We may postpone the deadline, there will inevitably come a time when we will have to admit that Croquette has not been on vacation at Grandma’s for a year, but buried at the bottom of the garden. To help the little ones get used to the fact that life is not a long calm river, why not call on the cinema?
“The Dictator”: a classic to (re) discover with the family
Do not hesitate to respond to children’s curiosity regarding Nazism by showing them Charlie Chaplin’s masterpiece, less difficult to access than one might imagine. First talkie film directed by the Briton, released in 1940, The dictator denounces Hitler’s totalitarian delirium through the story of an amnesiac Jewish barber who, following spending twenty years in the hospital, flees and discovers that his country has meanwhile fallen into the hands of the dictator Adenoid Hynkel. A Hitler lookalike, down to the mustache, Hynkel provides Chaplin (who also plays the barber) his most infamously funny role. For children to fully benefit from it, and understand the political and satirical scope of the film, it is better to wait until they have taken a few lessons on the subject and seen period images (not before 9-10 years old, therefore). The parodic scenes will only be tastier. The plus: the French version in which the film is currently offered is sufficiently polished for us to bend the rule of the original version!
“The Dictator”, by and with Charlie Chaplin. With Paulette Goddard and Jack Oakie (EU, 1940, 120 min). Available on VOD on La Cinetek and MyCanal.
“Life is beautiful”: the pretty tale of Roberto Benigni
Because a film does not replace a history lesson, but can help children understand what it meant to be Jewish in Italy during the Second World War, Roberto Benigni’s tale can be watched from around 8 years old – with the necessary precautions and explanations. Already because Life is beautiful is above all a love story: between Guido the bookseller and Dora the teacher, then between Guido and his son, Giosué, as the noose of fascism closes in on them. Without being watered down, the violence of the persecutions aimed at Guido and his family is essentially suggested. As for the jokes invented by the young father to make everyday life easier for his son, they will bring tears to the driest hearts. Provide handkerchiefs (especially for adults).
“Life is beautiful”, by and with Roberto Benigni. With Nicoletta Braschi and Giorgio Cantarini (It., 1998, 116 min). Available on VOD on MyCanal.
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