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.
Once Upon a Time in Euskadi (2021)
Despite strong performances from the child cast, Once Upon a Time in Euskadi failed to engage me.
Cast No Shadow (2014)
Cast No Shadow has it all: a great cast, a unique narrative, stunning cinematography and a thought provoking finale. Recommended!
Venice (2010)
A story of an eleven-year-old boy who experiences first-hand life in Poland during World War II and features an outstanding performance by Marcin Walewski.
Mackintosh and T.J. (1975)
Mackintosh and T.J. is a story about an unexpected friendship between a wandering ranch laborer and a fourteen-year-old runaway/hitchhiker.
Verde ( 2006)
Green (Verde) is a Mexican short film with friendship as its central topic.
Playground (2021)
Playground is a realistic and original Coming-of-Age themed movie with an engaging narrative that drives its message home without resorting to emotional manipulation.
The Red Head (1932)
The Red Head impressed me with its serious and dramatic story, excellent cinematography and the amazing acting performance of the young lead Robert Lynen, who made his film debut in this classic. Highly recommended.
Beyond the Horizon (2019)
Beyond the Horizon is a captivating Coming-of-Age film which focuses on change and the complexity of human relationships.
Don (2006)
Don is billed as a sports film. The plot has a 12-year-old boy getting expelled from a private school, leading to a new beginning at a public school where he is not welcomed by his new classmates, but gets to show off his exceptional soccer skills.
The Children of Times Square (1986)
The Children of Times Square is a 1986 American made-for-television criminal drama film with a plot is powerful enough to attract spectators more than 30 years after the film's initial release.
A Childhood (2015)
A Childhood features stunning visuals and wonderful acting by the entire cast resulting in cinematic magic. A must see!
Above Dark Waters (2013)
With his fine portrayal of childhood innocence, Olavi Angervo stars in the Finnish film Above Dark Waters.
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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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