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I Am David
By Kay R. Daly
December 6, 2004

It's 1952. A twelve-year old boy, David, escapes a Communist gulag carrying a compass, a half loaf of bread, a bar of soap, a sealed letter and instructions to go to Denmark.

Within the first moments of the opening credits of the new film "I am David," the viewer is sucked into this little boy's devastated world. And at the beginning, his world is dark, forboding, and on the razor's edge between life and death. "I am David" was based upon the classic Anne Holm novel by the same name which won the ALA Notable Book award in 1965, the 1963 Best Scandinavian Children's Book award and the Boys Club of America Junior Book Award Gold Medal. It was one of those books that just begged to be filmed.

Holmes wrote about a time in history that is seldom the backdrop for a film. After the Russian Revolution of 1917, the forced labor camps that had existed under the czars expanded exponentially. From then until after Joseph Stalin's death in 1953, some 18 million people passed through the labor camp system.

Most schoolchildren are not taught about the communist system except in glowing, idealistic terms. "The Iron Curtain" merely means a very secure border by most history textbook definitions. "I am David" gives us a rare glimpse not only into the actual horror of the gulag, but also the beautiful simplicity of a gulag survivor tasting the simple joys of freedom for the first time.

In fact, the whole film is a string of beautiful, simple moments that reconnect David to humanity at large as well as his own humanity. Stung like a dog that has been repeatedly beaten, David trusts no one except his friend Johannes, artfully played by Jim Caviezel from "The Passion of the Christ."

"Believe in the power to change your destiny" is more than a catchy slogan for this movie. It should be framed and hanging on the wall of every child's room on the planet. What a different place this world would be if children were taught this simple but extraordinary lesson instead of being indoctrinated into the cult of victimhood. What David teaches us is that with determination, focus, faith, strength and integrity, you can indeed reach your goal. No matter how distant or seemingly impossible.

This is one of those films that the whole family can and should see if only for the conversation that could be sparked by its contents. There is a teacher's guide for the film available (web site) which is worthwhile for parents and Sunday School teachers as well. From history and religion to social studies and character education, there is a wealth of riches in lesson plans in this rarity of a film.

Why is this film a rarity? Because Hollywood is still under the mistaken illusion that any non-animated, non-Pixar generated film that isn't chock full of car chases, graphic sex, technological wizardry and at least one gratuitous homosexual reference it will have no box office value whatsoever. It is a good thing for those of us who'd like to bring the entire family to a film that Walden Media, the producers of "I am David", are insightful, talented folks who clearly believe that a powerful story will fill the screen far more memorably than most of the politically correct, super-hyped schlock that Hollywood turns out these days.

A suggestion, dear friends. Go and see this simple, beautiful film. Take your children. Discuss it with them. Help them understand the amazing gift of freedom that they have been blessed with and the obligation that we all have to protect it. Encourage your friends, family and neighbors to see "I am David" as well. With good box office returns - maybe, just maybe - Hollywood will get the message, too. Finally.

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Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.