Watch L'Enfance Nue

"L'Enfance Nue" is a French film from 1968 directed by Maurice Pialat, that tells the story of a ten-year-old boy named François who has been abandoned by his mother and is placed in a foster home. As the film begins, François is seen getting picked up from his current home by a social worker. He seems hesitant to go with her, but eventually does. Soon, he is placed in a foster home run by a kind-hearted couple who do their best to make him feel at home. Despite their efforts, François remains a difficult child, acting out and rebelling against the adults.

Throughout the film, we see flashbacks and moments from François' past, showing us why he is the way he is. We learn that his mother abandoned him when he was very young, and that he has been passed around between different foster homes and institutions ever since. These traumatic experiences have left a profound impact on him, causing him to be distrustful of adults and prone to lashing out.

As François struggles to fit in with his new family and adjust to his new life, we see the adults in his life grappling with their own emotions and issues. The foster parents are dealing with their own relationship problems, and the social workers assigned to François' case have to navigate the frustrations and challenges of working with troubled children.

The film is shot in a raw, naturalistic style that adds to its emotional impact. The scenes feel unscripted and authentic, with the actors delivering powerful performances that make the characters feel real and relatable. Michel Terrazon, in particular, gives a stunning performance as François, conveying his pain and anguish with nuance and subtlety.

Overall, "L'Enfance Nue" is a heartbreaking and powerful look at the struggles faced by children in the foster care system. It's a difficult film to watch at times, but it's also an important one, shining a light on a subject that is too often neglected by society. Whether you're a fan of French cinema or simply looking for a thought-provoking and emotional drama, this film is definitely worth checking out.