Watch at Home 11.15.2022

A Bag of Marbles

Directed by Christian Duguay
Omnibus Entertainment
2017
113 Minutes
France, Canada
French, German, Yiddish, Russian
Action, Family, Jewish
Not Rated
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After the Nazis invade Paris, 10-year-old Joseph has little understanding of the peril surrounding him and thinks nothing of swapping his yellow star for a bag of marbles. His parents, however, realize that escape may be their only chance of survival, so they send Joseph and his older brother Maurice on their own into the “free zone” of Vichy France. Traveling on foot across dangerous territory, the boys must use all their ingenuity and courage to reach safety and reunite with their family.

A moving adaptation of Joseph Joffo’s bestselling autobiographical novel, A BAG OF MARBLES recounts an incredible true story of strength and resilience.

Director & Cast

  • Director: Christian Duguay
  • Starring: Dorian Le Clech
  • Starring: Batyste Fleurial
  • Starring: Patrick Bruel
  • Starring: Elsa Zylberstein
  • Starring: Bernard Campan

Where to Watch

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Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "The great value of Christian Duguay’s “A Bag of Marbles” is the degree to which it makes such a barbaric and bewildering chapter in human history comprehensible for young audiences. "
    Matt Fagerholm, RogerEbert.com
  • "This isn't the first film to try to deal with the horrors of the Holocaust from a child's perspective, but it's tricky material, and this one succeeds because it is direct and forthright."
    Walter V. Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle
  • "First-rate example of making difficult history relateable to younger generation...Lovely, clever boys' war story movingly imparts history about the Holocaust and family."
    Nora Lee Mandel, Film-Forward.com
  • "The writing and its attendant characterizations have an undeniable integrity, the particular historical detail offered by the story is not common in films about this era, and the lead performers are moving."
    Glenn Kenny, The New York Times
  • "A poignant crowd pleaser with cross-over appeal that challenges your emotions and engages the human spirit."
    Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction
  • "The movie's strength is that it follows the rhythm of the boys' journey, and mixes the comedy and tragedy well, often in the course of a single scene. The script highlights the brothers' resilience, as well as their vulnerability."
    Hannah Brown, Jerusalem Post
  • "A Bag of Marbles is a worthy entry into the cinematic Holocaust library."
    Michael Ordona, Common Sense Media
  • "A feel-good tale of Holocaust survival... A gentle focus on family and persistence."
    John DeFore, The Hollywood Reporter
Winner
Audience Award
Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival
Official Selection
Belgrade Film Festival
Official Selection
Beijing Int'l. Film Festival