gavin6942
A young French girl (Brigitte Fossey) orphaned in a Nazi air attack is befriended by the son of a poor farmer, and together they try to come to terms with the realities of death.I was a little bit torn on this film by its style, as it seemed to border on comedy, and the budget seemed rather low (though I have no idea where the French film industry was at in 1952). I know it started out as a short, so maybe they had not expected to have a big picture budget... and the comedy aspects might just be my dark sense of humor.The innocence is what sells this film. From the very beginning, when the girl does not seem to comprehend the weight of death, we know she is all too innocent for the world of war. She knows what "dead" is, but does not seem to grasp the permanence of it. She carries her dog far longer than she probably would if she knew he was gone, and she does not understand what it means that her parents are probably in a hole.While the film takes place during the war, it strangely seems to be little concerned with the actual conflicts. Instead, we have the small-scale conflict of neighboring families, and a scandalous love affair... how much this remains in the forefront or background varies.
ags123
I'm still crying my eyes out after watching this thing. Usually, I hate movies with children as the main characters. This is something else entirely - a simple tale with the most powerful antiwar statement imaginable. No pretense or preachiness, the filmmakers let the message come across seemingly by default. How skillful is that? And those two children!! Have you ever seen such convincing performances from anyone? This is a heartbreaker from start to finish, but along the way it's fraught with positive insights, even glints of humor. What a remarkable achievement to make such a profoundly shattering point and disguise it as entertainment! Truly unlike anything I've ever seen. Even the abrupt ending makes perfect sense - what more can you say after all that's transpired? This film just shot to the top of my all time favorite list.
danjakubik
Forbidden Games / Directed by: Rene Clement / France/ 1952 / BW* * * * Wow. That's a word I rarely use in reaction to a film. I'm a highly selective film enthusiast and not easy to impress. This is a truly unique, profound, powerful and impressive film, which exceeded my expectations. "Forbidden Games" is a masterpiece. Definitely a rare and special film, one that literally blew me away. I've never seen anything quite like it before. I'm referring to it's remarkable combination of inspired direction, unusual story, universal themes, story telling style and technique.A young girl in 1940 France becomes orphaned, when both her parents are shot and killed in a countryside, during a Nazi air raid. As vividly depicted in the film, the girl's sudden loss of her parents is shocking. She then suffers the loss of her beloved pet dog. The girl is rescued and adopted by a rural family passing by and taken into their home for care and protection. The young girl befriends an older boy of the family. They begin collecting crosses and create a secret animal cemetery, following the adult lead of using the healing power of religion and ritual to help cope with death. A tender and respectful friendship and bond of love eventually develops between them.An unusual, intense, realistic, heart wrenching opening sequence and a near perfect ending are the bookends of this great film. The opening sequence of the film qualifies as one of the greats in the history of cinema. Of special note, the film features very natural and believable acting performances from the two children in lead roles. This is a big credit to the talent of director Clement. At the time, both children were completely non-professional first time actors. This film won me over emotionally, by the end of it's first third. The second third of the film, earned my complete admiration and respect in a big way. It's unusual for a film to achieve so much, one third of the way in and not depend on the usual traditional storytelling climax, resolution and closed ending.This is definitely not a film for young children, due to mature, adult themes about dying, death, loss, anguish and grief. 18+ recommended. The opening sequence is graphic, violent and most of all, intensely emotional, way too much information for any child to process, without being traumatized. After this powerful story and character setup, the remainder of the film is more acceptable for a combined child and parent viewing experience. Adolescents might be able to handle/process some of the mature themes of the film. It's really a film best appreciated by mature adults, hence my 18+ recommendation.The photographic style and director's technique are convincingly realistic. The black and white photography is quite beautiful, rich in shades of gray, contrast and creative lighting, to convincingly evoke mood. Of special note is the careful, economical use of classical music throughout the film, especially during emotional scenes. Very much a director's film and done with great style and technique. The opening sequence is especially brave and confident. Basically, an intelligent, perceptive screenplay combines with expert inspired direction to create a film masterpiece.This powerful and memorable film shows how these two children, especially the girl, react to war, process loss, grief and attempt to cope with all the death and destruction going on around them, in a manner fitting to their age. There's scenes of great sorrow, beauty, honesty and tenderness all throughout the film.Director Clement shows remarkable sensitivity and awareness, a father like dedication, sincerity of purpose, emotional motivation and support to his two child lead actors. The acting performances of the children Georges Poujouly and Brigitte Fossey are truly remarkable and impressive. Considering Fossey was only five years old at the time, her performance in particular, is amazing. Clement established a rare and great connection of mutual artistic benefit with both children.This film quickly entered my short list of personal favorite/best ever films. That's the thing about a masterpiece: it strikes a universal nerve immediately, by the sheer power of it's artistry and technique. Winner of the Venice Film Festival Golden Lion Award and Best Foreign Language film Oscar. Very highly recommended.
aflynn
I first saw this small movie in 1976 at the now long gone Inner Circle Theater in Washington DC, as part of a double feature with "The Grand Illusion." Despite the emotional drain of seeing these movies in one sitting, I thought "Forbidden Games" was one of the best I had ever seen. I rediscovered it in the Criterion Collection 34 years later, and still find it a wonderfully engaging movie. Personally, I have no problem with the ending, which I do not find at all confusing. The Criterion Collection DVD includes interviews with director Rene Clement from 1962, with child star Brigitte Fossey in 2000, and with the director and actress together in 1967. This DVD also includes the alternate opening and ending, which fortunately were not used, as they would have neutered the impact of the story.
