The Adventures of Ociee Nash

Growing up, Sounder, Tom Sawyer, and Mary Poppins were the movies that molded me and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of Ociee Nash, a small homegrown film. As a Georgian, I was glad to see Atlanta's beauty through a filmmaker's eyes and as an artist, I was glad to see so many local celebrities mixed in with solid performers like Keith Carradine and Mare Winningham. We, in the suburbs of Atlanta, were fortunate to be able to send many friends to to see what I now call an endangered species - the FAMILY FILM. As I grow older, I long for those films that make us, as human beings, dare to search for great adventure. Milam Propst's A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street was a great children's book that some adults may never have known about had there not been The Adventures of Ociee Nash. I am glad the McGary sisters had the vision to turn this magical story into a movie that everyone can enjoy. As a side note - any story with a mysterious gypsy with one eye and an infectious laugh is sure to be a crowd pleaser!!

The movie is a story about a young girl coming of age around 1900 in the South. It plays the tale straight, without winking to the audience. A wonderful independent film without any apologies. The characters are well developed. The cast is quite good and engaging. The dialogue is well written and delivers some important lessons about life. The leading young actress has a terrific screen presence. She shows a great deal of potential for future endeavors. The film is beautifully photographed and very polished. A live action feature which is a great alternative to the usual animation product the film studios create for children. Parents will be entertained as well.

The Adventures of Ociee Nash is a welcome respite from the the majority of children's movies these days. It is a quiet movie with an uplifting message. While it may seem geared to girls, my 10 year old son, was just as enthused about the movie as my 6 year-old daughter. My daughter has frequently said she needs to "find her courage", just like Ociee. In addition to a compelling story-line, I enjoyed the costumes, and beautiful cinematography. The lead, Sklyer Day is a delight, who finds her voice as the movie progresses. I especially likes the "neighborhood" boys who Ociee and her friend meet at the creek - this scene seemed an good real depiction of the age old question - Can girls do everything that boys can - sure they can! We also like the train sequence and the opportunity it provided for discussion after the movie about the time frame during which the movie takes place.

There aren't enough movies being made that are both appropriate, and entertaining for my entire family. The Adventures of Ociee Nash was both. The basic story, featuring a female "Tom Sawyer" type character was a classic tale with a beautiful example of what family really means. This movie touches the heart. While it may not be as polished as a big budget film, the costumes, sets and cinematography were excellent. Historical characters peppered throughout the film add humor and education. I would love to have this movie in my home library. I would also feel very comfortable giving it as a gift. Little kids, grand parents and everyone in between will enjoy this sweet and funny story.

If you have children and do not like the films of today that strip our young children of their innocence, you will love this film! Simple, safe for any child, clean, good story line, lively charactors, beautiful scenery, great history lesson through fiction and just a calm relaxing movie for the parents and their children. Nice change of pace... It will remind you (if you are a babyboomer) of the Disney type films we grew up on. Read the other comments and of coarse the one bad one, isn't funny how we all focus on the one bad comment and ignore the all the other good ones. People love the negative. Well Ociee Nash film is everything but negative, so if you would like some positive in your live go see ociee.