In a French forest circa 1798, a child–who cannot walk, speak, read or write–is found. A doctor becomes interested in the case and patiently attempts to civilise the boy.
The Wild Child is fascinating not only for its Tarzan-like true-life story, but also for what it says about the process of nurturing and educating children, and the tools we use -- language, discipline, affection -- to do so.
– Steven Rea,
Philadelphia Inquirer,
19 Feb 2009
fresh:
Nearly four decades after its release, The Wild Child remains startling for its humane clarity, for Nestor Almendros's brilliant black-and-white photography, and for the sense that Truffaut is achieving filmmaking mastery on a very small scale.
– Ty Burr,
Boston Globe,
5 Feb 2009
fresh:
An enduring film of enchanting and provocative revelation.
– Kevin Thomas,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan 2009
fresh:
Nearly 40 years after its initial release, Francois Truffaut's The Wild Child (L'Enfant Sauvage) still manages to cast its haunting, poetic spell.
– Ann Hornaday,
Washington Post,
18 Dec 2008
fresh:
Truffaut never upstages the astounding Cargol; both performers underplay in perfect harmony, turning the story into a duet of paternal affection and paradise lost.