A Bag of Marbles - Schools Screening

Following the huge success of Fanny’s Journey in last year’s festival, we find ourselves in similar territory with this tale of two young brothers who face a comparable journey to escape the occupying forces in France during the Second World War.

This heartwarming adaptation of Joseph Joffo’s enduring memoir gives an account of the Nazi occupation through the eyes of the two young Jewish boys. The story starts in Paris in 1941, where Joseph and Maurice are the sons of Roman, the local barber. At ages 10 and 12, the boys have so little understanding of the persecution of Jews that Joseph thinks nothing of swapping his yellow star for a bag of marbles. Despite their naiveté, Roman knows that their best chance to escape the Nazi roundup is to flee on their own to Vichy France, where their older brothers Albert and Henri have found safe  haven. Always one false move from tragedy, these tenacious children survive on courage, ingenuity, and more than a bit of cunning as they make their precarious way through France hoping to reunite with their family. More than anything, it’s their brotherly bond that gets them through their ordeals.

Terrific performances from newcomers Dorian Le Clech and Batyste Fleurial Palmieri capture the mischievousness, courage and ingenuity of the two brothers who are hapless innocents trying to outrun the cruel machinery of war. Along the way they will encounter threats, physical violence and betrayal and these are all represented on screen – teachers should be aware there is less shying away from some of the realities of the situation than was the case with Fanny’s Journey. Our recommendation is that the film is suitable for pupils aged 12 and older, including right through to Senior Phase. 

Dir: Christian Duguay
France 2017 / 1h50m / Ages 12+
French with English subtitles

We are open for school bookings from 11:00 on Thu 23 August until Fri 2 November (with priority booking at our Teachers Preview).

Please book early as many films sell out. To be certain of our assistance with your travel arrangements please book before Wed 26 September.

To book, please call DCA Box Office on 01382 432 444.