Sofia, a preteen Ukrainian girl living in exile in Poland with her family, struggles to find her place while caring for her younger brother. She finds a friend, Piotr, and discovers a world outside her family, which she tries to be a part of regardless of her mother's objections.
This film is outstanding. It meets the KIDS FIRST! Criteria in every way and I highly recommend it. It shows how emotional and friendly support from your peers is needed and can positively influence a child to be mentally and emotionally healthy. While specialized mental health is needed for people like Sofia, dealing with trauma, a healthy relationship with one's own age group is also helpful. Sofia and Piotr's friendship provides Sofia with the companionship and support she requires and while she is unable to do things she wants, like going to an in-person school, she looks forward to the future. I believe viewers will enjoy this film because they can relate to Sofia and her struggles to care of her younger sibling. It shows how friendship and having a shoulder to lean on helps a person, especially a child, become better adjusted to their living situation. It also depicts how Ukrainian people have sought refuge in other countries while dealing with the trauma of the war.
The dialogue flows well and we understand Sofia's issues and feel empathy towards her. We can relate to her frustration with her mother and the stress she feels from having to take care of herself and her brother. Viewers who need to take care of their younger siblings will find her particularly relatable. The situation in the film is accurate and suitable for preteens and teens, as viewers see how the Russian/Ukrainian war has affected people their own age. Older viewers can also enjoy the film, as it deals with sensitive topics and shows how the war affects the mental health and stability of children. The film is well shot and well acted - the performance of the actress playing the mother stands out. You clearly see the woman's struggle with everyday life, the weight of expectations, and the tiredness she has from taking care of her family. While they do not show or talk about the war directly, we understand it is ongoing. This is the primary reason why the mother does not want to move back to Ukraine, despite the fact that she packs and unpacks her bags on a regular basis, in hopes that one day they can finally return.
The film's message is that, despite everything, if a person is provided proper emotional and peer support, they will have the strength to push forward and look towards the future.
I give In the Circle 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Oyebisola O., KIDS FIRST!
Sofia, a preteen Ukrainian girl living in exile in Poland with her family, struggles to find her place while caring for her younger brother. She finds a friend, Piotr, and discovers a world outside her family, which she tries to be a part of regardless of her mother's objections.
This film is outstanding. It meets the KIDS FIRST! Criteria in every way and I highly recommend it. It shows how emotional and friendly support from your peers is needed and can positively influence a child to be mentally and emotionally healthy. While specialized mental health is needed for people like Sofia, dealing with trauma, a healthy relationship with one's own age group is also helpful. Sofia and Piotr's friendship provides Sofia with the companionship and support she requires and while she is unable to do things she wants, like going to an in-person school, she looks forward to the future. I believe viewers will enjoy this film because they can relate to Sofia and her struggles to care of her younger sibling. It shows how friendship and having a shoulder to lean on helps a person, especially a child, become better adjusted to their living situation. It also depicts how Ukrainian people have sought refuge in other countries while dealing with the trauma of the war.
The dialogue flows well and we understand Sofia's issues and feel empathy towards her. We can relate to her frustration with her mother and the stress she feels from having to take care of herself and her brother. Viewers who need to take care of their younger siblings will find her particularly relatable. The situation in the film is accurate and suitable for preteens and teens, as viewers see how the Russian/Ukrainian war has affected people their own age. Older viewers can also enjoy the film, as it deals with sensitive topics and shows how the war affects the mental health and stability of children. The film is well shot and well acted - the performance of the actress playing the mother stands out. You clearly see the woman's struggle with everyday life, the weight of expectations, and the tiredness she has from taking care of her family. While they do not show or talk about the war directly, we understand it is ongoing. This is the primary reason why the mother does not want to move back to Ukraine, despite the fact that she packs and unpacks her bags on a regular basis, in hopes that one day they can finally return.
The film's message is that, despite everything, if a person is provided proper emotional and peer support, they will have the strength to push forward and look towards the future.
I give In the Circle 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Oyebisola O., KIDS FIRST!
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