En état de grâce!

Rating: 10/10 (8 December 2009)

I've loved Louis Malle's work for many years now,having seen several of his movies and some of his master-pieces.Paramount among them I believe to be 'Au revoir les enfants' a movie made in 'état de grâce' (state of grace) by the director.This wonderful,magic,nostalgic and brilliant piece of film work is unforgettable and everlasting.I've seen it several times, and each time it becomes more gracious and important in my own life experience.It not onlys brings us back to the sufferings and contradictions of Nazi-occupied France,but it tells a heart-felt story of friendship between two boys from different backgrounds,religions and outlooks on life: a catholic bourgeois and a refugee Jew.The direction is secure,translucent and enveloping,and the actors more than competent, suave and delivering all the gamut of emotions conveyed by the characters and needed to muster sympathy towards the film's themes.It is also an opportunity to watch Francine Racette's last movie role, before devoting herself to her family, after her wedding to Donald Sutherland back in 1972. Cinematically Malle was never considered truly part of the nouvelle vague directors because of his classical traits, but not exactly a truly 'old vague' director, thus establishing a sort of balance between both fields. The actors, the music, the direction, the story, all will stay forever in our hearts. For those who wish to learn more about his work, please watch 'L'Ascenseur pour l'Échaffaud', 'Les Amants' or 'Le feu follet' among others. As for 'Au revoir les enfants', it is truly a masterpiece in movie history.