he thirst, give him drink." Let us pray for the hungry, for those who suffer, for the persecuted. Let us pray for the victims and for their executioners as well. [His last words] Goodbye, children. I'll see you soon. Other François Quentin: Be nice. I'll lend you my "Arabian Nights". It'll give you a hard-on. Mme Quentin: You think I like this? I miss you every moment. I'd like to dress up as a boy and join you. I'd see you at school every day. It'd be our secret. You know I can't keep you in Paris with me. Joseph: Stop acting so pious. There's a war going on, kid. Dialogue Julien Quentin: François, what's a yid? François Quentin: A Jew. Julien Quentin: I know, but what exactly is a Jew? François Quentin: Someone who doesn't eat pork. Julien Quentin: Are you kidding me? François Quentin: Not at all. Julien Quentin: What have people got against them? François Quentin: The fact they're smarter than us, and they crucified Jesus. Julien Quentin: That's not true. It was the Romans. Is that why they have to wear yellow stars? Julien Quentin: You scared? [pause] Jean Bonnet: All the time. Père Jean: Everyone has dark thoughts. Julien Quentin: Even you? Père Jean: Even me. François Quentin: St. Thomas's proofs of God's existence don't hold water. François Smoking Buddy: I don't agree. Since we can imagine God, he must exist. François Quentin: That's just sophistry. At least Bergson seeks transcendence in science. Mlle Davenne: [Julien is playing piano poorly] It's an A-Sharp. You can't hear when you play a false note? [Smiles and points at page] Go on. [Julien worsens] You should try the violin [Both laugh] Mlle Davenne: Do you hate music? Julien Quentin: Not at all. But my mother forces me to take piano. Mlle Davenne: She's right. If you stop now, you'll always regret it. Julien Quentin: Arithmatic is useless, unless you want to be an accountant. Jean Bonnet: My father was an accountant. Julien Quentin: Who do you like best? Athos or d'Artagnan? Jean Bonnet: Aramis. Julien Quentin: Aramis? He's a hypocrite. Jean Bonnet: Yeah, but he's the smartest one. Cast Gaspard Manesse - Julien Quentin Raphaël Fejtő - Jean Kippelstein, alias "Jean Bonnet" Francine Racette - Mme Quentin (Julien's mother) Stanislas Carré de Malberg - François Quentin (Julien's older brother) Philippe Morier-Genoud - Father Jean/Père Jean François Berléand - Father Michel/Père Michel Irène Jacob - Mlle Davenne François Négret - Joseph (kitchen helper) Peter Fitz - Dr. Müller, Gestapo leader Pascal Rivet - Boulanger Benoît Henriet - Ciron Richard Leboeuf - Sagard Xavier Legrand - Babinot Arnaud Henriet - Negus Damien Salot - Dupré External links 0092593 Category:1987 films Category:1980s French films Category:World War II films Category:Films about the Holocaust Category:French coming-of-age films Category:Films set in schools Category:Films directed by Louis Malle Category:Films set in France Category:Films about the French Resistance