Garotos em Guerra

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.

I remember seeing this one when I was seven or eight. I must have found the characters round, because they left a impression in my mind that lasted for a long time after the end of the movie. And the ending, now that's sad, well... for a 7-8 year old kid.

I had the opportunity of seeing this movie again lately, and found that the plot was too simple, the character, two-dimensional... I guess it's the kind of movie that you can only with the innocence of a young child... Pity...

I recommend this one for all you parents with small kids... ( I saw it in its original french version, so I cannot tell you whether the translation is good or not.)

***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).

I watched this movie when I was about 8 years old. I taped it and watched it over and over. I loved it so much I even borrowed the novel from the library and red it twice. As a child I didn't read a lot of books for fun so this was a first. I have not seen this movie for 15 years. I recently saw it on TV. It wasn't till now that I realized that it was dubbed. I always thought that it was originally in English.

This movie is on my list of favourite movies. It's not a spectacular, oscar winning movie but it just brings back memories of how much I use to love it. The ending always left me crying. The values it teaches still rings true today. War does nothing even if it is with snowballs.