I Am David MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: +4

This visually beautiful adventure drama, based on the popular childrens book by Anne Holm, documents the journey of 12-year-old David (Ben Tibber) in the 1950s after he escapes a Bulgarian labor camp where he has been since he was a toddler. Encouraged by fellow inmate Johannes (James Caviezel), David leaves the camp with a compass, a pocket knife, a bar of soap, a loaf of bread and a sealed envelope he promised not to open until he gets to Denmark. He journeys over the Adriatic Sea, through Italy and across the Alps into Switzerland. He meets an assortment of people, some friendly and some not, including a sailor, a wealthy Italian family, and a lonely, elderly woman (Joan Plowright). An Italian baker promises him a loaf of bread if he will just smile, but David doesnt know how. The beauty of Gods world outside the oppressive camp is more than he can handle. Take your hanky and forget the popcorn. I Am David will grab your heart.

Davids years in the labor camp taught him to trust nobody, so he does not know how to accept kindness from strangers. In flashbacks of the camp, we learn that Johannes has saved Davids life by sacrificing his own, a fitting role for the actor who portrayed Jesus in The Passion of The Christ. Scenes of the camp conditions are harsh, filmed in black and white to contrast with the world of sunshine, flowers, mountains and sparkling sea that David sees for the first time. David is quick to respond to the screams of a girl trapped in a burning barn. Her family is so grateful that they insist the strange boy stay with them in their opulent country estate, his first observance of a loving family and acceptance. Another remarkable trait is Davids refusal to steal food after days of nothing to eat, even though a bakers fresh bread is displayed unattended. An implied killing, some harrowing incidents and mature themes make this movie too intense for young children, but the uplifting I Am David is highly recommended for the rest of the family.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Lions Gate