Review of I Am David (2003) by Jim H — 28 Jan 2011

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 127 Hours succeeded in at least reaching for a more expansive theme, I Am David 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 Radio Flyer or The War, 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.