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.
This Special Friendship (1964)
This Special Friendship is a film that will stay in your mind long after it has concluded. Some might find it controversial or even wrong. But if you look deep into what this film is about, and what it says, its themes are very prevalent even 50 years later in today's society.
First Love in Coming-of-Age Movies
Discover the ultimate archive of first love coming-of-age movies. Vote for your favorites, see what the community ranks as #1, and track the films you've watched.
Tomorrow Will Be Better (2011)
The visual aesthetics of the scenes in Tomorrow Will Be Better, its skillful lighting, wizardly crafted close ups and well chosen filming locations were the ingredients used by Director Dorota Kedzierzawska when creating this work of art.
Totally True Love (2011)
Totally True Love has something for everyone: challenges, drama, intrigue, romance, joy and sorrow – all of that plus a unique insight into what a ten-year-old girl can do in the name of love.
The Strange Ones (2011)
A 2011 short film about a man and a boy who travel to an unknown destination and a young woman who they encounter in a motel swimming pool.
Jungle Child (2011)
Dschungelkind/Jungle Child (2011) is a gem of a movie that deserves to be discovered. Based on real events, it is the story of Sabine Kuegler's unusual childhood growing up deep in the jungles of Papua New Guinea.
Real Steel (2011)
"Real Steel" is everything its trailer promised it to be and a bit more: a story of reconciliation between father and son, a warm family comedy and a great boxing movie in a new guise. It's a crowd-pleasing action/drama that's fun for the whole family.
The Armoire (2009)
The Armoire is a surrealistic film -- it's both mystery and drama and won best short film awards in Nashville and San Francisco. It contains a story that is both challenging and intriguing.
Traces (2009)
In the short film "Traces", a young narrator invites us to hear a story - a story about a boy named Timothy and his encounter with a witch. A fantasy fairy tale, the story of the film will feel familiar to many, reminiscent of the fairy tales we heard as youngsters.
An Angel for May (2002)
While "An Angel for May" may not be a big blockbuster, it's a nice enough film to guarantee a pleasant afternoon or evening for the entire family. It's an educational, emotional and inspirational movie - well worth your time.
Shoeshine (1946)
"Shoeshine" is a classic of the Coming-of-Age genre of film. Released in 1946 and set in post WWII Italy, its the story of two boys, best friends who earn money by shining the shoes of the American soldiers who occupy the city of Rome. Shoeshine is a touching, emotional and poignant film by the renowned director, Vittorio De Sica.
Hesher (2010)
A review of the 2010 independent film Hesher starring Devin Brochu and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.