The documentary follows twin three-year-olds Aleque and Issay, their younger sister Tiwa, and their parents as they move from Sweden to the bustling city of Beijing, China. Their new apartment is surrounded by skyscrapers, quite unlike their home in Sweden. Naturally, they long for what they left behind, but they eventually learn to love their new environment after navigating unfamiliar foods, a new language, and a bicycle that won't cooperate!
The plot develops chronologically and is uniquely narrated in English by the younger sister, presenting the journey strictly from a child's point of view. The adults are present, but almost as secondary characters. The camerawork is up-close and personal, revealing the kids' intimate expressions as they learn to use chopsticks, play in the park, or visit local restaurants. Being three blond-haired children, they definitely catch the attention of the local families around them.
The film's director and writer, Tora Mkandawire Mårtens, is an award-winning documentarian and the mother of the three children. She captures their energetic, expressive daily lives beautifully. Music is used judiciously, adding an upbeat tune at the end and supporting a reflective moment during their grandfather's funeral. My favorite scene is when Aleque and Issay are running down the Great Wall of China--it is incredibly scenic and shows how happy they have become in their new country.
The film's message is that home isn't a physical place, but is rather a feeling of love and dreams.
I give Aleque & Issay 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults.
By Hafsa H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
The documentary follows twin three-year-olds Aleque and Issay, their younger sister Tiwa, and their parents as they move from Sweden to the bustling city of Beijing, China. Their new apartment is surrounded by skyscrapers, quite unlike their home in Sweden. Naturally, they long for what they left behind, but they eventually learn to love their new environment after navigating unfamiliar foods, a new language, and a bicycle that won't cooperate!
The plot develops chronologically and is uniquely narrated in English by the younger sister, presenting the journey strictly from a child's point of view. The adults are present, but almost as secondary characters. The camerawork is up-close and personal, revealing the kids' intimate expressions as they learn to use chopsticks, play in the park, or visit local restaurants. Being three blond-haired children, they definitely catch the attention of the local families around them.
The film's director and writer, Tora Mkandawire Mårtens, is an award-winning documentarian and the mother of the three children. She captures their energetic, expressive daily lives beautifully. Music is used judiciously, adding an upbeat tune at the end and supporting a reflective moment during their grandfather's funeral. My favorite scene is when Aleque and Issay are running down the Great Wall of China--it is incredibly scenic and shows how happy they have become in their new country.
The film's message is that home isn't a physical place, but is rather a feeling of love and dreams.
I give Aleque & Issay 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults.
By Hafsa H. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
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