Jacques Doillon, director of the widely loved Ponette, has crafted a wonderful
follow-up, the gritty and authentic, yet also unexpectedly lyrical and buoyant
Petits Freres.
Talia, a 13-year old girl who is already battle weary from fighting with her
mean stepfather, runs away from home with her beloved dog Kim. She meets up
with a group of four boys her own age who take a grudging liking to her - which
doesn't stop them from secretly stealing and selling Kim.
Talia, distraught over the disappearance of her pet, strikes an uneasy friendship
with the boys in an attempt to rescue Kim. Soon Talia and her gang of "petits
freres" (little fellas) find real friendship and humanity in their harsh
surroundings.
"Simple, spontaneous and moving, Petits Freres is a mini-masterpiece!" - IndieRag
"Jacques Doillon seems to have a special radar into the inner lives of children.. . . a poignant study of latchkey children trying establish a fragile community in a corrupt, crime-ridden environment." - The New York Times
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