Au Revoir les Enfants (1987) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Au revoir les enfants tells a heartbreaking story of friendship and devastating loss concerning two boys living in Nazi-occupied France. At a provincial Catholic boarding school, the precocious youths enjoy true camaraderie—until a secret is revealed. Based on events from writer-director Malle’s own childhood, the film is a subtle, precisely observed tale of courage, cowardice, and tragic awakening.
Rated PG • 1987 • 1h 45m
Based on director Louis Malle's own childhood experience, "Au Revoir les Enfants" tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two boys, Julien and Jean, at a Catholic boarding school in Nazi-occupied France. Though it is rated PG for its lack of graphic violence or sex, the film's core subject matter is the Holocaust, featuring intense and mature themes of persecution, betrayal, and devastating loss that are not suitable for… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Au Revoir les Enfants appropriate for kids?
Based on director Louis Malle's own childhood experience, "Au Revoir les Enfants" tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two boys, Julien and Jean, at a Catholic boarding school in Nazi-occupied France. Though it is rated PG for its lack of graphic violence or sex… Read more — free account
Content severity in Au Revoir les Enfants
What happens in Au Revoir les Enfants, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
- 0:25 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
Sex and nudity in Au Revoir les Enfants
This category is mild. Some scenes depict typical adolescent boy behavior, including reading passages from "Arabian Nights" and looking at pictures of girls (nothing explicit is shown). There is some brief, mild innuendo, including one boy telling his brother a book will give him a "hard on." In one scene, boys are seen in a communal bath, but no sensitive nudity is shown.
Violence and gore in Au Revoir les Enfants
Violence is infrequent and not graphic. There are a few instances of schoolyard bullying, including shoving, wrestling, and minor fights between the boys. The most intense scene involves the Gestapo raiding the school; soldiers are armed and behave in a menacing manner as they round up children and priests, but no one is physically harmed on screen. The true violence of the Holocaust is implied and described in the epilogue, but not depicted.
Language in Au Revoir les Enfants
Language is mild and infrequent, consisting of a few instances of profanity spoken in French with English subtitles. Words used include "shit," "bastard," and "bitch."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Au Revoir les Enfants
Substance use is present but not central. Several of the teenage boys are shown sneaking away to smoke cigarettes on multiple occasions, a behavior depicted as a minor act of rebellion. In one scene, adults, including Julien's mother, drink wine at a restaurant.
Mature themes in Au Revoir les Enfants
Thematic content is the film's most significant element. It deals directly with the Holocaust, antisemitism, and life under Nazi occupation. Scenes depict the fear and secrecy of hiding Jewish children, the tension of potential discovery, and the moral complexities of collaboration and resistance. The ending is emotionally devastating, involving betrayal, the capture of main characters by the Gestapo, and a closing narration that confirms several characters, including children, died in concentration camps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Au Revoir les Enfants appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Au Revoir les Enfants is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG. Based on director Louis Malle's own childhood experience, "Au Revoir les Enfants" tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two boys, Julien and Jean, at a Catholic boarding school in Nazi-occupied France…
What age rating does Au Revoir les Enfants have?
Au Revoir les Enfants is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Au Revoir les Enfants about?
Based on director Louis Malle's own childhood experience, "Au Revoir les Enfants" tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two boys, Julien and Jean, at a Catholic boarding school in Nazi-occupied France. Though it is rated PG for its lack of graphic violence or sex, the film's core subject matter is the…
Is there sex or nudity in Au Revoir les Enfants?
This category is mild. Some scenes depict typical adolescent boy behavior, including reading passages from "Arabian Nights" and looking at pictures of girls (nothing explicit is shown). There is some brief, mild innuendo, including one boy telling his brother…
How violent is Au Revoir les Enfants?
Violence is infrequent and not graphic. There are a few instances of schoolyard bullying, including shoving, wrestling, and minor fights between the boys. The most intense scene involves the Gestapo raiding the school; soldiers are armed and behave in a…
Is the language in Au Revoir les Enfants appropriate for kids?
Language is mild and infrequent, consisting of a few instances of profanity spoken in French with English subtitles. Words used include "shit," "bastard," and "bitch."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Au Revoir les Enfants?
Substance use is present but not central. Several of the teenage boys are shown sneaking away to smoke cigarettes on multiple occasions, a behavior depicted as a minor act of rebellion. In one scene, adults, including Julien's mother, drink wine at a…
What mature themes appear in Au Revoir les Enfants?
Thematic content is the film's most significant element. It deals directly with the Holocaust, antisemitism, and life under Nazi occupation. Scenes depict the fear and secrecy of hiding Jewish children, the tension of potential discovery, and the moral…
How long is Au Revoir les Enfants?
Au Revoir les Enfants runs 105 minutes, directed by Louis Malle, released in 1987.
Where can I read the full Au Revoir les Enfants parent guide?
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