Many of the comments on this wonderful film -- which I cannot watch without crying, or even describe the plot to other people without choking up -- talk about how sad, & in one case even "depressing", the film is.
On the contrary: If you watch it closely, the film, although it IS very sad, is actually incredibly uplifting and cathartic. While the main thrust of the film seems to be how cruel children can be to each other -- which as a retired schoolteacher I have witnessed countless times -- most people are missing the point. The real theme of the movie is not cruelty or unfairness, but about FORGIVENESS. It is when the little girl, Margot, FORGIVES the little boy for doing what he does to her, that the viewer (at least myself) may be moved to tears. And knowing that children are capable of that is what helps you to feel better (catharsis) at the end of the film.
I believe that ALL children -- as did the entire student body at my school one year -- should have the opportunity to view this film, although I have also seen some children laugh at, & make fun of the film. These children do not understand the true meaning of the film, and it needs to be explained to them by a caring adult who understands what Ray Bradbury was trying to say.
On the contrary: If you watch it closely, the film, although it IS very sad, is actually incredibly uplifting and cathartic. While the main thrust of the film seems to be how cruel children can be to each other -- which as a retired schoolteacher I have witnessed countless times -- most people are missing the point. The real theme of the movie is not cruelty or unfairness, but about FORGIVENESS. It is when the little girl, Margot, FORGIVES the little boy for doing what he does to her, that the viewer (at least myself) may be moved to tears. And knowing that children are capable of that is what helps you to feel better (catharsis) at the end of the film.
I believe that ALL children -- as did the entire student body at my school one year -- should have the opportunity to view this film, although I have also seen some children laugh at, & make fun of the film. These children do not understand the true meaning of the film, and it needs to be explained to them by a caring adult who understands what Ray Bradbury was trying to say.