Les orphelins du bon Dieu

Nearly three decades ago during South Africa's darkest years, one `Classic South African Motion Picture' story changed the lives of millions. This international award winning Motion Picture catapulted its cast into the arena of childhood stardom in the Untied States, Australia and South Africa. Nearly three decades on and the documented demand for the return of this Cult Classic is stronger than ever. Amazing. Where has it been all these years?

I saw this movie in school of all places, when I was about 9 or 10 years old, and I will never forget it. The adventurous story of these two boys takes you into places you normally don't see in a typical "kids" film. Sometimes scary, sometimes touching, it's very heartfelt and REAL. No schlock here. I'll always remember it.

I saw this movie as a 13-year-old boy as E' Lollipop. At that time I was wrapped up in Star Wars and other entertainment films. I went to see this film and it was the first time I cried in a movie--I was practically balling, secretly of course so I wouldn't be made fun of. I couldn't help it. This was the first time I actually had an appreciation for filmaking and seeing the deeper meaning a director has worked for. Forever Young has had a profound influence on me and the simple story of two boys sacrificing all for each other in a deep, nonsexual, relationship caused me to re-examine my boyhood friendships in a new light. It is not simple entertainment and carries a very serious message at many levels. Show it with care--it's not a movie to be seen by children by themselves or without any comment afterward; if they are paying attention at all, they will be affected by this powerful story.

Like an earlier poster, I was 13 years old and caught up in all the Star Wars hype. It was raining, and my mum dragged me into the cinema to see this. I did not want to see it. But the ending has remained with me ever since. (Yes, I did cry and so did my mum). I have no idea how it would seem now, but I would love to see it again.

Update 2009. I finally got hold of a copy on DVD and watched it with my daughter who is the same age now that I was when I last watched it.

The film seems a bit dated now, but the story still held my daughter's attention. That final scene still hits you like an emotional sledgehammer though, and I can report tears.

I saw this film about fifteen years ago and was overwhelmed by the enchanting fairytale story of a young child abandoned to the nuns and is raised by them in South Africa. He befriends a native child and they become inseparable. Add a fluffy puppy called Snowball and just allow yourself to watch. The film doesn't watch like a Disney film, the children are never precocious, when the adventures get serious, they aren't far-fetched. You see yourself doing those stupid things as a kid.

One accident brings the white child to America, and the native child journeys to visit him. The disastrous results of his arrival are spell-binding to watch unfold, as well as his rescue. Then New York is all theirs.

The film is so subtle, you don't realize it is Jose Ferrer and Karen Valentine in the movie. Even Bernadette Peter's song is gentle. Definitely watch this film if you are in a depressed mood. It will cheer you up. I would love to see it again, but believe it or not, I recorded Peter's song off on an audio cassette and still have it. What a charmer this film was.