Review of I'm Not Scared (2003) by Johnny T — 23 May 2011

The director reminds us that not all films require a breakneck pace or ridiculous twists to be effective. A well-acted and thrilling coming-of-age tale that captures a child awakening to the frightening world of adults. A terrific attempt to express a young boy's moral awakening using intense colour schemes, wide-angle lenses and unforgiving close-ups. Rana's anxiety, stacked on top of that of the politically tense region, creates a pitched emotional drama made more gripping by its real-world setting. It's the kind of stomach-churning bedtime story that encourages us to be afraid, without ever being able to reassure us, like a parent, that it'll all be okay in the end. Harmoniously blends elements of a coming-of-age story, a crime drama and a mystery together in something of astonishing power and scope.

VERDICT: "Full Price" - My second highest rating (Positive to Mixed reaction). This is a rating to a movie I view as very entertaining and well made, and definitely worth paying the full price at a theatre to see or own on DVD. It is not perfect, but it is definitely excellent.