The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1938)

From now on I officially love Technicolor! That's amazing to watch a color movie shot in 1930's. Especially one that depicts a yet earlier period. Looks like the life back then hasn't really been as black&white as we usually see it on photographs from that time, huh? :)


According to the Wikipedia article this technology has started to go mainstream in 1920's, so there's a lot of color movies from the beginning of the XX century. Although many are lost, those remaining are surely must watch!


And regarding the story itself, let's not forget what Mark Twain said about his book:

Although my book is intended mainly for the entertainment of boys and girls, I hope it will not be shunned by men and women on that account, for part of my plan has been to try to pleasantly remind adults of what they once were themselves, and of how they felt and thought and talked, and what queer enterprises they sometimes engaged in.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029844/
My vote: 7 of 10

Eres mi héroe (My Hero) (2003)

Ramón, the protagonist of the story, has to change schools every year because of his father's job relocations. To bear that he sets three simple rules: 1) don't fight; 2) don't snitch; 3) don't cry. The rules help him avoid troubles, but also reduce the chance of befriending his schoolmates. Odd and sad, isn't it?

When his family moves to Southern Spain, it seems like they're going to stay there for much longer than just a year, and Ramón decides that the time has come to make some friends. But what does he know about friendship? Not much aside from occasional interaction with his hero, an imaginary¹ Native Indian warrior, who guides him through tough situations and helps establish relations with his new schoolmates.

Actually, there are heroes in real life as well. Spanish and Latin American coming of age movies frequently mix in political issues in children's lives (Machuca (2004), O Ano em Que Meus Pais Saíram de Férias (2006), Espérame mucho (1983) to name a few.) Interestingly though, priests sometimes belong to left-wing movements which looks quite unusual in comparison with the Soviet world of ex-USSR. And when it comes to politics, such people suffer a lot, and that's when their somewhat "heroic" side appears. Anyway, this movie is not an exception, and there's a leftish priest teacher at school who helps kids understand many important things including democracy, and even sex. But the most important lesson for Ramón is when he learns that:

"FRIENDSHIP: Your friend is your brother even if he fails you."

Although boys replace "fails" with another f-word, but hey, does this really change the meaning of the sentence?! :)

The will for change often means the need to lose something from the past. Indeed, Ramón has to break all of his three rules, but having carefully learned the lessons taught by his heroes he manages to make new friends (and also a girlfriend, by the way, well, sort of.) And that's only the very beginning of the film!

How to turn bullies to friends? How to keep friendship alive? How will the political situation in 1970's Spain affect it? Is that possible to stay friends after school is over? Even if the friend fails you? These and many other important questions are explored through out this movie. The ending is unexpected, very beautiful, and perfect in my opinion.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0346947/
My vote: 8 of 10

[1] When I read or write the word "imaginary", I can't help recalling the South Park: Imaginationland (Video 2008).

Aldri mer 13! (Goodbye 13!) (1996)

What's it like to befriend someone? First you challenge the person to determine whether they're tough or gentle enough. Then you verify if you can trust them. And finally... well, you've become friends already! But here comes the most troublesome part: quarrels, betrayals, or simply disappointment. Can these obstacles ruin the friendship? Or do they build it up actually?

Quite unusual, this story depicts relationship between two schoolgirls Rikke and Bea. One would never guess that girls can be as crazy as boys: they play with matches setting a school building on fire, come running through the opposite sex locker room, and what not! Besides at the age of 13 they start to become sort of obsessed with boys which only complicates the story. Not to mention their relations with siblings and parents.


I like Scandinavian (and Northern European in general) realism: they tend to present people and situations in movies much like they're found in real life. Just take the father of the family for example: oh, there's some problem at home? He puts on his cycling suit and goes ride a bike. "I need some fresh air" - that's the only answer to Rikke's question on "what's the matter with my mom and sister?" Adults complicate teens' lives so very often...

The title of the movie doesn't mean, of course, that making friends is any different at other age. It's just that teenagers first realize how complex and multi-layered relations with other people are. Going through all the difficulties, Rikke and Bea end up being the best friends. They've learned a good lesson. Now it's time to move on. So, goodbye 13! :)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0182690/
My vote: 6 of 10

It Started in Naples (1960)

I guess it's getting a bit dark here. Let's have some fun with this bright story for a while. Unlike modern comedies, this movie doesn't contain any toilet humor. A tiny teaser:

- It's 2 o'clock in the morning and all this loud music around. How are people supposed to sleep here?
- ??? Together!

:) Well, yeah, the sex theme is present in almost all American movies, but in 50's it wasn't as explicitly expressed as it is today.

There's plenty of jokes there. Just look at what 8 yo Nando does to take another cigarette puff. He'll even cry on his aunt's shoulder while smoking her cigarette! What a smart kid! :)

If one wants to relax and have fun, this movie is worth watching.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053957/
My vote: 6 of 10