The Film (4.5/5)

During World War 2 and the Nazi occupation of France, an 8-year-old Jewish boy named Claude (Alain Cohen) is sent away to the country to stay with the parents of his landlord. The older couple of Pepe and Meme as there called (Michel Simon and Luce Fabiole),are Catholic and  have no idea that the boy is Jewish. While the living conditions are tough at first, Claude and Pepe start to form a friendship that will improve both of their lives.

The beginning of TWO OF US (LE VIEIL HOMME ET L'ENFANT, 1967) has a text scroll that explains that while the story is tragic, it also holds a nostalgic place in their hearts. And with this mindset, the film takes on a natural, refreshing, and heartwarming tone.  It was directed by Claude Berri, who I became aware of from his two-part family drama of JEAN DE FLORETTE and MANON OF THE SPRING (1986). Both of those films being personal favorites that were adapted the novel L'Eau Des Collines by Marcel Pagnol. And with that film he showed an understanding of family drama on an epic scope. So, to my surprise Berri was able to handle the intimate TWO OF US.

At its heart is a quickly paced story about moving on with life during harsh conditions. Claude starts out as a little bit of a brat. Completely bored and babied by his mother, and a never-ending problem to his father (Charles Denner). But once his moves to the country he starts to find his self-worth and even starts to discover love with a local farmer's daughter. Pepe is a stubborn and eccentric older man who takes pride in being a vegetarian and worships his older dog. Throughout the movie Pepe makes some anti-sematic comments but is soon proven wrong by Claude, even if they discover that the boy is indeed Jewish.

The tone of the movie is youthful and childish and matches our characters. Unlike similar films by Maurice Pialat (LOULOU) or Francois Truffaut's THE 400 BLOWS, it never truly turns dark or mean spirited with its adult characters. It's actually quite comical, with many fun running jokes like Pepe's hate of meat, and calling anyone eating it a cannibal. Another is Claude trying to hide the fact he is uncircumcised and having Pepe hound him about silly games.

It's portrayals of child hood feel real and by the end your completely won over by these characters.

Audio/Video (5/5)

TWO OF US comes with a handsome new 4k Restoration transfer and a stunning sound mix. The 2.0 French DTS-HD Master audio track is spotless with some bold sound effects. There is no hiss or pops. The mix never peaks, and the musical score sounds like it was recorded yesterday. English subtitles are included.

The 1080p HD transfer is a true beauty. Sourced from a new 4K Restoration, the film looks amazing. The black and white cinematography by Jean Penzer is dynamitic. The focus is razor sharp, with well-defined black levels. It is perfectly lit and looks wonderful in my home theater.

Extras (4/5)

The main extra is an audio commentary by film critic Wade Major. Major offers up an entertaining sit and fills it with enough information to make it worth repeated viewings. Not listed on the copy I was sent are two small interviews with star Michel Simon. One is a few minutes and is just Simon speaking to an interviewer, while the second is a fly on a wall styled conversation between Simon and French Director Jean Renoir.  Simon and Renoir discuss their collaboration with 1931's LA CHIENNE, and Renoir complements Simon's work in TWO OF US. Rounding out the package is a trailer for the film.

Overall (4.5/5)

THE TWO OF US is an effective family drama that is truly life affirming and real. Simon and Cohen give great performances and their chemistry together make the film a timeless classic. The new 4k Restoration and extras make this Cohen Blu-ray a must have. Highly Recommended.