The story follows two brothers who go on an adventure trying to save their dying little sister. The kids get in a disagreement and Bastian get his feelings really hurt. His sister and his mom try to cheer him up and they start to play a different game. Bastian's character evolves into being brave in the process of this high stakes game.
I like the story and how the kids use their imagination and how the mom contributes to make the brothers work together in the game to save their sister. The camerawork is quite good, using low angle shots showing Bastian laying on the ground and Selma behind him to help define how defeated and low he is feeling. The same shot is used when they give the sister the antidote. The shaky camera also adds to the fast action confusion effectively.
What I like about the sets and locations, which are mostly outside, allow the kids to run about. The background music pinpoints strong and slower moments effectively. The special effects are used quite well, starting at the beginning with fake gun shows and later to show land mines. They are not very believable, but work for the storyline.
The characters are played well. Bastian Kyster plays himself and show great expression, especially his highs and lows. Elias Kyster also plays himself and shows sincerity. Selma Kyster, also playing herself, is a good fit because she relates well to the two boys. The production designer stands out because of the carefully designed surroundings. The director also stands out because of the shaky camera use that shows the motion so well. My favorite part is when the little girl gives her hair pin to Bastian for good luck because she wants him to be happy and also the ending, which comes to a satisfactory conclusion.
The message of the film is to persevere; push yourself to be better and never give up. You should know that there is a lot of gun play in this film - pretend guns, but still guns.
I give The Forgotten World 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Melissa M., KIDS FIRST! Juror
The story follows two brothers who go on an adventure trying to save their dying little sister. The kids get in a disagreement and Bastian get his feelings really hurt. His sister and his mom try to cheer him up and they start to play a different game. Bastian's character evolves into being brave in the process of this high stakes game.
I like the story and how the kids use their imagination and how the mom contributes to make the brothers work together in the game to save their sister. The camerawork is quite good, using low angle shots showing Bastian laying on the ground and Selma behind him to help define how defeated and low he is feeling. The same shot is used when they give the sister the antidote. The shaky camera also adds to the fast action confusion effectively.
What I like about the sets and locations, which are mostly outside, allow the kids to run about. The background music pinpoints strong and slower moments effectively. The special effects are used quite well, starting at the beginning with fake gun shows and later to show land mines. They are not very believable, but work for the storyline.
The characters are played well. Bastian Kyster plays himself and show great expression, especially his highs and lows. Elias Kyster also plays himself and shows sincerity. Selma Kyster, also playing herself, is a good fit because she relates well to the two boys. The production designer stands out because of the carefully designed surroundings. The director also stands out because of the shaky camera use that shows the motion so well. My favorite part is when the little girl gives her hair pin to Bastian for good luck because she wants him to be happy and also the ending, which comes to a satisfactory conclusion.
The message of the film is to persevere; push yourself to be better and never give up. You should know that there is a lot of gun play in this film - pretend guns, but still guns.
I give The Forgotten World 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Melissa M., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST! Goes Local: Submit a review & win!
