I don't think there's anything wrong with a movie having a strong anti-war slant with a pacifist message, provided that there's some element of reality inserted as well. Released approximately three years following the end of World War II, director Joseph Losey was obviously commenting on the horrors of war leaving many orphans in it's wake on both sides of the conflict. What I found fascinating, and this has some bearing on modern times, is when the 'ghost' of the poster boy orphan called upon Russians, Americans, Chinese, British and French to find a way to live in peace and condemn war because war is bad for children. Did the film makers not include Germans, Japanese and Italians for fear of offending those countries? Something to think about when political leaders of many nations today refuse to call terrorists 'terrorists' for that very reason.
I liked the green hair idea though. The concept was effectively used to show that differences among people should not automatically be cause for exclusion. I think the younger one is when they hear that message, the better chance for understanding there is among those of different nationality, color, race, etc. I realize Gramp (Pat O'Brien) was just trying to do what was best for Peter (Dean Stockwell), but I can't help but wonder if the boy would have been better served by having an adult stand with him against the rest of the community and advise against the haircut. That's why I thought the teacher Miss Brand (Barbara Hale) was the most insightful character in the story; her survey of kids with different hair color had a way of putting the class at ease and not make a big deal out of Peter's 'abnormality'. After all, there was only one kid in class with red hair, and nobody had a problem with that, did they?
Overall I think the movie's positive message outweigh it's faults, and has sort of a timeless appeal making it appropriate for younger kids to watch today if you can wrestle them away from their cell phones. One kid in the story I'd have them keep an eye on is the young teen who lost his glasses chasing Peter who turns on him as soon as he got the glasses back. He reminded me of a politician who'll make any promise to get your vote, only to have it turn out a lie once elected. How many times have we seen that?
I liked the green hair idea though. The concept was effectively used to show that differences among people should not automatically be cause for exclusion. I think the younger one is when they hear that message, the better chance for understanding there is among those of different nationality, color, race, etc. I realize Gramp (Pat O'Brien) was just trying to do what was best for Peter (Dean Stockwell), but I can't help but wonder if the boy would have been better served by having an adult stand with him against the rest of the community and advise against the haircut. That's why I thought the teacher Miss Brand (Barbara Hale) was the most insightful character in the story; her survey of kids with different hair color had a way of putting the class at ease and not make a big deal out of Peter's 'abnormality'. After all, there was only one kid in class with red hair, and nobody had a problem with that, did they?
Overall I think the movie's positive message outweigh it's faults, and has sort of a timeless appeal making it appropriate for younger kids to watch today if you can wrestle them away from their cell phones. One kid in the story I'd have them keep an eye on is the young teen who lost his glasses chasing Peter who turns on him as soon as he got the glasses back. He reminded me of a politician who'll make any promise to get your vote, only to have it turn out a lie once elected. How many times have we seen that?