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.
Christmas Story (2007)
Looking for that perfect film to watch during this holiday season? Chrismas Story is an engaging heart-warming family film.
The Life of Cardboard (2011)
What happens in the mind of a boy who is being bullied or ridiculed? This short film attempts to provide an answer.
Secrets of War (2014)
A new Dutch film that tackles the changes that an armed conflict brings to human nature and especially showing its impact on youth.
The Pupil (1996)
A 12-year-old boy finds a true friend and soul mate in a young man hired to tutor him.
Sister (2012)
"Sister" is an emotionally charged complex narrative offering surprising twists. It reminds us as to why, after reading reviews, previews …etc. about a film, one is still never really prepared for the experience and the intense feelings that a filmmaker can evoke by telling a story.
St. Vincent (2014)
A well told story about an unlikely babysitter for his 12-yr-old next door neighbor with Bill Murray and Jaeden Lieberher in the starring roles.
Ricky: Three’s a Crowd (2013)
A 2013 German film about three adolescents facing Coming-of-Ages experiences.
Billy Elliot Live & DVD
Beginning 24-Nov-2014. 24 in the U.K., a Blu-ray and DVD release will take place of Billy Elliot Live.
Pure (2002)
At its core, Pure is a powerful and heart-wrenching coming of age drama. The story is told from the point-of-view of the young Paul (Harry Eden), who witnesses the horrible consequences of drug usage and the hardship of withdrawal.
Agostino (1962)
Some of the best films I know were the ones made in the 60's and 70's. Agostino, directed by Mauro Bolognini, is no exception. The film is based on the novel of the same name --Agostino, written in 1945 by Alberto Moravia .
Mercy (2014)
A film based on a short story from Stephen King's Skeleton Crew, Mercy features popular young actors Chandler Riggs and Joel Courtney.
You’ll Be a Man (2013)
Twenty-year-old Theodore takes a job babysitting 10–year old Leonard in this delightful French film focusing on the conflict between conventional and unconventional lifestyles.
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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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