I have been wanting to view this film for quite some time, but never got around to seeing it, or struggled to find a copy. Well, I've finally seen it.

It could be argued that character arcs are somewhat absent in this film, but I think it has the classic structure of a tragedy. The storyline follows an unlikely friendship between a 16-year-old and a 12-year-old who both attend a strict Catholic boarding school in the 1920's.

The special friendship that is featured in this heartbreaking and impactful film, takes place at a time and place when certain thoughts or doings were deemed very wrong. It was an environment in which purity was number one on the list. It is a beautiful and, at the same time, gut-wrenching relationship. At times, one may question the protagonists' motives. But, above all, it is a strong tale of friendship and the outside forces that can disrupt friendship.

Francis Lacombrade and Didier Haudepin are both fantastic in their roles, most notably Didier as Alexandre. What a fantastic young actor, in a role that had many challenging moments and progressions which needed to be consistent with the overall tone of the film. I think both were very good at this.

It is beautifully shot by Christian Matras. His choice of shooting it in black and white adds so much to the feeling of the time and place, and the simple yet elegant shots contribute to the story well.

This is one of those films that will stay in your mind long after it has concluded. It is an impactful film that some might find controversial or even wrong. But if you look deep into what this film is about, and what it says, its themes are very prevalent even 50 years later in today's society.

Film title: This Special Friendship

Also known as: Les amitiés particulières

Release year: 1964, Lux Compagnie Cinématographique de France

Director: Jean Delannoy

Cast: Francis Lacombrade, Didier Haudepin, François Leccia, Dominique Maurin and others

Alternative review by Sky Kid ( George ) – Les Amitiés Particuliéres (1964)