| Reż. Louis Malle |
| France 1987 |
| drama, war, coming-of-age |
| 2 godz. 4 min. |
| Gaspard Manesse (Julien Quentin), Raphaël Fejtö (Jean Bonnet), Francine Racette (Madame Quentin, matka Juliena), Stanislas Carré de Malberg (François Quentin, brat Juliena), Philippe Morier-Genoud (Ojciec Jean, dyrektor szkoły), François Berléand (Joseph, pomocnik w kuchni), Irène Jacob (Siostra Marguerite) |
RECOMMENDATION:
DESCRIPTION:
A moving drama directed by Louis Malle, based on his memories of youth during World War II. The film is set in 1944 in a Catholic boarding school in France. The main character, 12-year-old Julien Quentin, returns from holiday to find new students at the school. One of them is Jean Bonnet. At first, the relationship between the boys is tense, though their mutual fascination is clearly visible. Julien gradually learns that Jean is a Jewish boy being hidden by the school’s administration from the Germans. Despite their religious and social differences, the boys form a deep friendship.
GALLERY:
LET’S TALK ABOUT:
What particularly moved you about this autobiographical story?
Which of the values from the list do you find in this film, and why?
The film is called a confession by the director – Louis Malle. He is exceptionally harsh on himself/the main character – what is your attitude toward Julien?
Julien Quentin acts tough in front of the other students, but in reality he deeply misses his mother. Who do you miss or have you missed?
Jean Bonnet – the new student – becomes the object of Julien’s particular interest – even fascination. Who fascinated/fascinates you in your youth?
Both boys want to become friends – but they have no idea how to show each other their affection – do you have/have you had difficulty expressing your feelings?
Julien and Jean form a close friendship after the traumatic experience of being detained by German soldiers during a game of capture the flag. Have you experienced a difficult situation that brought you closer to someone?
Julien knows that no one can visit his friend during the school’s open day – so he convinces his mother and invites Jean to lunch at a restaurant during her visit – he makes an important gesture of kindness – how do you react to the kindness of others toward you? Are you yourself selflessly kind to others?
When did you last say “thank you” to someone for a non-trivial reason?
During dinner, the Militia arrives at the restaurant and tries to throw out a guest. Julien’s brother calls them “collaborators.” Have you ever shown such courage?
Do you always have the courage to speak the truth? In what situations do you lack it?
During the Gestapo raid on the school, Julien involuntarily betrays his friend by glancing in his direction. The narrator (the director) says in the film’s final words that he “will remember every second of that January morning until the day he dies.” What feelings does such a confession evoke in you?
What would you like to say to the author of those words if he were your friend?
List of values:
Altruism, Assertiveness, Selflessness, Safety, Closeness, Heroism, Patience, Goodness, Spirit, Empathy, Hospitality, Politeness, Generosity, Honor, Humor, Creativity, Loyalty, Wisdom, Courage, Love, Motivation, Hope, Reliability, Nonconformity, Responsibility, Bravery, Composure, Optimism, Openness, Passion, Beauty, Humility, Peace, Ingenuity, Sacrifice, Beauty, Truth, Friendship, Punctuality, Joy, Reason, Integrity, Heart, Strength, Consistency, Respect, Sincerity, Happiness, Transcendence, Care, Honesty, Moderation, Orderliness, Mindfulness, Gratitude, Faith, Credibility, Knowledge, Faithfulness, Freedom, Sensitivity, Support, Compassion, Imagination, Perseverance, Commitment, Life
