briliant narrative of war through child's eyes, flawless

Rating: 10/10 (8 April 1999)

I've heard and actually read once that this is one of the most underrated films in history. I almost wish it would have been released after Schindler's List and Pvt. Ryan because only now does it seem Speilberg is being given the credit he deserves. I remember seeing this film as a child and relating to it so well, I almost felt as though I was in the film (pardon the melodrama and cliche). I've rarely seen a film that could portray so honestly the perspective of a child in such harsh times as this film, and Christian Bale's performance is one of the best ever by a child. This film starts off so beautifully, I once read that the first half was the best Speilberg has ever done. The writer said, however, that the film seems to fall apart at the end. I think that it is beautiful how the film starts to be erratic at the end which wonderfully emulates what Jim is experiencing. The only film I watched years ago and today still cry at.
The scene where the P-51 pilot waves to Jim right before he realizes he has forgotten what his parents look like is possibly the greatest scene I have ever seen in a film. The ending is as touching as cinema can get.