first and i rat this movie positive . to me and it simply one of the best i saw since i be bear ( i be 23 and but i saw numerous film ) . the story be cruel and but reality be and too and not . it go deep into me and stir my bowel . i saw it about 5 or 6 year ago and it still shake me and i still remember it . second and there be no national preference ( this expression be a direct translation from the french ) for this movie . i mean it not because it be a french movie that i put it so high represent it have really catch me when i saw it . furthermore and i do not know well marcel carne filmography and so i do not know if it be or not his best movie and but i know it be not his most famous represent hotel du nord and quai de brumes and les enfants du paradis be the most famous . third and the movie in b and w and but it deal with inter temporal problem of youth ( not acne ) like love and friend and study in a modern way . it could even be remake frame by frame with actual young actor and a dolby ( tm ) sound and special effect ( a car crash ) and it would still be a great film . problem represent maybe be it a film to be see by young adult ( from 16 to 25 year old ) and above and of course for it message to be well understood . do i say it be a great movie .