I Am David (2004)

Featured Audience Ratings

• familiar s

  
  The story sounds interesting on paper and does succeed in grabbing your interest in the initial moments. But over-drama replaces action and adventure as the story unfolds. I've no problem with some emotional quotient, but the film goes completely overboard its genre and loses its… More
  The story sounds interesting on paper and does succeed in grabbing your interest in the initial moments. But over-drama replaces action and adventure as the story unfolds. I've no problem with some emotional quotient, but the film goes completely overboard its genre and loses its track. The melodrama gave the feeling of "been there, seen it all", and not in a pleasant manner. Having said that, I'd like to add that unlike "Julia's Eyes", it didn't make my head spin as its after-effects either.

• Jim H

  
  This film's two strengths are the harrowing nature of its subject matter and the rather well-constructed reveal at the end. After all, the concept that a young boy was able to escape a Communist concentration camp and journey as far as he did is rather remarkable. But whereas… More
  This film's two strengths are the harrowing nature of its subject matter and the rather well-constructed reveal at the end. After all, the concept that a young boy was able to escape a Communist concentration camp and journey as far as he did is rather remarkable. But whereas <i>127 Hours</i> succeeded in at least reaching for a more expansive theme, <i>I Am David</i> can only retreat to shallow, aphoristic moralizing. Throughout the film, the writers give us benign supporting characters, whose intentions David constantly - but I guess understandably - misinterprets. The filmmakers scream at David throughout that people are basically good, and we're supposed to delight when he listens. Such themes may be inspiring on the Lifetime network, but I for one think the human condition is far more complex than this film gives it credit for. Additionally, Ben Tiller, in the eponymous role, plays one or two notes throughout the film, and even these belie any complexity in his character. I understand that he's young, but check out the level of acting Elijah Wood was able to rise to at a similar age in <i>Radio Flyer</i> or <i>The War</i>, two flawed movies, but Wood is excellent in them. Finally, there is a hint of anti-upper-class bias. Aside from the bully brother, what is the difference between the family and Italy and Joan Plowright's character? Both offer David assistance in seemingly generous, pure ways, but the upper-class family is ultimately rejected without a good explanation. Overall, the film's heart is on its sleeve, but it becomes bogged down in cliche melodrama.

• Douglas W C

  
  Rather slow paced movie but the ending makes it well worth the experience

• Rachel F

  
  This is one of the most amazing films ever. It is inspiring, sad, beautiful, and just great.

• Dillon L

  
  Not exactly terrible, but easily forgettable.

• Mike T

  
  The movie has good intentions but it ends up becoming corny, TV movie-caliber entertainment. Highly disappointing.

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