In This Movie Fan's Top Ten

Rating: 10/10 (24 February 2005)

Having read others' comments here, I must conclude that some people shouldn't be reviewing movies.
This is a magnificent film, with stellar performances by John Malkovich and Christian Bale. I expected the excellent portrayal that we see with Malkovich, but that director Spielberg got such a perfect performance in this debut from twelve-year-old Christian Bale is nothing less than astounding. It is in my opinion the finest performance one could ever expect from a child, and this opinion, of course, speaks both to the acting and to the directing.
The film is fair, true, and uplifting. I am not a "cryer," but I cried when the American planes appeared. When Jim was reunited with his parents, I broke down.
The horror of war is shown in uncommon ways, not the least of which is the loss of innocence of this child.
"Haven't I taught you anything?" asks Malkovich's character.
"Yes," Jim replies. "You taught me that people will do anything for a potato."