Watch Kids' Reviews of
WITHOUT A MAP

Without A Map, a masterpiece of a film, explores a massive spectrum of emotions. It deals with dark topics and handles them gently, with an overarching message of positivity. The high-quality cinematography enraptured me and held me under the illusion that I was watching a high-budget feature film.

The story follows Rebeca, who stands at the edge of a hospital roof, contemplating jumping off. Her mother recently passed, her depressed father does not interact with her and she is failing several classes at school. Rebeca believes her life has no meaning anymore. Without references, a map, or anyone to guide her, Rebeca finds it incredibly hard to find a way back to her old life... until she meets Elena.

Though depressing at some parts, Rebeca goes on an inspiring and beautiful journey over the course of the film. The message of hope, love and belonging combine to make this film relatively uplifting in the end.

Without a Map has high-quality cinematography that successfully emphasizes the characters and their actions when compared to the background - a perfect approach in such a character-centric film. The beginning shot, in stark black and white, left an incredible impression on me, but I also found the scenes at the hospital to be masterfully captured. The costumes fit the storyline and time period typical of what is worn in contemporary times. This film takes place in Madrid, Spain. The scenes in the forest at the beginning enrapture you, but the setting is overshadowed by the characters and plot. The music in successfully and deeply underscores the emotions in each scene, with a dynamic and unique tempo, volume and mood. It drives the action in the climax and enhances the viewing experience. Nacho Ros Bernal directs and writes this film. Paula Ramírez and Tania Medina play Rebeca and Elena respectively and both put on equally compelling performances. Their expressive acting and passionate characterizations crescendo in the final scene with un abrazo fuerte - that is, a good, long hug.

The message of the film is: if you feel lonely or depressed, know that there are always people who care about you and are alongside you. Your life is priceless.

This film does show kids doing risky things that kids might imitate (an attempted suicide). The scene when Elena, the teacher, enters Rebeca's bedroom and has an emotional heart-to-heart with her feels magical and has real emotional power to it. This film has dark thematic elements, but a message of hope at the end.

I give Without a Map 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages ages 13 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Without A Map, a masterpiece of a film, explores a massive spectrum of emotions. It deals with dark topics and handles them gently, with an overarching message of positivity. The high-quality cinematography enraptured me and held me under the illusion that I was watching a high-budget feature film.

The story follows Rebeca, who stands at the edge of a hospital roof, contemplating jumping off. Her mother recently passed, her depressed father does not interact with her and she is failing several classes at school. Rebeca believes her life has no meaning anymore. Without references, a map, or anyone to guide her, Rebeca finds it incredibly hard to find a way back to her old life... until she meets Elena.

Though depressing at some parts, Rebeca goes on an inspiring and beautiful journey over the course of the film. The message of hope, love and belonging combine to make this film relatively uplifting in the end.

Without a Map has high-quality cinematography that successfully emphasizes the characters and their actions when compared to the background - a perfect approach in such a character-centric film. The beginning shot, in stark black and white, left an incredible impression on me, but I also found the scenes at the hospital to be masterfully captured. The costumes fit the storyline and time period typical of what is worn in contemporary times. This film takes place in Madrid, Spain. The scenes in the forest at the beginning enrapture you, but the setting is overshadowed by the characters and plot. The music in successfully and deeply underscores the emotions in each scene, with a dynamic and unique tempo, volume and mood. It drives the action in the climax and enhances the viewing experience. Nacho Ros Bernal directs and writes this film. Paula Ramírez and Tania Medina play Rebeca and Elena respectively and both put on equally compelling performances. Their expressive acting and passionate characterizations crescendo in the final scene with un abrazo fuerte - that is, a good, long hug.

The message of the film is: if you feel lonely or depressed, know that there are always people who care about you and are alongside you. Your life is priceless.

This film does show kids doing risky things that kids might imitate (an attempted suicide). The scene when Elena, the teacher, enters Rebeca's bedroom and has an emotional heart-to-heart with her feels magical and has real emotional power to it. This film has dark thematic elements, but a message of hope at the end.

I give Without a Map 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages ages 13 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Eshaan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic

Rebeca is a teenager who plans to jump into the void; She used to be a happy girl, but just like Alice in Wonderland, one day she was lost in an unpredictable world. Without north and without references it seems very complex to find a way back.