Watch Kids' Reviews of
MY GIFT (2021)

What to know: Heartwarming and tender, yet heartbreaking as well.
MY GIFT (2021) is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title
Recommended age 8-18
15 minutes
VIDEO
MICHAEL RASO
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MY GIFT (2021) cover image
My Gift is so heartbreaking and yet, so tender and heartwarming. Each scene is well-filmed and made me want to cry. The characters are excellently developed, and the warmth and chemistry between the two leads really enhance the story. My only, minor complaint, is that the dialogue is a bit stilted at times.

The story is about the friendship between a young boy and girl during a hospital stay.

The storyline is incredible. The writer's decision to begin with a flash forward strengthens the overall film and pulls the viewer in instantly, making the end reveal even more heart-wrenching. The climax shocked me, but is so well revealed that I almost cried.

The camera work is well executed; while it doesn't use any flashy tricks, the simplicity makes the film feel almost like a documentary and it's even more impactful. The close-up at the beginning is particularly impressive. The sets and locations are all well selected and suit the story. The rugby game in the field provides a nice contrast to the rest of the story which takes place in a hospital. The two boys, Josh (Luke Hoogendyk) and Alia (Ridhi Prasad) are exceptionally portrayed; their reactions feel very real and life-like. Josh's parents, Peter (Joshua Fisk) and Karen (Catherine Ross) are also exceptionally acted. While both kids' characters are explores, Josh is much more developed than Alia. Still, both are vivid, life-like characters. The background music works well. First, the piano at the beginning gives you the impression that something bad had happened and the violins and cellos used later make the sad scenes more impactful. I commend the composer, as the music matches all the events and enhance the film. My favorite part is the scene where Josh wakes up in the hospital and Alia's bed is being cleaned. From the reactions of the nurse, you know exactly what has happened. The scene is so heartbreaking and yet, so well-done. I also like the scene where Josh collapses, because the way it's done emphasizes the suddenness of Josh's sickness. Luke Hoogendyk, who plays Josh, has acted in four other films.

The message of the film is about the power of friendship.

I give My Gift 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. I recommend this film because it is well-written, well-acted, and has excellent music selection. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST!

My Gift is so heartbreaking and yet, so tender and heartwarming. Each scene is well-filmed and made me want to cry. The characters are excellently developed, and the warmth and chemistry between the two leads really enhance the story. My only, minor complaint, is that the dialogue is a bit stilted at times.

The story is about the friendship between a young boy and girl during a hospital stay.

The storyline is incredible. The writer's decision to begin with a flash forward strengthens the overall film and pulls the viewer in instantly, making the end reveal even more heart-wrenching. The climax shocked me, but is so well revealed that I almost cried.

The camera work is well executed; while it doesn't use any flashy tricks, the simplicity makes the film feel almost like a documentary and it's even more impactful. The close-up at the beginning is particularly impressive. The sets and locations are all well selected and suit the story. The rugby game in the field provides a nice contrast to the rest of the story which takes place in a hospital. The two boys, Josh (Luke Hoogendyk) and Alia (Ridhi Prasad) are exceptionally portrayed; their reactions feel very real and life-like. Josh's parents, Peter (Joshua Fisk) and Karen (Catherine Ross) are also exceptionally acted. While both kids' characters are explores, Josh is much more developed than Alia. Still, both are vivid, life-like characters. The background music works well. First, the piano at the beginning gives you the impression that something bad had happened and the violins and cellos used later make the sad scenes more impactful. I commend the composer, as the music matches all the events and enhance the film. My favorite part is the scene where Josh wakes up in the hospital and Alia's bed is being cleaned. From the reactions of the nurse, you know exactly what has happened. The scene is so heartbreaking and yet, so well-done. I also like the scene where Josh collapses, because the way it's done emphasizes the suddenness of Josh's sickness. Luke Hoogendyk, who plays Josh, has acted in four other films.

The message of the film is about the power of friendship.

I give My Gift 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. I recommend this film because it is well-written, well-acted, and has excellent music selection. Reviewed by Sandrine A., KIDS FIRST!

A young boy is admitted to hospital for lifesaving treatment. He befriend's a young Indian girl who hopes a cure is found to save him before it's too late.
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