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I AM DAVID One of Two or Three Best Family Films, 2003 - 4 Stars A Charming Story of Self-Discovery, Gorgeously Shot in Italy I Am David was one of the first films produced by the newly formed, family-oriented production company, Walden Media. In my opinion, it is still one of their best to date. Based on the novel by Anne Holm, it is the story of a boy (Ben Tibber) who is separated from his family in post-WWII, communist Bulgaria, and has to grow up in a concentration camp helping to break rocks all day. His only friend is a man named Johannes (Jim Caviezel), who encourages him not to give up hope, because as long as he's alive, he can change things. One day that advice pays off when a way of escape is made available. Through an elaborate series of instructions given by the voice of a man never identified until the end of the film, David makes his way south from Bulgaria to Italy by ship, and then north through the Italian countryside until he reaches Switzerland. Along the way, he meets a variety of interesting people. But he is very cautious, especially of people in uniform, because he has been warned not to trust anyone. Almost everything is new to him - including taking a bath! He is constantly trying to buy food, but doesn't understand how to get money or how much things cost. Luckily, because the concentration camp included people of many different nationalities, he understands a variety of languages and so is able to communicate. But one thing he doesn't understand is how to smile. Finally, he does meet someone that is able to make him smile, and this amazes him. This is a very charming film with gorgeous photography - you can imagine how gorgeous being shot in Italy - and a sweet story, not unlike The Black Stallion (1979) - without the horse, of course. It also reminds me of the film A Boy Ten Feet Tall (aka, Sammy Going South - 1963), which I saw when I was a boy. There is something about a boy trekking across a continent on his own that holds your attention. In A Boy Ten Feet Tall, he is traveling across Africa. So, it is far more hair-raising than I Am David, although the latter film does have its moments of angst. When David reaches the Italian Alps, he meets an artist named Sophie (Joan Plowright) who is the first person he trusts since Johannes. It is while he is with her that an incredible secret is revealed, which of course I won't say any more about. But let me just say that it is worth the wait. His time with Sophie is my favorite part of the film. She reminds me of my own grandmother. Near-first-time director Paul Feig does an outstanding job on script and direction, which earned the film the Heartland Film Festival Crystal Heart Award, among others. I hope Walden Media does more intimate films like this in the future, and doesn't get carried away with the big blockbusters, now that Prince Caspian has opened the door for them. For those who like these little, personal stories, check out Dear Frankie (2004) with Gerard Butler and Emily Mortimer: not as pretty, but as sweet. And a great love story to boot! |
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