| Parents
Television Council Reviews |
|
PTC reviews
aim to provide you with advanced information about an entertainment
offering so that you can be the final arbiter of what you and your
family see.
|
|
Get new reviews sent to your inbox!
|
|
|
|
|
|
 I
Am David
By Caroline Eichenberg
Video/DVD Release Date: April 5, 2005
I Am David is the heartwarming cinematic adaptation of Anne Holm's novel of the
same name. David is a 12-year-old boy who has spent most of his young life in a
Bulgarian labor camp during the Cold War. The reasons for his presence there are
not entirely clear, but it is implied that his parents disagreed with the
government and the entire family was then imprisoned in the labor camp. David's
parents have since been taken from the camp, and presumably killed. Given his
life experience, David is wary of others and has learned to trust no one and
expect the worst from people. David does have one friend in the camp, fellow
prisoner Johannes (The Passion of the Christ's Jim Caviezel). Johannes advises
David, but also suffers from his own mistrust of humanity born of his
experiences. Nonetheless, Johannes does everything he can to protect young
David.
 Not long after the film begins, David is urged to escape the camp. He is given a
mysterious envelope and the instructions to carry it to Denmark. He takes with
him on the long and dangerous journey only this envelope, a compass, a
pocketknife, a bar of soap, and a half loaf of bread. Along David's way to
Denmark, he encounters various people, including grandmotherly Sophie (lovingly
portrayed by Joan Plowright) who teach him of the goodness possible in others.
Slowly, David begins to trust others and believe in their sincerity toward him.
Eventually, the cause for David's journey to Denmark is made clear and both
David, and the viewers who are rooting for him, are greatly rewarded.
This is a touching story that illustrates the power of the human spirit, the
reward of perseverance, and the beauty of sacrifice. The film is completely free
of offensive elements, making it even more rewarding. Though there are violent
scenarios, they are primarily implied, though young children might be frightened
by the mere implication.
Educators wishing to incorporate the film, and the book on which it
is based, into their curriculum can obtain an Educator's Guide from the website
at
www.iamdavidmovie.com.
Video/DVD Release Date: April 5, 2005
► Buy Now
Family Movie Reviews
The Parents Television Council -
www.parentstv.org
Have you seen this movie?
Comment on this review, Click here!
|
