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.
Puberty (2014)
Written, directed and edited by eleven-year-old Zach Shire, Puberty is a short film about the changes that inevitably occur in a boy.
Sipur Hatzi-Russi (2006)
When you have a film about life, about the magic of dance, about care and devotion – there is no more suitable title than Love and Dance.
Kisses (2008)
Through the eyes of the film's two young protagonists, we see what life can be like -when there is a lack of understanding from parents and peers and verbal and physical abuse are mundane.
The Rocket (2013)
Beautiful cinematography, set locations and, most of all, the performance of the young cast make this a film worth seeing.
Ironsides (2009)
Ironsides is a story of two boys, each trying to win their father’s affections - one by fighting, and one by seeking peace.
Stew (2013)
Stew is a film about the past coming back to haunt the present.
Review : Great Adventures (2012)
The viewer is invited to take an epic journey in the 2012 short film Great Adventures.
Little Manhattan (2005)
A magical time in a child's life -- first love. Little Manhattan captures that special time so well. A fantastic film that unfortunately deserved a lot more attention than it got upon its release.
The Saddest Boy in the World (2006)
The Saddest Boy in the World is an avant-garde short film that explores the inner world of a young boy overwhelmed with dark thoughts on the verge of his ninth birthday.
VARMiNT (2012)
A 12-year-old savage boy tries to survive in a hostile world among people that seemingly regard him as a pest.
Little Lord Fauntleroy (1936)
A tint of sentimentality and drama and a lot of charm and talent all helped director John Cromwell to create a classic feel-good story. My highest recommendation.
Hide Your Smiling Faces (2013)
Hide Your Smiling Faces is a psychological drama that follows the rite-of-passage experiences of two adolescent kids as they face a shocking tragedy.
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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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