Children of War shows an uncompromising view of the Ugandan child soldiers coming off the battlefields and into the arms of the rehabilitation counselors. Unlike other forms of coverage of Africa, this film doesn't feel like an exploitation of their tragedy, instead the children themselves share their experiences as they come to terms with having to live with the atrocities that haunt them. Eloquently blending in the politics and core of the conflict with the children's stories, the film is more about the universal concepts of forgiveness and healing than a history lesson. Above all this is a masterfully crafted film, filled with heartrending surprises that should not be missed.
5 Reviews
Here is an important film
Josh-605-68399511 December 2009
What a powerful story of love, compassion and forgiveness. The artistic beauty of this film somehow manages not to distract from making a very personal connection. After seeing the film I could not help but think of how war has touched us all. I am not sure if we will ever see a time without war in the world and that is why I feel this film is so important. This film shows the healing process necessary for our survival in the aftermath of war.
I believe everyone should see this incredible documentary. I was deeply affected by this film and can't wait to pick up the DVD when it becomes available.
I believe everyone should see this incredible documentary. I was deeply affected by this film and can't wait to pick up the DVD when it becomes available.
A Wonderful and Important Film
Always-Write3 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I just watched Children of War at the 6th Annual Artivist Film Festival in Hollywood. Going in to see the film, all I knew was it's about child soldiers in Uganda. As somebody who has seen several documentaries addressing the civilian casualties of the various war torn areas in Africa, I thought I knew what to expect. I was wrong.
From the establishing shot to the end credits, I really felt like I was immersed in some sort of surreal trip into a warped world where children have experienced more terror and emotional agony than most people could possibly imagine. Unfortunately, that world exists. That said, the bright spirit within these kids really exemplifies how resilient people can become under the proper recovery conditions. The mood of the film effectively uses a very sophisticated art-house black and white look and feel. A lot of indie directors with a keen eye can become indulgent with the visual aspects and fall short on the content, but I think Bryan Single avoided that pitfall. This could easily have become one of those movies (because it's shot beautifully), but it manages to keep an even balance between art and story.
Much like the contrasting aesthetics of Children of War, what makes the terribly sad stories of these injured kids (emotionally and often physically) truly special, is their openness and willingness to share their stories with the world in hopes to help themselves and others cope and persevere. While many films of this nature have also achieved this, what made this film stand out for me is both HOW the children are being helped at this particular recovery center, and the people who are there helping them. And of course, the remarkable children themselves are riveting centerpieces of how healing and forgiveness can be achieved in the wake of tragedy. Without spoiling too many specific aspects of the movie, I'll say that the creativity of the people who work with these kids at the recovery center in Uganda, the brave subjects themselves, and the artistry that director Bryan Single implemented to help tell their stories, it all really meshes into an extremely rewarding experience. It's a truly special independent documentary in every sense of the word.
From the establishing shot to the end credits, I really felt like I was immersed in some sort of surreal trip into a warped world where children have experienced more terror and emotional agony than most people could possibly imagine. Unfortunately, that world exists. That said, the bright spirit within these kids really exemplifies how resilient people can become under the proper recovery conditions. The mood of the film effectively uses a very sophisticated art-house black and white look and feel. A lot of indie directors with a keen eye can become indulgent with the visual aspects and fall short on the content, but I think Bryan Single avoided that pitfall. This could easily have become one of those movies (because it's shot beautifully), but it manages to keep an even balance between art and story.
Much like the contrasting aesthetics of Children of War, what makes the terribly sad stories of these injured kids (emotionally and often physically) truly special, is their openness and willingness to share their stories with the world in hopes to help themselves and others cope and persevere. While many films of this nature have also achieved this, what made this film stand out for me is both HOW the children are being helped at this particular recovery center, and the people who are there helping them. And of course, the remarkable children themselves are riveting centerpieces of how healing and forgiveness can be achieved in the wake of tragedy. Without spoiling too many specific aspects of the movie, I'll say that the creativity of the people who work with these kids at the recovery center in Uganda, the brave subjects themselves, and the artistry that director Bryan Single implemented to help tell their stories, it all really meshes into an extremely rewarding experience. It's a truly special independent documentary in every sense of the word.
Brave Children of War!
ArmHov10 December 2009
Children of War has captured my soul. This documentary has been one of the most educational ones I have seen. Not having known the extent of suffering perpetrated upon these children, I sure learned quite a lot. The subject matter is very heart breaking and informative. It's encouraging to see help is available for these children and they are able to exorcise the demons within with the help of a very loving center and people.
Bryan Single's dedication and love seeps through the screen I wish the producers the best of everything and I definitely hope to see this documentary on the big screen, on HBO, on DVD, etc
Thank you Mr. Single and crew for your passion and interest and thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.
Bryan Single's dedication and love seeps through the screen I wish the producers the best of everything and I definitely hope to see this documentary on the big screen, on HBO, on DVD, etc
Thank you Mr. Single and crew for your passion and interest and thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.
A "must see" film
christinal4417 December 2009
If you missed "Children of War" at the Artivist International Film Festival in Los Angeles, go to film's website or Facebook page and watch for any opportunity to catch it again. You simply have to see it. It was this year's winner of the Children's Advocacy Award, and with good reason. This independent film project was a clearly labor of love by Director Bryan Single, who stated in the Q&A that he spent 3 years traveling to Africa, living with the children at the Children's Rehabilitation facility that is the primary location for the film, and capturing their stories in the hope that by sharing their experiences, much needed assistance will be found.
The film is set in Uganda during the height of the ongoing conflict between the Ugandan government and the religion-based, militant terrorist group known as The Lord's Resistance Army led by Joseph Kony. Children of War provides sufficient history and background to enlighten viewers about the basis for the rebellion and the LRA's belief system, but does not dwell unnecessarily on the battle for control. It remains diligently focused on the real story, which is, of course, the children.
Children of War introduces us to three remarkable youths, kidnapped at an age when their greatest concern should be what will happen on the next episode of the favorite cartoon, who are instead forced to participate in and endure atrocities hardly imaginable. As heartbreaking as their experiences may have been, what happens next when they are rescued from the battlefield, enter the Children's Rehabilitation Center and the story begins to truly unfold, is remarkable. Simply astounding. This film eloquently captures both the worst and the best of humanity.
The film is set in Uganda during the height of the ongoing conflict between the Ugandan government and the religion-based, militant terrorist group known as The Lord's Resistance Army led by Joseph Kony. Children of War provides sufficient history and background to enlighten viewers about the basis for the rebellion and the LRA's belief system, but does not dwell unnecessarily on the battle for control. It remains diligently focused on the real story, which is, of course, the children.
Children of War introduces us to three remarkable youths, kidnapped at an age when their greatest concern should be what will happen on the next episode of the favorite cartoon, who are instead forced to participate in and endure atrocities hardly imaginable. As heartbreaking as their experiences may have been, what happens next when they are rescued from the battlefield, enter the Children's Rehabilitation Center and the story begins to truly unfold, is remarkable. Simply astounding. This film eloquently captures both the worst and the best of humanity.
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