Playground (2021)

Coming-of-Age films addressing bullying and interpersonal relationships are not a new phenomenon in cinema. Yet, among the many cliched approaches of the theme, there are only a few realistic and original movies with an engaging narrative that drives the message home without resorting to emotional manipulation. Such is the case with Laura Wandel`s 2021 film Playground ( Original title: Un monde ).

The film, characterized by its harsh realism, tells the story of 9-year-old Nora (Maya Vanderbeque) and her brother Abel (Günter Duret). The film opens with a close-up of the tearful face of the young heroine as she is about to enroll in primary school for the very first time. Her brother, Abel, is a little older and already attends that same school. Yet his presence is not enough to calm the little girl. The presence of her brother at the school develops into an issue in itself when she realizes that he is a victim of constant bullying. When Nora attempts to help him, things escalate from bad to worse.

The action, story, and characters in Playground and the central motifs embedded in the narrative such as bullying, self-image, and peer pressure have significance beyond the context of the film itself. Playground has one of the greatest aspects of Coming-of-Age movies. It makes the spectator aware that one’s childhood experiences are just as crucial for understanding human nature and the world as those we may have as adults.

The pace of the action is emphasized principally by the active (sometimes handheld) camera, which closely follows Nora’s character adopting an indirect-subjective point of view, thus bringing the spectator closer to the action by letting the viewers become involved with the sentiments of the little girl. The camera frames the whole action from a child’s eye level (by making use of low-level and close-up shots), highlighting the uniqueness of their world while, at the same time, isolating the adults in supportive and assistive roles.

Intriguingly enough, the film score is comprised not of music, but the sounds of the school playground. The school noise is ever-present in the picture, further boosting the story’s authenticity level. The playground itself becomes a microcosm representing the world and our society.

Maya Vanderbeque is on screen for almost every second of the film. One rarely needs dialogue to interpret emotions. Portraying a multilayered personality in development is challenging, but the young actresses excels in it, delivering a quiet yet profound performance. As the film is told from the viewpoint of Nora, Günter Duret’s character is less frequently on screen. Yet, his presence is essential in portraying the interpersonal relationship between brother and sister, which is anything but static.

Playground is not your typical Coming-of-Age bullying movie. It offers an intense emotional journey that achieves a lot in its 72 minute duration.

Playground (2021)

In short

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.

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Reader Rating0 Votes

4.7

Our rating

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The Red Head (1932)

The Red Head 1932 poster Having reviewed many new releases in 2012, I decided to explore some of the classic Coming-of-Age movies that have left their mark on the genre and cinematic culture as a whole. Such movies are frequently found in the French and Italian cinemas, and some have been previously reviewed on the site: the 1966 movie Incompresso, the 1973 film The Last Snows of Spring, and 1964’s This Special Friendship but a few.

I have chosen a French film for today’s review: The Red Head (Poil de carotte), which is based on an autobiographical novel by Jules Renard published in 1894. It tells the story of Francoise Lepic, a young boy who struggles for the acceptance and love of his family. Francoise spends most of the year at a boarding school, but, unlike his classmates, he is not looking forward to the summer vacation he is to spend at home with his family.

A distant father and an embittered mother who doesn’t miss a chance to correct his behavior, an older brother and sister. So dysfunctional is his family that Francoise defines it in the following way:

“A family is a group of people forced to live together under one roof, who can’t stand each other.”

Such a definition suggests a strange state of mind, yet the story provides plenty of explanation for it by following Francoise’s trials and tribulations during his summer vacation. Will the young Francoise find a way to stand up for himself? Will he find happiness, or will his story end tragically…?

Robert Lynen as Francoise Lepic in Julien Duvivier’s Poil de Carotte

Watching films in black and white is a whole different experience on its own. Most film schools would suggest viewing such movies to understand how lighting can convey meaning. The 1995 American thriller The Night of the Hunter is frequently used as a reference (a film featuring Coming-of-Age themes). Yet one does not have to be a movie buff to enjoy a movie shot in black and white – especially in such a poignant and moving drama as The Read Head. Seeing the excellent cinematography, a film released 80 years ago exhibited while comparing it with the mediocre quality of photography in the mass-produced movies nowadays (despite the much-advanced technology) is a real eye-opener. Close-up shots of Francoise’s face allow the viewer to feel his emotions and sense his mood.

Robert Lynen as Francoise Lepic: Expression

The tension builds as the story progresses, and so does the viewer’s involvement with the little boy’s fate in search of love and acceptance. Regardless of your age and interests, you will wish that it all ends well for him.

Director Julien Duvivier deserves admiration for his work with Robert Lynen – who had never acted before winning the role of playing Francoise Lepic in this movie. The young actor’s performance, the way he expresses cheerfulness, sadness, anger, and confusion, is undoubtedly responsible for the film’s unique appeal to any fan of the Coming-of-Age genre and the immense success of the film when it was released. Robert Lynen became one of the most acclaimed young actors in the French cinema, comparable to such latter-day talents as Haley Joel Osment, Henry Thomas, and Barret Oliver. The cinematography and directing of classics such as The Night of The Hunter and The Read Head have influenced modern-day filmmakers such as David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, Steven Allan Spielberg, and many others.

I don’t hesitate to recommend Julien Duvivier’s film The Read Head highly. It impressed me with its profound and dramatic story, excellent cinematography, and the fantastic acting performance of the young lead (whose other movies are now on my Must See list). The film is a wonderful choice as a starting point in exploring classic cinema and is suitable for all ages (in the same way as Cinderella is). Copyright laws no longer cover films released before 1969, so you may be able to find a copy of the movie on any streaming service such as YouTube.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0023345/reference/

Beyond the Horizon (2019)

Based on the novel by Roland Buti by the same name, Beyond the Horizon (2019) is a captivating Coming-of-Age film that focuses on Change and the complexity of human relationships. The story is told from the perspective of 13-year-old Gus (Luc Bruchez) who spends one of the hottest summers of his life helping his father on a farm in rural Switzerland.

The scorching heat has jeopardized the survival of the family farm, yet Gus’s summer is not untypical for any boy of his age – filled with bicycles rides, comics and stolen glances at erotic magazines. But his daily routine is soon to be disrupted by the arrival of Cécile (Clémence Poésy), a friend of his mother (Laetitia Casta), which unexpectedly shakes Gus’s world in a turbulent manner, marking the end of his carefree childhood.

Style of Production

A co-production between Switzerland and Belgium (with dialogue in French), Beyond the Horizon shares a lot of common traits with other Coming-of-Age narratives from this region. Most notably, these films share excellent character development, camerawork and overall storytelling technique reminiscent of the works of director Ursula Meier (another French-Swiss director). Meier’s eloquent, serious and thought-provoking style of filmmaking is analogous to that of Delphine Lehericey in Beyond the Horizon. Another similarity can be seen in the choice of the filming location. While for Meier’s Home (2008), the film was shot in Bulgaria, all outdoors scenes in Lehericey’s film were shot in the Republic of North Macedonia.

Newcomers in cinema

As the story is told from the perspective of its young protagonist, Gus, young Luc Bruchez is on screen in almost every scene. The camera captures not only the nature of, but the intensity of his emotions and this serves to move the narrative forward in a natural manner. For many fans of the Coming-of-Age genre, discovering the talent of a newcomer to cinema (the role of Gus is the film debut of Luc Bruchez) in an original and poignant film, brings far more satisfaction than observing famed actors (like Jacob Tremblay) in commercial Hollywood pictures. While these newcomers don’t always continue to star in cinema, their debuting roles, with capable direction, are a joy to behold, remember and reference to.

The importance of Change

Change is the essence of Coming-of-Age – from innocence to maturity, but one should not forget that as people differ, for some the rite-of-passage experiences may occur at a later stage of life. Although the main protagonist in Beyond the Horizon is Gus, the Change in his life comes directly from the one experienced by his mother and other members of his family.

Aestetics

Aesthetically the film is a joy to experience. The placement of the camera and the composition obtained allows the viewer to grasp the beauty of the rural setting in which the story takes place. The story happens during a heat wave and the rise in temperatures is so palpable that the viewer (aided by the filmmakers using a yellowish palette of colors, and glimpses of sweat running down the faces of the character) are immersed in the heat as much as the protagonists on screen. It is as if the overwhelming heat has a role in its own. Identifying with the film’s protagonist comes naturally, especially for those who, like me, have a fair share of memories of heat-ridden rural summers. As one follows Gus’s story, the question will be raised by the viewer of what his/her own reaction would be if placed in a similar situation. There are no easy responses as it is a moral riddle for young and older audiences alike.

Trailer

At the time of the writing of this review, besides cinemas and festivals, this film is available for Streaming on Demand in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Beyond the Horizon (2019)

In short

Beyond the Horizon is a captivating Coming-of-Age film which focuses on change and the complexity of human relationships.

5

Our rating

More about the film

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Don (2006)

Don is a 2006 film from the Netherlands written and directed by Arend Steenbergen. The film tells the story of a 12-year-old boy named Don. Don (Clemens Levert) gets expelled from a private school, which means a new beginning at a public school where he is not welcomed by his new classmates. They give him a hard time by bullying him mercilessly until he reveals that he has a real talent in soccer.

With this exceptional talent, he attempts to alter things by partaking in a soccer tournament between schools (which gives him a chance to play against his former private school classmates). Yet, in order to participate, he must recruit ten other players, which is not easy given that everyone despises him!

In the beginning, the film grabs one’s attention thanks to the intriguing cinematography featuring extreme close-ups, swift editing, and even some slow-motion to empathize the most dramatic moments on the soccer field. All of that is accompanied by a musical score (Danish hip hop and even some electronic music) that sets a dynamic contemporary mood for the picture. There are several subplots going on involving bullying, friendship, rivalry, and proving one’s worth. The interpersonal dynamics represented directly by conflicts on and off the playground offer a fascinating tale akin to that of the 2010 Danish classic, My Best Enemy.

Clemens Levert and Marius Gottlieb in Don ( 2006)

Unfortunately, the second part of the movie loses the dramatic edge of the initial scenes. And, although there is definitely some excitement on the soccer field, little more is offered to keep one engaged in the story. When comparing it with other sport-themed Coming-of-Age films such as Kicking And Screaming, Carlitos and the Chance of a Lifetime, and Buitenspel, Don comes up more as a drama than a sports film. But, on the whole, the dramatic tension is never fully realized, leaving the viewer with a taste of wasted potential.

When it comes to the acting performances, there is room for improvement, as most characters are rather one-dimensional and clichéd. Clemens Levert’s performance as Don is convincing enough, as most of the time he has the right facial expression hinting at the inner world of his character – whether he is timid in some situations, determined in others, happy or angry. I presume this was the result of his experience in the theater (he was in Sleeping Beauty and Pinocchio).

Another outstanding performance is that of Marius Gottlieb in the part of Milus, a shy impressionable youngster whose facial expressions and entire demeanor elicit sympathy despite his overly fanciful imagination.

Like most Coming-of-Age sports flicks, the intended audience is kids twelve and under. Without a doubt, Don has enough Coming–of-Age motifs to intrigue the fans of the genre.

Don (2006)

In short

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.

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Reader Rating1 Votes

3.3

Our rating

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The Children of Times Square (1986)

The Children of Times Square is a 1986 American made-for-television criminal drama film directed by Curtis Hanson.

The plot is powerful enough to attract spectators more than 30 years after the film’s initial release, and it is filled with dynamics and Coming-of-Age overtones.

The story revolves around Eric (Brandon Douglas), a teenager who escapes his home and ends up in Times Square, where he joins The Leopards, a band of young people who have ended up working for Otis (Howard E. Rollins Jr.), a cocaine dealer.

The city gives fugitives two alternatives for survival: sell their bodies or sell drugs. Eric eventually chooses the second choice.

A scene from The Children of Times Square

Overall the plot is relatively straightforward and not free of clichés; however, the fantastic ensemble of young performers more than compensates for any weaknesses in the film.

The development of Eric’s character is important enough to consider the film of the Coming-of-Age genre, even though the film is mainly aimed at being a cautionary story for youth who may consider running away. The acting performances (with a few exceptions – such as Joanna Cassidy in the role of Eric’s overly concerned mother overacting in some scenes) are top notch across the board. One may argue that Brandon Douglas isn’t the most believable runaway as, more often than not, he seems to remain relatively clean and unspoiled for the part. Yet one manages to identify with his character, which boosts the engagement factor of the story.

The character of Otis emerges as a contemporary version of Charles Dickens’s Fagin, seeing how he utilizes the juvenile runaways to sell drugs, taking advantage of the fact that their youth renders them immune to punishment if they are caught. Howard E. Rollins Jr. offers a nuanced portrayal in the part of Otis and, despite the moral implications, one can’t help but like his character, which eases one’s comprehension of why kids might want to work for him.

From the opening scene, the film’s iconic musical theme keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The music acts as an overture, foreshadowing the story’s intensity. The film has an indisputable 80s aesthetic, which could be another point of attraction for people who have fond memories of the period.

The narrative does get preachy by the end, but this is somewhat expected. Naturally, you can’t expect a movie of the caliber of Larry Clark‘s Kids, yet The Children of Times Square manages to be both unsettling and intriguing.

The Children of Times Square (1986)

In short

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.

4.5

Our rating

A Childhood (2015)

At times, having seen so many Coming-of-Age films, I worry that possibly I have seen all the good ones and am unlikely to come upon another that will utterly provoke and move me. Then a film such as Philippe Claudel’s A Childhood (Original title: Une enfance) comes along, and the cinematic magic returns in full force, and I worry no more.

Set in a northern French industrial town (which reminded me of the German city of Dortmund), A Childhood tells the story of 13-year-old Jimmy (Alexi Mathieu), who is forced to grow up prematurely. As the eldest child, Jimmy has to not only look after himself but care for his little half-brother Kevin (Jules Gauzelin). At the same time, their mother is “busy enjoying life” alongside her latest boyfriend, which translates into frequent drinking parties and drug abuse. Although not intentionally (or so one hopes), Jimmy and Kevin are neglected and have to find ways to fit into the world on their own.

An original take on the dysfunctional family theme

While one may recognize the dysfunctional family element that frequents the narratives of films belonging to the Coming-of-age genre, the story related in A Childhood is void of clichés. It provides a highly poignant portrait of its young protagonist.

A Childhood has no problem capturing and maintaining one’s interest for its entire duration. Unlike some films that make one slightly bored after a while, you will find yourself wishing that the story continues long after the film’s closing credits roll.

This is not to say that all scenes are good-natured ones. Yet most are and feature creative interludes with stunning visuals (though, for the most part, just portraying everyday life) and well-chosen music pieces characterized by lyrics that fit the film’s theme (in an almost poetic manner). The result: a very rewarding viewing experience. Some of the scenes are almost like a mini movie within the movie itself and, together they produce Coming-of-Age cinema at its best!

Engaging Story

Philippe Claudel (who wrote and directed the film) employs many devices and techniques to ensure that no one will remain indifferent to Jimmy’s story. The action in the film is not just physical, but internal, philosophical, and emotional. There is so much suspense in at least one scene that the tension becomes physically palpable.

A Childhood features exemplary yet moving delineation of its young protagonist Jimmy (Alexi Mathieu), which eases one’s understanding of his personality. Thanks to the ingenious development of his character, while observing his reactions to people and events, identification and sympathy with the young boy comes naturally. The dramatization of his struggle for dignity, love (not just parental) and his desire for a “normal” childhood, against all odds, (having a carefree mother and her easily irritable boyfriend), is hugely moving.

Extraordinary acting

Thanks to the wonderful acting performance by the entire cast, the film’s characters felt real and their actions believable – which resulted in highly credible storytelling. So much so that, in many of the characters, I recognized people with whom I have encountered at one time or another – youth and adult alike. The screen presence of Alexi Matheieu is nothing short of extraordinary (despite his lack of prior acting experience), Reaction shots (tight close-ups) are used frequently on his expressive face, allowing a glimpse into his eyes and soul and allowing the viewer to almost feel his emotions.

The cute appearance and innocence (for he is still a kid and has Jimmy to shield him from life’s disappointments) and the unmistakable talent of Jules Gauzelin as Jimmy’s little brother, further enhance Jimmy’s story by revealing traits of Jimmy’s character and providing a contrasting alternative of a kid who is yet to face the challenges of life. This is just one of the contrasts present in the film’s narrative. Others include a comparison of social classes, circumstances and settings.

The interactions between Jimmy and Kevin form a splendid portrait of brotherly love – expressed in actions, rather the words.

A Must See

More often than not good movies get spoiled by mediocre endings. Thankfully the finale of A Childhood doesn’t suffer from this imperfection and manages to evoke strong emotions –likely to bring tears to the eyes of many viewers. Without any doubt, A Childhood is a masterpiece of the Coming-of-age cinema and is the equal of other great titles such as the Dardenne Brothers’ The Kid with a Bike and Ursula Meier’s Sister (both sharing its original take and dramatic impact). It is a must see for anyone looking for quality cinema, fine-tuned to perfection!

A Childhood Trailer

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3828378/combined

The movie was released on DVD February 16, 2016

A Childhood (2015)

A must see !

A Childhood features stunning visuals and wonderful acting by the entire cast resulting in cinematic magic.

5

OUR SCORE

Where to get

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Merry Christmas

We wanted to take a moment to wish you a wonderful, happy, and safe holiday and to say Thank You for being a reader and a continuous supporter of TheSkyKid.com and the young talents we have featured throughout the year.

We are happy to be able to send you holiday wishes for the 17th year since the site launched back in 2005.

May your world be filled with warmth and good cheer during this holy season, and filled with peace and love throughout the year!

Merry Christmas!!

Above Dark Waters (2013)

One of the most important benefits of watching movies (and in particular Coming-of-Age films) from various countries around the world is the chance they provide to glimpse the day-to-day lives of the people who inhabit them. It often comes as a surprise that, while the nature and the culture might differ from country to country, the issues that need to be addressed are often universal – all part of human nature.

In this 2013 Coming-of-Age movie from Finland with a peculiar title, Above Dark Waters (originally: Tumman veden päällä), we are treated to a candid look into the childhood experiences of young Pete (Olavi Angervo). On the surface, it appears positively idyllic – with loving parents, a little sister and caring grandparents. Yet, it soon becomes clear that behind the harmonic family façade lie darker secrets. One night Pete is awakened by shouts of anger and crying. Soon the little boy and his sister are taken by their mother to their grandparents’ house, while Pete’s stepfather is nowhere to be seen. It soon becomes clear that the stepfather has an issue with alcohol that begins to manifest itself via violent outbursts, casting a dark shadow over the family’s happiness.

As the story unfolds from the perspective of its young protagonist Pete (who appears in just about every scene of the film), it is fortunate that Olavi Angervo turned out to be such a talented actor despite his tender age and relatively little experience in front of the camera. Olvai, while a newcomer to the cinema, took part in several theatrical plays in his native Finland prior to being cast as Pete in Above Dark Waters. His charismatic appearance and convincing expressions liven up the scenes and result in what I consider to be one of the best portrayals of childhood innocence I have ever seen on screen. It’s an innocence that struggles to resist all the darker moments in his youthful life, an innocence that allows Pete to keep thinking positively and learn to see beyond the present – an essential step in everyone’s Coming-of-Age.

Scandinavian filmmakers are renowned for their ability to enhance their vintage settings in a way that appeals to modern-day audiences, achieving a visual manner of storytelling for which many film directors aim. The production design of Above Dark Waters, with all its period props, sets and costumes, successfully evokes a nostalgic feel into what, on first impression, appears to be a carefree childhood of the 70s.

The sincere, true-to-life approach to storytelling applied by the film’s director, Peter Franzén, does not translate into swift developments. Many viewers may find the film’s 140 minutes slightly excessive. That lengthiness also results in some scenes feeling monotonous.

Olavi Angervo as Pete in Above Dark Waters

Most viewers will relate to the events on the screen, possibly associating them with happenings from their childhoods. The film deals predominately with domestic violence from the child’s point of view. Still, as childhood traumas of perhaps different natures are present in everyone’s past, hopefully, as we mature, we’ve found ways to deal with them.

Above Dark Waters Official Trailer

Above Dark Waters (2013)

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With his fine portrayal of childhood innocence, Olavi Angervo stars in the Finnish film Above Dark Waters.

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Reader Rating1 Votes

3.8

OUR RATINGS

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Milk Money (1994)

Frank (Michael Patrick Carter) is curious little boy

The storyline of Richard Benjamin’s 1994 film, Milk Money, starts “innocently” enough. Three boys living in the suburbs are very confused by the “battle of the sexes”—articles in magazines such as Cosmopolitan trigger their youthful curiosity. After getting vague responses from their parents to the question if it’s true, “there is a spot on a woman you can touch to drive her completely insane”, they decide that the only way to resolve their doubts is to see a naked lady. As one of them puts it “… if I had my own naked lady, I would never leave my room.” As such a woman is not available in their immediate vicinity, they decide to gather some cash (“Milk Money”) and then head to the city where they have heard that there are naked ladies all around if you have guts and resources.

MILK MONEY, Melanie Griffith (front), back, from left: Adam LaVorgna, Michael Patrick Carter, Brian Christopher, 1994. ©Paramount Pictures

Once in the city, and after some misfortunate twists of fate, they manage to befriend V – a prostitute who gives them a ride home after their bikes go missing while they were satisfying their curiosity. When the Mafia starts hunting down V for stolen cash, she has to stay in the suburbs, and everything goes completely out of control.

Undoubtedly, Milk Money is one of the funkiest, uplifting, heartwarmingly witty Coming-of-Age comedies I have ever seen. I had a smile on my face during its entire screen time, primarily because of bizarre situations or wicked one-liners. And that is just for starters. If you add to the mix a cute young cast, incredibly sexy female lead (Melanie Griffith) and a wild, rocky musical score… well, you get the picture.

Though the storyline is predominately humorous, it features at least one scene charged with so many emotions that it makes it nearly impossible for one to remain indifferent. At that point, I had tears in my eyes — and this time, they were not drawn out from laughter.

Milk Money Trailer

The acting in Milk Money is truly marvellous, not only by the three young leads (Michael Patrick Carter, Adam LaVorgna and Brian Christopher) but also by the entire support cast. It’s rare to see so many capable actors whose facial expressions and reactions contribute so much to the movie’s overall appeal.

Do yourself a favour and seek out Milk Money now, for its comedy, drama, Coming-of-Age nuances and everything in between. I highly recommend it!

Oh! And at the end, one gets to know the right place where you can touch a woman that will drive her crazy!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110516/

Milk Money (1994)

Summary

Do yourself a favor and seek out Milk Money now, for its comedy, drama, Coming-of-Age nuances and everything in between. Highly recommended!

5

Our rating

Watch the film now

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The World of Ludovic (1993)

First love is a commonly addressed theme in the Coming-of-Age genre. But although many harbour nostalgic memories of it, most adults unwittingly underestimate its strength and significance, waving it off as unreal and immature. Undoubtedly this might be the case for some, but for others, the intensity of feelings is in no way inferior to any they may have felt in relationships as adults. Thankfully, the movies in the Coming-of-Age genre explore the entire spectrum of human emotions and communicate those feelings through the cinematic art.

“My name is Ludovic Maris… and I’m not afraid of anything!“

Continue

The World of Ludovic (1993)

Summary

For those who have read Romeo and Juliet - and liked it - you would also enjoy The World of Ludovic as a prime example of good European Coming-of-Age cinema.

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Reader Rating2 Votes

4

Our rating

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C’est pas moi, je le jure! (It’s Not Me, I Swear!)

“It’s bad to lie, but it’s worse to lie badly.”

C’est pas moi, je le jure! is a charming Coming-of-Age film from Canada which will bring a lot of smiles and memories to anyone who devotes a little less than two hours to see it.

Everyone wants to be extraordinary, and the protagonist of the film, Léon, is no exception. What’s more, he would frown at anyone who would dare to call him an ordinary, normal boy. By the end of the film, one gets the chance to discover just how special he is. Like most boys out there, he is mischievous at times, but he is also an intelligent and emotional lad trying hard to make sense of the world surrounding him. This is not an easy task for anyone, let alone a 10-year-old boy.

Léon lives with his parents and older brother Jerome (Gabriel Maille) in a suburban Quebec house. His parents are always fighting; A typical dysfunctional family until the mother decides she wants a divorce one day. So his mother leaves for Greece to find peace there, where “the sky is always blue.” The film is mainly focused on the consequences of her decision to leave and its effect on her children and her husband.

There are numerous layers to this intriguing drama that incorporates many complex relationships, and there are many perspectives to consider. Léon’s Coming-of-Age, as shown in the film, is transformed into a tale of the difficult adolescence of a young boy who is attempting to bring his family back together.

The casting of It’s Not Me I Swear is quite good. All adult actors deliver excellent, believable performances, but the movie’s young stars steal the hearts of the viewer. You will be pleasantly impressed by the performance of a novice in the film industry once again. Antoine L’Écuyer, in the role of Leon, fits well in this complicated role of a child who creates his misfortune. Léon’s disobedient actions are unable to conceal his deep sorrow, rage, and sense of loss of innocence. In the press release of the film, its director, Philippe Falardeau, states:

“We auditioned 80 boys, then we called back 15, but as soon as I saw Antoine L’Écuyer (grandson of famous Quebec actor Guy L’Écuyer), I knew he had what I was looking for: gravity in his expression and a physical flippancy.”

The visual effects of the film leave a lasting impression on the viewer. Great colorful overhead shots and unique photography (by André Turpin) make It’s Not Me, I Swear! a real treat for the senses. The cinematography is exceptional, and the set design and clothing are faithful to the era. Overall, the picture exudes an extraordinary warmth, often associated with a quality “rites of passage” narrative. The only other film with such astonishing visuals that I could recall is “Toto the Hero“.

As is usually the case with films like these, there are many life lessons to be learned. One of the most extraordinary things about Coming-of-Age films is that they always leave you feeling wiser after you’ve seen them.

C’est pas moi, je le jure! (It’s Not Me, I Swear!)

In short

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Reader Rating0 Votes

4.7

Our rating

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

I’m always looking for a good Coming-of-Age novel to read, and I recently discovered Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson.

The story is set in a dystopian future. The government has enforced strict laws to limit the population by allowing families only to have two children – a third child can’t exist – at least not legally. Yet when the story opens, we meet Luke, a twelve-year-old boy with two older brothers. Yes, Luke is a third child, and, as such, he has spent his entire life in hiding:

“…He had never disobeyed the order to hide …Luke didn’t know if there was anyone else like him. He wasn’t supposed to exist.”

Breaking the population law comes with some serious consequences, which is why Luke’s family makes sure their third son is not discovered, especially by the population police, who are always on the lookout for third children. This has forced the little boy to live a secluded life, never to leave his house, unlike his older brothers Mark and Matthew, who are free to live in the full sight of the whole world.

One day, disobeying the strict instructions of his father, Luke sneaks a peek into a neighbouring house and, to his surprise, sees a face in one window — a child’s face, a face that’s not supposed to be there. Risking a lot and possibly his life, he decides to sneak into the neighbouring house and, once there, he meets Jen Talbot – a young girl just like him…or not.

Jen is a member of the elite class, yet still a third child just like Luke. She reveals her secret plans to rally to overturn the Population Law that makes third children illegal. But doing so will expose her and her newfound friend to huge danger…which really scares Luke: “Just my luck, Luke thought. I finally meet another third child, and she’s absolutely crazy.”

Among The Hidden – Book Trailer

The novel’s chapters are concise and almost always end in a manner that makes one anxious to start the next one and find out what will happen – much like the endings in a television serial. This, and the fact that Among the Hidden is undoubtedly a Coming-of-Age novel with a 12-year-old protagonist, makes it suitable for kids and teens who will associate with the character.

The novel’s story as allegory perfectly fits the sentiments of a wide variety of modern-day minorities, societies and even individuals (such as myself as at the time of reading I can identify with Luke based on common experiences and observations), all of which makes it an intriguing read for older readers as well.

Despite the short chapters, the pace at which the narrative develops is not a rapid one. Yet, as it reflects on the existence that Luke is forced into, it is accurate and allows the reader to really get to know him and his world (both inner and outer).

Although we perceive the world through a young boy’s eyes, one is guaranteed to compare the state of and beliefs of the society he lives in with several we know from history. As making those parallels between the story world and the one in which we live is a big part of the enjoyment that one derives from the novel, I won’t describe my own findings. Still, I will mention that the manner used to describe the world is similar to George Orwell’s in his dystopian novel 1984.

Among the Hidden is the first of seven novels in the Shadow Children series, and it is so good that it has me impatient to start the next book. For those looking for an exciting Coming-of-Age novel to read, I highly recommend Among the Hidden.

TheSkyKid.com

TheSKyKid.com

Style of Production

Newcomers in cinema

The importance of Change

Aestetics

An original take on the dysfunctional family theme

Engaging Story

Extraordinary acting

A Must See