Watch Kids' Reviews of
WHEN I FIND THE OCEAN

Kids enjoyed this. "It was good although there were some scary parts like when it looked like the panther was going to eat Lily." "It makes me think about what I would do if something like this happened to me." "The Mom's boyfriend freaked me out." "The discrimination was bad, but the main characters weren't prejudiced." "I liked the clouds part 0- when she heard her father's voice." "It was clever to have her want to see the ocean since her father died at sea." "Joey and the rabbit were important since they were her friends." "I want to be sure I don't hang around kids who are prejudiced." Favorite part: "When Lily got to the ocean with the other to see it."

This film holds you in suspense continually, i.e.. the panther's danger, the poacher, etc. It touches on some sensitive topics such as child abuse and racism but handles it in a very sensitive manner. For instance, the racism of the 1960s in the geographical area of Alabama were real historically speaking, and the child abuse is, unfortunately realistic. Clearly the little girl is portrayed as a victim. Although these issues are sensitive they are part of reality for some and young teen viewers should be aware and have thoughts about how to respond to a situation like this, should it occur in their own lives or among their peers. The storyline holds your attention and you admire how this young girl learns how to overcome obstacles. This first time filmmaker, from Alabama, has done justice to her home state by including some beautiful footage.

A little girl leaves home with her pet dog and rabbit to escape abuse. She sets out to find the ocean in the hopes of feeling closer to her father who lost his life at sea.