Because his subject -- an eleven-year-old boy’s recognition of the horrors of the adult world -- is such a resonant one, the final effect of his bracing, unencumbered directness is overwhelming. Rarely have audiences’ tears been more honestly wrung.

Without being sentimental, the drama is incredibly moving as the muted light plays over young faces that are about to face the unknowable evils of the adult world.

Not the director's best work, but far, far from being his worst either.

This autobiographical film is unquestionably Malle’s most personal project and its story is taken from actual events of his childhood. He wrote, produced, and directed this stirring film that grounds its storytelling in authenticity and in earned emotion.