During March Break TIFF (the Toronto International Film Festival) had a kids film festival. We were able to take 3 of our 4 kids (aged 7 to 13) to see this film.
This film was simply great. It is based on a true story of what happened with a Zoo in Belfast during the Nazi bombing raids. As you can imagine zoo animals breaking free due to the bombings could pose a serious threat to the people in the area. For that reason the government decided to take pre-emptive action of putting down the dangerous animals. The story focuses on one boys mission to save an elephant from that fate. But he can't do it alone.
At the end of the film there was a unanimous round of applause. But, even more telling was that as we departed the theatre it seemed as though everyone was discussing their favourite parts. Many of the kids could be heard excitedly talking about what they would have done had they been in that situation. To me that is the hallmark of a film that really connected with its audience. I can see my parents and grandparents also enjoying this film, so I would recommend it for all ages.
As soon as it is released, I'm planning to take our other daughter who had to miss it the first time - I suspect I won't be taking her alone.
This film was simply great. It is based on a true story of what happened with a Zoo in Belfast during the Nazi bombing raids. As you can imagine zoo animals breaking free due to the bombings could pose a serious threat to the people in the area. For that reason the government decided to take pre-emptive action of putting down the dangerous animals. The story focuses on one boys mission to save an elephant from that fate. But he can't do it alone.
At the end of the film there was a unanimous round of applause. But, even more telling was that as we departed the theatre it seemed as though everyone was discussing their favourite parts. Many of the kids could be heard excitedly talking about what they would have done had they been in that situation. To me that is the hallmark of a film that really connected with its audience. I can see my parents and grandparents also enjoying this film, so I would recommend it for all ages.
As soon as it is released, I'm planning to take our other daughter who had to miss it the first time - I suspect I won't be taking her alone.