Movie Review: White Bird

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

A familiar but deeply moving World War 2 drama. 

This film tells the story of two children (one Jewish and one crippled) who become good friends in Nazi occupied France. While this basic story is familiar to anyone, who has seen enough World War 2 dramas, it still pulls on the heart strings very well. What makes this film work is that it focuses on the close and intimate drama between these two characters. This makes the movie instantly relatable and personal for anyone watching. We grow to care about and connect with these characters on a personal level. Not only are they very likable but they also grow and mature as characters, making them more believable and real. Some of the smallest moments in this film remain the most touching. The boy getting the girl a still of Charlie Chaplin in Modern Times (1936) and later imitating Chaplin for her (though bizarrely this is accompanied by the theme music from the Our Gang (or Little Rascals) shorts) because Chaplin is her favorite movie star (something me and her might have in common) is quite touching. These are little moments that could have been left out but much the film much more powerful. This also helps drive home the important message of this story. That is the importance of a little kindness and friendship in truly dark times. Though sometimes these little moments of tenderness seem small they can help give us the strength we need. It is also a look at the darkness of these times and how parts of the world had reached the point where a little kindness could cost someone their lives. The sense of danger is felt throughout this film. Even though this is aimed at a family audience, it does not play down the true horror of what the Nazis did. Some of these scenes are truly disturbing (without the violence happening onscreen) and a scene towards the end is heartbreaking. 

This film does have its flaws though. The whole movie has an air of familiarity to us. There is a deux ex machina towards the ends that feels way too coinvent. There are also wild animals later in the film that are obviously CGI. They look like they just stepped out of a cartoon and feel completely out of place in this live action movie. This movie also tries to tie itself into the film, Wonder (2017) by having the story be told by the grandma of one of the characters in that movie. This tie-in feels completely forced and unnecessary. The early and later scenes with that character from the previous film are also less emotionally compelling than the main story. 

While this movie may have its flaws, it does have a strong emotional impact that make it a must watch.