Despite that however, it was Moncho’s character that affected me more. It was through his character that you can really see a coming-of-age and sudden loss of innocence especially in times of war. During the earlier parts of the film, Moncho was the typical innocent and eager boy who was fascinated with everything he’s learning and experiencing in his life. However, during the ending of the movie, we see the destructive effects of politics and war on children. The last scene is a powerful and heartbreaking statement about the destruction of innocence and how quickly children learn the art of self-preservation.
The coming-of-age and loss of innocence themes can also be seen in the title Au Revoir Les Enfants or Goodbye, Children. The title alludes to the fact that even if most of the characters in the film were children, they had to grow up faster because of the war. The title probably refers to a farewell to childhood that the characters had to experience. Though they were experiencing normal childhood experiences such as making fun of the new kid in class or sharing guilty pleasures after dark and the like, these experiences came with their experience of war and disorder in the country. It came with thoughts of death, hatred, racism and all other negative things related to wars, which is a far cry from what a child normally worries about. Their situation has forced them to gain responsibility and deal with life and death at an early age, something that is significantly different from the innocent and carefree characteristics of childhood.
The title La Lengua de la Mariposa probably refers to Don Gregorio. Just as the butterfly spreads the pollen to other flowers, so does Don Gregorio spreads his wisdom and love of nature to his students, especially to Moncho. However, a butterfly symbolizes a fleeting and ephemeral passing. Likewise, Don Gregorio’s influence on his students is short-lived because he was eventually captured by the Fascists for becoming a Republican.
Although both films were truly interesting to watch, I found myself more affected by the movie Goodbye, Children. Both films showed truly touching and poignant stories and characters but I was more saddened on how the relationship of Julien and Jean ended. Just because of the war and because of the racism of the Nazis, the friendship of the two boys had to be compromised. The effects of the war and Hitler’s anti-Jewish campaign did not only sow fear and terror among the children, but it also deprived them of their childhood and their chances of living a favorable life, even for the non-Jews. It showed how children, no matter how innocent they may be, are forced to become involved in the war, forced to become sacrificial lambs even if they have nothing to do with it.
In contrast with the fast-paced Hollywood movies, European films progress in a gradual manner that allows the viewer to appreciate the significance of each and every scene. There are no stereotypical characters or clichéd storylines, European films depict life as it is and show people as they are. There are no mindless special effects to simply fill time or to distract the viewer from the story. It simply relies on a story grounded in reality, on characters that viewers can identify with and on simply cinematography that touches its audience not only visually but through the heart as well.
