Reviews
A curated collection of coming-of-age film reviews focusing on the transitional period of youth. Discover thoughtful critiques that prioritize emotional impact, empathy, and the fragile beauty of growing up on screen. We celebrate young artistic talent and the timeless stories that bridge the gap between childhood and adulthood.
The Devil in the Skin (2011)
The Devil in the Skin is a French Coming-of-Age drama telling the story of the strong bond between brothers.
The Year My Parents Went on Vacation (2006)
A Coming-of-Age drama that includes elements of humor and comedy, resulting in an engaging cinematic experience.
The Boy in the Mirror (2014)
In this film undoubtedly aimed at the very young viewer, a boy manages to get his mirrored reflection out into the real world as his double.
Cedar Street (2014)
A young boy is teased and prevented by his female neighbors from joining their all-girl club.
Paper Planes (2014)
A 12-year-old boy finds a new passion in flying paper planes and tries to help his father deal with grief.
Evolution (2015)
A film from the art house horror genre with Coming-of-Age motifs. Not for the faint hearted.
Moiré (2014)
An eight-year-old struggles to establish his self-identity in this Spanish short film featuring at top notch performance by Hugo Arbués.
Cowards (2008)
Cobardes is an excellent Coming-of-Age drama focused on violence at school better known by its proper term - Bullying.
The Interrogation of Michael Crowe
Read more about one of the best Coming-of-Age movies ever made.They did not want the truth-they wanted him to confess
Simon Says Goodbye To His Foreskin (2015)
A Coming-of-Age film without false pretense, with an incredible cast, great directing, and precise editing. It's engaging, inspiring and so much more.
Dix et demi (2010)
"This is not a film about childhood, it's a film about a different kind of childhood" Daniel Grou: Director
The Giants (Les Géants) (2011)
The Giants is a simple, yet stunningly gorgeous film, in both story and visuals. The acting, directing, cinematography and storyline all combine to make this a film which is highly recommended to all.
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Léolo(1992)
Léolo is an exemplary Coming-of-Age film, but it requires a specific interest in the genre to fully appreciate it.
Jestem (I Am) – A Profound Coming-of-Age Masterpiece
Jestem is a rare film: a story of survival, of longing, and of the complex architecture of a child’s mind—rendered with precision, empathy, and a profound emotional honesty that lingers long after the credits roll.
Peppermint(1999)
Peppermint (1999) is a Greek Coming-of-Age film starring Giorgos Gerontidakis as young Stefanos Karouzos. Through imaginative childhood adventures, first love, and nostalgic reflections, the film captures the charm and emotional depth of growing up, highlighting the observational style and subtle humor of late ’90s Greek cinema.
The Reflecting Skin (1990) — Growing Into the Darkness
Georgi returns to The Reflecting Skin nearly two decades after his first review — uncovering new layers of fear, beauty, and loss in Philip Ridley’s haunting coming-of-age masterpiece.
Griffin in Summer (2024)
Griffin in Summer is an American independent film in which Griffin’s story delivers a thoughtful, well-acted, and unique Coming-of-Age journey, with enough charm and subtlety to linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
A Father for Charlie (1995)
A Father for Charlie may be a made-for-TV film, but its emotional honesty speaks louder than any big production. With heartfelt performances and a story that touches on themes of morality and compassion, it’s a quietly powerful film.
Secret Delivery (2025)
Set in the final months of World War II, Secret Delivery follows a Czech boy who sneaks across the border into the German Reich to spend time with a German friend. Whenthey come across a wounded French pilot, an adventure begins.
Marshmallow (2025)
Marshmallow (2025) begins with atmospheric horror and psychological intrigue but loses momentum in its slow middle act. While the film is saved somewhat by a clever and imaginative ending, it struggles to justify its feature-length runtime.
The Good Son (1993)
The Good Son follows Mark Evans (Elijah Wood), a boy sent to live with his cousin Henry (Macaulay Culkin) after a family tragedy, only to uncover Henry’s sinister nature beneath a facade of charm.
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