From the creator/writer of the underrated but fantastic television series Freaks and Geeks comes this film based on a 1963 novel by Danish author Anne Holm. Paul Feig, who did an outstanding job of working with younger actors during Freaks and Geeks run, takes both the writing and the directing reins as he tells the story of a 12-year-old boy named David who travels alone across Europe after escaping a Communist concentration camp in Bulgaria.
Aiding the boy is a fellow inmate named by Johannes, who is portrayed by the suddenly white hot James Caviezel, the man who played the pivotal role of Jesus in The Passion of the Christ. Sadly, the child has no idea who his parents are, where he comes from, or even why he is imprisoned in the camp. All he knows is that his name is David.
As the boy escapes, he is given nothing more than a loaf of bread, some water, and a compass, with instructions to make his way toward Denmark. Having survived the concentration camp only by living for the day and considering nothing more than his next meal, David never permits himself to trust anyone, even people he meets on his journey who offer him their assistance. Thus, this is a very personal adventure that forces David to rely on his own very high moral standards. His challenge is to learn to trust the right people and understand that sometimes they need him as much as he might need them.
This film was financed by production company Walden Media, who has previously been behind independent efforts such as Holes, Around the World in 80 Days, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. All of those movies were later picked up for distribution by Disney; however, I Am David finds itself under the arm of Artisan Entertainment. I Am David does bear a lot of similarity to Holes in that it is a movie based on a beloved book about a young man who must overcome numerous personal obstacles
Thus far, reports from film festival screenings where I Am David has played have been resoundingly positive. Like Holes, this film looks as though it could find a place on shelves as a favorite family classic. (Kim Hollis/BOP)
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