Der Schneeballkrieg

What can i say about this movie? I have seen it quite a few times since the first time when i was around 6. I have seen the english version and it is done very well. It is a great movie for all ages, but it is directed more for children. I love the childlike humor and appreciate it. If you have not seen it, you should try to rent a copy, you will not be disappointed!

During the winter break a large group of kids decide to break into two groups and play "war." One group stakes the kids barn/hideout as their base and the other group builds an amazing ice brick fortress complete with slides, a faux front door, and a snowball armory. The kids set up rules, spy on each other, get frustrated because they can't talk to kids on the other team. There is a conscientious objector, a kind of goofy nature-lovin' kid who tries to stop the war several times. I remember seeing this when I was pretty young and it made a lasting impression. I have only seen a dubbed into English copy (which makes some of the taunts the kids say pretty funny.)

I watched this movie in the mid 80s when I was about the same age as the kids. It mimicked my childhood experience so much of playing outside and building forts. I saw it again last night with my 14 year old who thought it wouldn't be that good and I think she really liked it (she watched the entire movie at least). It made me long for a simpler time before devices robbed kids of their childhood. I still think most kids prefer to go play outside but far too many like devices now. Hopefully this movie can inspire kids to go outside and play but also think of the consequences of their actions. I also loved the cheesy synth music in the film.

One of the more successful movies in Quebec filmmakers' "Contes pour tous" (Tales for All) line of films, La Guerre Des Tuques is a simple story about kids who form 2 groups that will engage in snowball fights during the Christmas holidays.

Having seen this film recently for the first time since I was a kid, I was amazed at how it hasn't lost any of its appeal after all these years. Adults watching this will get a warm case of nostalgia (as well as some good laughs) and kids will be treated to a tale of friendship, loss and peace all while having a great time. I would say the main theme here is youthful innocence coming to a head with the realities of life.

I recommend this film to anyone. They don't make em' like this anymore.

***1/2 Out of ***** While I am not concerned with the fact that this is an English dubbed version as some reviewers have mentioned, it should be noted, as it seems to reside in many Quebecois native hearts. However, this was a movie as a child that I was a fervent admirer of; keeping in mind now that it was made for children, I rate it on a relative basis. The story is of children on winter break building an awesome snow fort, and jostling back-'n-forth for control with weapons such as snowballs and other concoctions, as idle hands and free time equal winter break lessons. If I had children, this definitely is a film I would try and get them interested in, as the snow fort wowed me when I was young, and I think even children today would agree, albeit with Pixar and all the computer animation, maybe I am out of date and just don't realize it. In addition, the movie's message is wonderfully allegorical and a positive one at that, for children (and adults alike).