Goodbye children Synopsis Autobiographical film set in January 1944. The German occupation as seen through the eyes of children. Julien, 11 years old, is a student in a Catholic boarding school because it is too dangerous to live in Paris. One day, a new student, Jean Bonnet arrives. He is an outstanding student, reserved and seems to have something to hide. Julien and Jean become friends.  Background Information Second World War, Occupation and Resistance, Vichy Government, Marechal Petain, Leon Blum Director Louis Malle Child Actors Julien, Jean, François (Julien's brother), Joseph (works in the kitchen) Year 1987 (Malle had wanted to make this autobiographical film earlier, but could not face the painful memories) Length 103 min Awards 1987, Golden Lion for Best Foreign Film at the Venice Film Festival 1988, 2 Cesars,  for Best Film and for Best Director 1988, Nominated for Oscar for Best Foreign Movie 1988, Nominated for Golden Globe for Best Foreign Movie Discussion 1. German occupation in France 2. The Resistance in France 3. Describe the different stages of the relationship between Julien and Jean 4. Fear is a constant theme in the movie. Who is afraid? Of whom? 5. Are all the French in the movie good? Are all the Germans in the movie bad? 6. Who is responsible for Jean's arrest? 7. Who is the main character in the first scene and in the last scene of the movie? Why? 8. Do you think that the child actors were conscious of the seriousness of the subject of the film?  9. Is it possible for today's children to understand the film? 10.  Julien states at one point, during the treasure hunt in the forest: "It's incredible that I am the only one here who thinks about death." Is he? 11. Julien asks: "What do they have against Jews?" What are the different answers? Related Websites Le Chambon: A whole French community helped to save Jews http://www.filmref.com/directors/dirpages/malle.html