Deserves its status as one of the most acclaimed films from France

Rating: 7/10 (9 November 2008)

Beautiful film. So rich and powerful and true; I was literally amazed at the strength in all 3 of those. I think the brilliance comes from the simplicity and subtleties in the themes and plot. The development of the bond between the boys was brilliantly portrayed - as were their performances. The way Germans were presented was effective because of the way it seems objectively shown through the children's eyes. Also the German they were speaking was not subtitled so I could sympathise with their frustration of mystery and confusion with them. The ending almost had me in tears. That is genuine emotion. The final narration really touched me. A film directed with passion. If only it weren't so dry at the start. One of my favourite films from one of my favourite directors.
8/10