I saw this film when I was rather young. The first time around I didn't understand everything in it, but it still caught my attention. It made me curious about World War II and was one of the films that got me interested in seeing GOOD films.
When I was somewhat older and more able to understand the film, I watched it again. It was like watching a new film, all over again. This film still stays with me, creeping into my thoughts every now and then. I still hear the voice of young Jim "I thought it was Mrs. Victor's soul going up to heaven" and it makes me cry.
Thank God I'm not old enough to be anywhere near World War II. That doesn't mean that I shouldn't know about it, or know what it did to people. There is a story beyond the concentration camps, there are other voices, other things that went on. This movie helps them be heard, it shows another side of the war.
Words can hardly describe how good this film is. It's such a shame that there aren't more people who have seen it. This film actually got me interested in History. That's an accomplishment in itself.
Young Jim is privileged and spoiled. He has everything going for him. His parents have a wonderful home in Shanghai and they love him very much. They have servants and everything that money can buy. Jim may not be the best little boy because of all he has. Then the War takes everything away. Separated from his parents in a crowd, Jim is forced to face the duration of the war alone. Upon returning home he finds many of their things gone (Those footprints in the powder on the floor stick in my memory even now), including his parents.
When he is eventually taken to a Japanese camp he learns what it is to truly be without. But his spirit livens and somehow he makes it. He even makes friends with a young Japanese boy on the other side of the fence.
I love how this story follows Jim instead of an adult. The children are often forgotten in War tales. Here we get to see a young boy grow up in the midst of it all. It changes him, it creates a new character, it makes him into a young man he might never have been otherwise.
My favorite story line throughout is the silent relationship that builds between Jim and the young Japanese boy. Jim watches the boy grow up and eventually become a pilot. The form a silent friendship that defies the boundaries of war. It is the most touching part of the story. Even in the middle of all the war and hatred and chaos, even with no words these two could become friends.
John Malkovich is an interesting character in this movie. You never know whether you like him or hate him as his trustworthiness changes throughout the film. You feel sorry for Jim that this is the only grownup he has to guide him.
Finally there is the whole storyline of the planes. It is a theme from beginning to end, Jim's obsession with the planes. It is what brings him face to face with the Japanese in the very beginning, it is what gets him separated from his parents, it is what nearly gets him killed in the camp. Jim loves planes more than anything else. Quite possibly it is a metaphor for him wanting to escape or a symbol of freedom. It is open to interpretation.
Any fan of Spielberg that has not seen this surprises me. It is an awesome film that is highly underrated. It is his best kept secret. For fans of historic films or any films about WW2 (like my father who watches the History channel and World War II documentaries all day long) your history catalogue isn't complete without this chapter. For everyone else, why not put down that kooky comedy and pick up something with a little more meaning for a change?
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