It's rare these days that I run across a movie that I can enthusiastically endorse. However, "I Am David" is one of those movies that I consider a must-see film.
The movie is based on Anne Holm's 1963 novel and chronicles the story of 12 year-old David who escapes from a labor camp in Bulgaria in 1952 and sets out on a mysterious journey to Denmark. David has no idea what he will encounter along the way. In fact, having spent most of his life in the labor camp, he has to learn along the way how to trust other people and discover who he really is at the same time.
Although the movie has outstanding performances from Jim Caviezel and Joan Plowright, it is really Ben Tibber who steals the show with his portrayal of David.
While not appropriate for very young children (due to thematic elements), this is a great film for older children and families. Many of the film's themes will make for great family discussion.
"I Am David" is a true jewel of a film and one that everyone should make an effort to see.
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
Trivia: This was the lowest-grossing movie of the year, amazingly enough. I discovered this while researching Ted Baehr some time ago.
Like apparently almost everybody else, I've never seen the movie.
2 - Aaman
It has an Amazon rank of 2209, 4 stars on Netflix, and a 38% tomatometer rating - some quotes from there:
"Just in time to beat out "Bridget Jones II" for worst picture of the year comes this boy's adventure seen through a gauzy feminine filter."
-- Jules Brenner (FC), "
"Hinges on a rather unbelievable characterization of fascist kindness."
-- Nicholas Schager, SLANT MAGAZINE
"How David escapes, alas, is less compelling than wondering how this drearily earnest movie escaped the Hallmark Channel. "
-- Sean Means, SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
"Clearly, huge tankers of disbelief must be suspended in a sea of goodwill to get into the spirit of the film."
-- Lisa Schwarzbaum, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
"Leaves you with the lingering scent of truth."
-- Nancy Churnin, DALLAS MORNING NEWS
Thanks for the reference.
3 - Phillip Winn
Perhaps I'll read the book. I'm not a huge Caviezel fan.
4 - B. Schnell
I found this movie very touching and a great to view with my son. He also did a report on it at school after reading the book, which I feel is a very good comparison to what was shown in the film.
I think that it was very interesting, well documented, and well acted. Jim Caviezel as usual does more than imaginable with the emotion in his eyes, than even words which is true to fashion for him!He radiates love, emotion and feeling with a glance! Joan Plowright is another touching example of love and steadfastness to a child so lost as Ben Tibber is in this film. It is very touching and emotional and a pleasure to view. I would encourage all to view this with older children and share our thankfulness for the goodness of the prosperous and mostly peaceful times we have today.