WARNING: There are LOTS of spoilers in the review. As you read, you'll understand why I mentioned them.
I am NOT being critical in my summary. It's just that although this is a cartoon and is intended for kids, it's pretty frightening stuff. Now I am NOT recommending you don't let your kids see it but perhaps it's a film best seen with them. Plus, I just wouldn't let younger kids see it because developmentally they aren't ready to see a film about WWI and trench warfare! The events in the film are based, in part, on a real incident that happened during the first Christmas during WWI. The events are also portrayed in the wonderful French film "Joyeux Noël" (literally "Merry Christmas")--though the French film is designed for a more mature audience and is also one of the best French films I've seen in the last few years. Unlike "Joyeux Noël", the focus of this cartoon is on one young recruit and you see the war through his eyes. It IS sanitized quite a bit but still would be tough viewing for younger audience members. I think they chose to create the fictional hero to make the film more accessible for kids--especially since the guy is only 16--a kid himself.
"War Game" begins as WWI begins. A group of young people are playing football ('soccer' to us Americans and folks in some other parts of the globe such as South Africa). When they learn of the war, they are eager to sign up and have adventure. Some time passes, and the war still seems a bit like an adventure. Then, something VERY weird happens on Christmas day--the Germans and British stop shooting at each other and, slowly, they come out of their trenches and begin to celebrate...together! They play a game of football and there is camaraderie all around. The next day, they go back to killing each other! Considering how hellish and pointless this war was, you sure wish they'd kept playing! (Sadly, the officers in charge of these troops and the troops were later severely disciplined for taking a day off--but this isn't shown in the film).
When you watch "War Game", you will no doubt notice the animation. It looks nothing like a Disney film but a bit like Tin-Tin--but drawn a lot better. The colors and quality of the animation are excellent. My only reservation is that the filth, blood and death in the war isn't even close to being captured adequately in the film--perhaps sanitizing it all too much (though they tried to capture it a bit) in spots. It's a problem, as you don't want to traumatize kids BUT you also don't want them to think war is fun or an adventure. Despite this, the film still is very poignant and well made. Just be sure, as I recommend, you see it with your kids, as I am sure they'll have lots of questions and an emotional reaction to the film. I'd recommend the film for kids age 12-18--but all this depends on the child. I repeat...WATCH IT WITH THEM, AS THE MAIN CHARACTER SEEMS TO DIE AT THE END (this is debatable) AND IT WILL HAVE AN IMPACT ON ANY SANE CHILD!! There is a good chance they'll be in tears when it ends.
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