Watch Kids' Reviews of
ALICE IN WAR

Make no mistake. "Alice in War" is a fantastical romp. But! Rather than a simple recounting, this story is a modern allegory - an exploration of self through revisiting memories and facing one's fears and a statement on the way we have accommodated war. It is a remarkable telling of a child's struggle to make sense of the world in view of the death of her father and it's not too much of a stretch to speak of the therapeutic role imagination plays in that endeavor.

With thematic consistency, this piece provides viewers a window into our own struggles to make sense of a world that seems intent on self-destruction. It speaks to our (arguably) voluntary disempowerment, to our willingness to find comfort in lies and to our acceptance of our role as mindless cannon fodder especially when motivated by some form of glorious sacrifice. And, with the wounding of an angel who seems unwilling or unable to stop the carnage, there is a statement on the impotence of religion.

The continual sounds of war bring to mind the Swedish film, 'Force Majeure' the background of which is relentlessly pounded by the sound of cannons used to trigger avalanches. It becomes a character on its own. In this case, the sound of war is something we've learned to live with - background noise to life. The visual component of this script is often extraordinary - notably the piano scene and Britton's music, but many others are outstanding as well.

All in all this is a story remarkably well crafted and well told. Excellent writing, with a bit of room to improve. I give Alice In War 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Juror #10.

Make no mistake. "Alice in War" is a fantastical romp. But! Rather than a simple recounting, this story is a modern allegory - an exploration of self through revisiting memories and facing one's fears and a statement on the way we have accommodated war. It is a remarkable telling of a child's struggle to make sense of the world in view of the death of her father and it's not too much of a stretch to speak of the therapeutic role imagination plays in that endeavor.

With thematic consistency, this piece provides viewers a window into our own struggles to make sense of a world that seems intent on self-destruction. It speaks to our (arguably) voluntary disempowerment, to our willingness to find comfort in lies and to our acceptance of our role as mindless cannon fodder especially when motivated by some form of glorious sacrifice. And, with the wounding of an angel who seems unwilling or unable to stop the carnage, there is a statement on the impotence of religion.

The continual sounds of war bring to mind the Swedish film, 'Force Majeure' the background of which is relentlessly pounded by the sound of cannons used to trigger avalanches. It becomes a character on its own. In this case, the sound of war is something we've learned to live with - background noise to life. The visual component of this script is often extraordinary - notably the piano scene and Britton's music, but many others are outstanding as well.

All in all this is a story remarkably well crafted and well told. Excellent writing, with a bit of room to improve. I give Alice In War 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Juror #10.

When young Alice follows her sister into the desert to save an Angel shot down by the military, she must confront mysteries born of grief and war, find her sister, and get home before they disappear forever.