![]() However, this is of course a `feel-good' story, though the end might leave you thinking otherwise. But the story-line is more subtle and more carefully played out, such that in effect the film does not even try to pull out any angst from those softer-at-heart: the acting itself - especially that of Ian Michael Smith - and the focussing of the story rises above this. Beautifully told story, with excellent photography and good music keeping just the right atmosphere, this is a film which might have some downgrading it to a simple `tear-jerker' and reaching for inexhaustible supplies of paper-handkerchiefs. What an accomplishment! I gave it a 10.Ī lad with stunted growth who holds out with brave optimism and sheer good-naturedness is able to go through school life and survive any antagonisms with aplomb, indeed, forging an inseparable friendship, as he approaches his twelfth and fatal year. The entire cast was stellar, especially the young boys who played Simon and Joe. I was touched, and I was also happy and uplifted. I was so surprised! It does convey the considerable pain of the characters' circumstances, yet it is also a story that is fluid with grace and tremendous joy. When I rented the DVD of "Simon Birch," I was willing to watch, but was still expecting it to be somewhat of an ordeal, like taking bitter medicine. There is a place for painful and awkward movies, I suppose, but most often I choose to avoid them. When I first saw the previews for this, I thought that it could be good, but it could also be awkward and painful to watch. The other key aspect of the movie was title character, Simon. The movie itself was wonderful to look at, and easy to lose one's self within. Not just the look of an American small town, but the vibe of the folks, especially the adults, rang very true for me (I was there, same age as the Joe character). It evoked the late 1950's and early 1960's very well. "Simon Birch," however, succeeded in every sense. Consider this movie in light of the other "suffering child" movie that came out around the same time, "Patch Adams." Bless those "Patch" folks, they really tried, but that movie was dense, depressing, and the characters were tedious if implausible. Fantastic movie! I had avoided this one in the theaters last Fall because of the theme. ![]()
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