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 Confession (2010)
Do we always make the right choices? That’s what you will keep wondering when you see the 2010 British short film "The Confession".
The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet (2013)
The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet is a film that can be enjoyed on many different levels: serious or playful, full of meaning or meaningless – yet at all-times entertaining.
Age of Summerhood (2013)
Summerhood is a Coming-of-Age story filled with humor and anecdotes, but also a lot of insights about girls, love, friendship and life per se.
A Shine of Rainbows (2009)
If you are looking for a good family film for some Sunday afternoon - A Shine of Rainbows is a good pick. The film's focus is on human nature and spatiality, and its value lays in the moral lessons and the messages it transmits to its viewers.
The Crush (2010)
The Crush evokes suspense, raises tension, shocks and/or makes one smile.
My Sweet Orange Tree (2012)
My Sweet Orange Tree is a masterpiece, a gem to be discovered and cherished. A must see!
Hazel (2012)
Flamboyant, quirky, funny, provoking and original – all of these describe this 2012 short film from Switzerland.
Hochhaus (2006)
A grim portrayal of a 12-year-old boy growing up in an urban jungle in Germany.
The Jungle Book (2016)
Neel Sethi as Mowgli stands out in this Disney 2016 remake of the classic flim.
The Newcomers (2000)
A bullied boy's family moves from Boston to Vermont in search of a calmer, more wholesome life.
Did Michael Knight End the Cold War? (2009)
A short film telling the story of Jachym, a young Czech boy obsessed with the hero of the TV series Knight Rider during the Cold War.
A Boy Called Dad (2009)
A great story about adolescence and father/son relationships. Though some feel its flawed, the reviewer can't recommend this film more highly.
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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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