The music and muted color tones of the film bring you right into the child's world of silent despair. In her darkness she discovers strength and later light. This is a terrific film about experiencing and witnessing bullying and then finding the courage to do something about it. The little girl's face hardly changes expression, yet by body language and the situations she's in, you know exactly what she's thinking. Her face barely changes when she realizes she can do something, but it's clear and powerful. This is a film that should be shown in classrooms around the world, as bullying is a worldwide issue and the resolution can translate into any culture.
3 Reviews
A Powerful Message About Bullying
rwootn2 February 2011
In a Heartbeat packs a powerful message. Bullying is global and it affects individuals and impacts society. The young actors, especially the lead actress along with the fantastic music excellently and dramatically convey the message that standing up to bullies is not only alright but the only thing we can do to end the terror, emotional damage, and pain they cause in their victim's lives. In the silence of words the emotions and feelings shouted loudly enhancing the level and degree at which I was able to emotionally connect with this film. Every school should use this short film to help kids talk about bullying. Thumbs up for the sensitivity and powerfully delivered message in In a Heartbeat.
Brilliant in its simplicity
keziah10110 March 2011
Warning: Spoilers
The music, lighting, acting and cinematography are subtle and understated yet far from basic. The filmmakers have taken the adage of "a picture paints a thousand words" and written a novel. A film without dialogue, In a Heartbeat, shows us that actions do indeed speak louder than words. In keeping with that essence, the young girl's facial expressions are also subtle. Her eyes tell the story of loneliness. Her body movements are slight, no overt drama there either. There was a sense of caution and resignation to every scene. The ending was in keeping with the style of the rest yet the girls's tentative smile was deeply moving. I'd like to see this shown as a lead up to the feature film in theatres. It would take the message about bullying far, and introduce children to a whole new world.
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