Les amis AKA The Friends (1971)

In Paris, Paul, 16, lives with his mother, who is divorced and shows little interest in him. He meets Philippe, a married man in his forties with no children, a printer who also does not find the affection he expected from his wife. Philippe and Paul share the tenderness and understanding that they both lack. Paul feels he has artistic talent, and Philippe encourages him in that direction. During their stay in Deauville, Paul becomes friends with a group of young people his age, and especially with Marie-Laure, one of the girls in the group, with whom he quickly falls in love. But this flirtation is nothing more than a game for her, and Paul finds comfort in Philippe's understanding shoulder. Thanks to Philippe's support, Paul takes acting classes, where he excels-until the day Philippe has a terrible car accident.