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.
Wolf Children (2013)
Wolf Children is a must see film and audiences of all ages will appreciate the story – brought to life by great actors and first-class film making.
Life According to Nino (2014)
Family harmony and happiness are dealt a catastrophic blow. How the family deals with it is the theme of "Life According to Nino".
Cub (2014)
A young troubled boy joins a Cub Scout camping trip during which everything that can turn bad – does!
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (2014)
A light-hearted comedy from Disney with all the ingredients a good Coming-of-Age film should have.
Always Number One (2009)
The story of the encounter of Florian and Daniel -- two pupils at a German boarding school.
Finn (2013)
Finn is an unpretentious, yet moving story of a nine-year-old motherless boy.
Oscar et la Dame Rose (2009)
This is the story, told in the film, based on the novel by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt Oscar et la Dame Rose (Oscar and the Pink Lady). It's a film filled with sadness and love, beautiful and full of wisdom. It is one you won't forget long after the final credits roll…
Bringing Up Bobby (2011)
It's a film that has great cinematography and a great soundtrack. But it's the charisma of Milla Jovovich (Olive) and young Spencer List (Bobby), in wonderful performances in the lead roles, that will win your heart.
A Handful of Grass (2000)
A Handful of Grass is a poignant drama that can genuinely move you. Recommended!!
Night Has Settled (2014)
A somewhat controversial film about a 13-year-old boy Coming-of-Age in New York City.
Wishin’ and Hopin’ (2014)
Wishin’ and Hopin’ is a delightful comedy flick that'll put a smile on your face from start to finish.
Clement (2001)
Clement is a Coming-of-Age film with a controversial subject matter, filmed realistically in an almost documentary style.
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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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