Search - I Am David on DVD

I Am David

Actor(s): Ben Tibber, James Caviezel, Joan Plowright, Hristo Shopov, Silvia De Santis
Director(s): Paul Feig
11

Movie Details

MPAA Rating: PG
Content Advisory: Mild Violence, Adult Situations, Scary Moments, Children in Peril
Movie Release: 2004
DVD Release: 04/05/2005
Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV - Closed Captioned
Audio Tracks: English
Subtitles: Spanish
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Number of Discs: 1
Run Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Studio: Lions Gate
Members Wishing: 11
Genres: Drama, Escape Film, Period Film, Childhood Drama

DVD Synopsis

A young boy is sent on a remarkable odyssey as he flees a Communist prison camp in this historical drama, set in Eastern Europe in the early '50s. David (Ben Tibber) is a 12-year-old boy who was sentenced with his parents to a Bulgarian labor camp when they were found guilty of political subversion; he hasn't seen his folks in years, and looks to fellow inmate Johannes (Jim Caviezel) for protection and guidance. One day, David is able to escape, and as he flees, he is given a sealed envelope with strict instructions that he is to travel to Denmark, and he cannot open the letter until he gets there. David makes his way to Greece, stows away on an Italian ship, and is befriended by Maria (Viola Carinci), a girl he saves from a fire. Maria convinces her wealthy family to take David in, but when they become curious about his background, David realizes he's in danger and is soon on the run once again. In time, David makes friends with Sophie (Joan Plowright), a kind Swiss woman who gives him a home and is willing to help him complete his long journey. I Am David was adapted from the novel -North to Freedom by Anne Holm, and represented a change of pace for director Paul Feig, best known for his work on such offbeat television comedies as Arrested Development and Freaks and Geeks. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Actors

Ben Tibber - David
James Caviezel - Johannes
Joan Plowright - Sophie
Hristo Shopov - The Man
Silvia De Santis - Elsa

Member Movie Reviews

Greg B. from ZEBULON, NC wrote on 11/17/2008...

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

What a great movie! I heard about this one after it hit DVD and I was really impressed with it. There are many things in this movie that an adult would need to explain to younger viewers, but they are handled respectfully and without all of the "shock" that Hollywood feels necessary to fill up a movie. It has become one of my family's favorites and all of my children like to watch it. The kid factor holds their interest and the content of the film opens doors to discuss many life issues as well as history and geography. Jim Caviezel gives a great, although brief performance. Ben Tibber is the star and is the focus of the film as "He Is David".

Patricia F. (patticom) from APO, AE wrote on 6/3/2008...

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

The book from which it came is based on real circumstances but not a specific person. It is just fantastical enough to move things along and make a more enjoyable picture while mostly staying firmly rooted in realistic possibility... a true story-driven movie that remains clean enough to be enjoyed by all ages and still deeply move you!! And the cinematography is just beautiful in parts; this is one I wish we could have seen in the theater (I didn't hear about it until after it was on DVD)! There are also some nice special features on the disk about the background and the story.