My Golden Days (15)

Drama

Paul is preparing to leave Tajikistan, while thinking back on his adolescent years. His childhood, his mother's madness, the parties, the trip to the USSR where he lost his virginity, the friend who betrayed him and the love of his life.

The critical consensus

Impeccably staged and played, this scattershot reflection on the follies, glories and regrets of youth pays affectionate tribute to a world of handwritten letters and payphones that has all but disappeared.

(*) (*) David Parkinson, Empire Online, 13/03/2018

Arnaud Desplechin's playful, picaresque charmer.

(*) Allan Hunter, The List, 12/03/2018

Arnaud Desplechin’s film about the unbearably sweet nature of remembered youth only now finds a UK release.

(*) (*) Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, 15/03/2018

This director certainly has his off films, but the good ones are sensational. And this is one of his absolute finest. Such mastery, such passion, such control.

David Jenkins, Little White Lies, 15/03/2018

The result is a fresh, engaging tale of first love, betrayal and the sheer joy of being young and alive in a world full of possibilities.

(*) Allan Hunter, Daily Express, 16/03/2018