Source of coming by this film: Found a VHS version at the Op Shop and dug out the old video player. Paid 50 cents. (Winning!)
How good is it?: 3/5. Would have got a 4 if I found it on dvd.
Based on the French novel by Louis Pergaud, this 1994 drama/comedy film is set in Ireland about a running feud between a group of youths from two towns, Carrickdowse (rich) and Ballydowse (poor) that are only separated by a bridge.
Children from both sides of the bridge are led by two skillfull tactictions; Fergus from Ballydowse, a poor boy who is illiterate but with amazing leadership qualities and Geronimo from Carrickdowse comes from a wealthy family who displays respect against his enemies. These youths lead and employ guerrila tactics, wreck havoc and go into battle with what is avaliable to them (sticks, stones, nuts, eggs, flour and one time nude) and take their trophies by cutting the ties, buttons and shoe laces of their enemies until the two towns decide they've had enough.
I have loved this film since I first saw it in 1995 and was suprised to learn that it was not on dvd yet. It is a light comdey with great wit, humor and lovely take on the coming of age like most films featuring children and teens are. But this movie is not like your normal preteen flick, its unique plot keeps you entertained and almost makes you wish that you had grown up in a backdrop like this.
If you can find it, watch it! If you don't see this version, you can see the 1962 and the upcoming 2011 French films.
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