Les garçons de la rue Paul

it is fair to say than it is a masterpiece. and nothing more. because it is not only a remarkable adaptation of a book for children but it remains a precious film with children, seductive, great, impressive. for a form of high honesty, for atmosphere and for the science to preserve the spirit of the book of Molnar Ferenc. in the past but today too, one of the most important virtue remains the performance of Anthony Kemp as Erno. not only for the status of the most touching character but for the expectation of each reader of "The Boys of Paul Street". because the end of the film reminds the emotion from the last pages of the novel. and this could be the basic motif to read the book, to see this unique adaptation.

When you look at all the junk that comes to DVD stores every month, it's hard to believe that this movie is still lost. Or maybe it makes perfect sense, considering contemporary producers' and distributors' idea of "good cinema." No spoilers. Simply put, this is one of the best handful of movies you'll ever see. And I say that very rarely.

I was 9 or 10 when I first saw it, ironically right on the day I received the book as a gift. There's not a single flaw, not the least bit of detail that can be improved. Very catching story and telling, and although you will definitely need a box of Kleenex for the ending, the movie is much more than that. It's one of those movies that will move your heart when you remember, even years later.

I must also add that the adaptation is superb. Rarely before (or never?) has a movie caught the spirit of the book so well, so intensely. Definitely a 10 out of 10, if art can be judged that way.

I remember when I went to elementary school at fifth grade, all students had to read some novel as homework, one the first was "The Boys of the Paul Street", I had eleven years old, so too young, somehow I never forget this fabulous anti war novel, years later I found this novel adapted to the cinema, after four years stored in my collection l finally have a nerve to watch, more than expected this picture brings my early memories from my youth, what a movie, what a story, the director could translate to screen all message from this priceless book, the teenagers make exactly the men on war, every single war protocol, the meeting, the flags, the rules, spies, commanders, everything from the Hungarian Ferenc Molnar's immortal work, sadly has so few reviews shown us that it's certainly too much unknown by overwhelming majority, that's the life!!

Resume:

First watch: 2019 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 10

I saw this film when it was first released in '69. I had just turned 14 and was blown away. I could relate to the whole gang of guys, what they were doing, what was really happening in context, and how tragically things turned out. I was (even more) hooked on film than before just from the screening of that one film.

Rare that you see films so well crafted and thoughtful. Haven't seen it since, and with time details have faded with the exception of a couple of scenes near the end. I have always kept my eye out for it. I remember I was in tears at the end. Perhaps we'll see it on video one day? I hope so. It would be very nostalgic to see it again, as well.

A film which I recently saw on DVD and recommend, if you haven't seen it already: Le Fils (The Son) by Belgian director, Jean-Pierre (and his brother Luc) Dardenne. It is disturbing throughout with the feeling of a perverse thriller until you discover what is really going on and then it's "get out the hankies" at the final cut. It's one of those films that just ends in mid-scene with a quick cut-to-black after a simple 20 or 30-sec. piece of blocking which serves as denouement, catharsis, and what I'll call "predictor of things to come". Check the data base for crits. Cheers.

Hugh Corston, Quebec City, Canada

I have not seen this film in many, many years. I recall seeing it when I stayed home from school sick with the flu. That was about 30 years ago, and it has stayed with me ever since. Even though I saw it through a young man's eyes, I remember it being a wonderful film and one that I have remembered and searched for for many years. It is a total shame that it is not available on DVD or even VHS. Of all the films I've searched for over the years this one still alludes me and frustrates me. It's that good and that well done.

I've seen a lot of films through the years. This one is a special one and consider yourself slightly lucky if you've been able to view it and commit it to your 'movie memory'.