Young Törless (1966)

Plot

Set in an early 20th-century Austrian boarding school, Törless, a reserved yet perceptive student, witnesses the cruel treatment of a tormented classmate by his peers. Initially passive, Törless grapples with his conscience as the harassment escalates. Based on Robert Musil's esteemed novel, this film marked a pivotal moment in cinema, kickstarting the New German Cinema movement. It earned Volker Schlöndorff the International Critics' Prize at the 1966 Cannes Film Festival, showcasing a powerful exploration of morality and the complexities of youth.