Reviews

This film is by far one of the most moving, well filmed and acted films I have seen in many years. The touching story shows the life of young Simon played perfectly by Ian Michael Smith in a very small, and not always understanding community. It is set beautifully in the 1950s and shows how the inner strength and enormous faith shown by such a little boy afflicted with so many physical problems can have such an influence on those around him along with the respect he would command amongst his piers. The film also stars well known child actor Joseph Mazzello who plays Joe Wenteworth ( Simon's best friend.) Mazzello also starred in Jurassic Park, The River Wild, The Curse etc I think this was Joseph's finest performance yet. It was also very nice to see a cameo performance by Jim Carrey as the grown up Joe, and to see how Jim can be a very convincing serious actor too ! I would like to see more roles of this type from Jim for maybe the years to come ?

The photography was so well executed, and showed such lovely changing seasons through the year it was set. For me there were so many 'post card 'scenes. The pop songs of the 50s used blended perfectly with the film, and also had one of the most lovely and very memorable soundtracks too written by Marc Shaiman.

I must recommend this film to all who have not yet seen it. It scores a 10 on the 'weepie' scale too so be warned !!

This film was quite a touching story of a college professor who discovers that he has a son living in France as a result of hearing through an old French friend that the boy's mother who the professor had an affair with had recently died in an accident.The professor of course has a burning desire to meet his son.The children's acting did leave a little to be desired but had a few touching moments by young actor Sebastien Dungan playing Jean-Claude. At one point during a scene in the professor's home a microphone is actually seen at the top of the picture which for me spoiled the film a little.There were however some lovely scenes set in France towards the beginning of the film, and on the beach prior to the end of the film.

The music score was lovely and was by French composer Georges Delarue.Quite a tear-jerker in places and worth seeing if you can get a copy.