
The Courage of Being Kind Brings a White Bird of Hope
Share
I just watched one of the poignant and powerful movies I have seen in some time.
Seriously.
In a world filled with negativity and where being a bully seems celebrated, a film showing the heartbreaking truth that sometimes true courage comes in kindness was both breathtaking and breathtakingly beautiful.
I received a preview of the film for the purpose of this review. All opinions are mine.
It is my Universe, after all.
The new Lionsgate film, White Bird, really is worthy of your time and a trip to the theater with the whole family. Narrated by the mighty Helen Mirren and carried by two of the finest young actors I have witnessed in years, (remember the names Ariella Glaser and Orlando Schwerdt - you will see them again) it tells the story of Sara Blum, a young Jewish woman coming of age under German occupation. When the roundups finally reach her town in the "Free Zone", her idyllic life is thrown into dangerous turmoil.
Separated from her family, she finds solace and security from a school-mate Julien and his family. The relationship that grows due to this immense and brave kindness in the shadow of the greatest hate-filled atrocity of the last century.
It Happened
Lately, I have been shocked by a recent rise of Holocaust denialism. It has been said before and should be said again, those who do not learn the lessons of the past are destined to repeat them. This movie is a painful reminder of how quickly hate can take hold and turn friends to acquaintances, acquaintances to neighbors, and before you know it, neighbors are enemies. Much like snow building in an avalanche, it happens slowly, then it happens suddenly.
The film also teaches that like the white bird flying above the trees, kindness can carry something bigger and stronger just beyond all of that misery and destruction.
Choosing Kindness is an Act of Power
For years, I have made my motto, #bekind. I am not unique necessarily in that. I have also said #choosekindness sincerely. It is at the heart of the pebble. But how often has it cost me to be kind. When I was younger, it did. As a teen, I was faced with choices much like the modern grandson to Sara. Julian, the bully from Wonder -admittedly an odd "sequel" tie-in creates White Bird's frame, and frankly I failed at times. While not openly cruel, I crumpled under the weight of peer pressure and was not the champion of others that I wish I had been. Maybe that is why I fight so hard today. Not so much to right my hurts, but to make amends in some way. I wonder in watching would I be a Julien? Sadly, I have doubts.
When a film reminds us to be better, to do better, it rises to the level of art. This film is art. From beginning to end, it is made with care, curiosity, joy, strength, and deep, deep pain. I would be remiss to not mention the performance of Gillian Anderson. Never have I seen a poor performance by her and yet this smaller role may be her finest. I cannot stop tears as I type and yet I am loathe to speak more lest I take a moment from the film's power.
Couldn't Look Away
Often I get screeners and I put them on and begin other parts of my day, whether it's answering email, checking Instagram, or even folding clothes. It wasn't fifteen minutes into White Bird that I was unable to look away. I put away my phone (my daughter would attest that rare feat) and I sat as still and focused as if I were at my local film house. It's that good.
They Need to Know
Please go see this film. Take any child that you believe is old enough to handle the material. They need to know. They need to know the history. They need to know the bad things that happened. They also need to know there were still good people to be found. They need to know that kindness could still be found.
They need to know that kindness can change the world. In fact, when it was done, kindness did change the world.
#bebravechoosekindness
White Bird is open in theaters now or you can get your tickets here.
1 comment
I so want to see this movie with my family it looks so moving. I also really like the cast of this film.