Great family drama through children's viewpoint

Rating: 8/10 (6 December 2003)

The film is unique in it's viewpoint, being that of the children in the movie and especially that of it's narrator , the girl "scout".
With that viewpoint, the film deals with mature adult matters as seen through the children's eyes. It thrusts us into their world with their playfulness and fears, especially from their mad next door Neighbor.
There are certain scenes that are depicted as horror with the right lighting and music to accompany them , for it is the childhood fears that are depicted there , thus letting us experience it through their eyes.
The children are there in almost every scene, whether as witnesses or as the main attention. The child actors give some of the best performances I have ever seen of actors their age. They truly behave like kids do, and not like child actors acting as children, they are truly believable.
And let's not forget Gregory Peck giving one of his best performances as the loving protecting father on one side, and the protector of justice on the other, as he is defending an innocent black man in the racist American south.
In conclusion a great family drama, told with tenderness and care, depicted through the eyes of the children.