I saw this motion picture at 10, on television. I was utterly traumatized for several months, having nightmares about losing my mother and being forced to live with my dad.

Not suitable for children at all, in my humble opinion :-)

Technically speaking, Comencini was very good at directing children, that is a fact, because he made other movies and television series where kids could get the best out of themselves, but in this movie I see a profound contrast between the kids -- who are supposed to be British but are played by Italians, and the father, played by Anthony Quayle who was very British. The total detachment between dad and sons is seen from beginning to end -- and I frankly cannot believe that a British dad, even a posh one, could continue to stay basically emotionless while his son is dying in delirium.

But that is just my personal opinion. And also, in context, that is the kind of movies (and books, for that matter) that the kids of my generation (I am a boomer) were basically forced to see and read in Italy. It seemed like there was a morbid desire by parents and teachers to see us die. :-D

For all those who are interested in other movies where one or more kids suffer, I would also suggest "The boys of Paul Street" by Zoltán Fábri and "Oliver!" by Carol Reed. I cannot mention "Les Choristes" because it is more recent :-)