I'm sure to be chastised for recognizing a film that un-arguably demonstrates the oft-used pillars of indie-aesthetic and sentimental melodrama. But I'm willing to take that risk simply because I adore this film. Owl and the Sparrow shines brighter and finishes better than most work coming out of the USA today and let's face it - we all need a dose of smile once in awhile.
Patience... an open-mind, and a willing attention-span required.
A random film review captures the essence of how really precious children are:
["Stephane Gauger loves
the children of his native Vietnam - all of them. Owl and the Sparrow is an
unabashedly poetic and sentimental film about the hardships too many children
face, and a compelling invitation to share his compassion for them. Working as
writer, director, and cinematographer combined, and with a small crew and
limited budget, one suspects Mr. Gauger has poured all of himself into this
film, and I applaud his passion and accomplishment. The central story revolves
around Thuy, a 10-year-old orphan who runs away from an abusive uncle who has
taken her in for the cheap labor she provides, preferring to fend for herself
on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) instead. Thankfully, Gauger spares
us the uglier and grittier fates Thuy might well have met there. Nevertheless,
the film conveys the atmosphere of the life a child faces on the city's streets
with greater authenticity and power than any I've seen since Three Seasons
(Vietnam, 1999). Led by a captivating performance by first-time actress Han Thi
Pham, and Gauger's gripping cinematography, the film engages us emotionally in
Thuy's quest, while reminding us at the same time that Thuy's is but one of too
many such stories. I highly recommend Owl and the Sparrow to all whose hearts
are moved by the plight of children at risk around the world. The Owl and the
Sparrow is far more than just an evening's entertainment."]
["Stephane Gauger loves the children of his native Vietnam - all of them. Owl and the Sparrow is an unabashedly poetic and sentimental film about the hardships too many children face, and a compelling invitation to share his compassion for them. Working as writer, director, and cinematographer combined, and with a small crew and limited budget, one suspects Mr. Gauger has poured all of himself into this film, and I applaud his passion and accomplishment. The central story revolves around Thuy, a 10-year-old orphan who runs away from an abusive uncle who has taken her in for the cheap labor she provides, preferring to fend for herself on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) instead. Thankfully, Gauger spares us the uglier and grittier fates Thuy might well have met there. Nevertheless, the film conveys the atmosphere of the life a child faces on the city's streets with greater authenticity and power than any I've seen since Three Seasons (Vietnam, 1999). Led by a captivating performance by first-time actress Han Thi Pham, and Gauger's gripping cinematography, the film engages us emotionally in Thuy's quest, while reminding us at the same time that Thuy's is but one of too many such stories. I highly recommend Owl and the Sparrow to all whose hearts are moved by the plight of children at risk around the world. The Owl and the Sparrow is far more than just an evening's entertainment."]
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