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| Movie Review: God Grew Tired of Us Alternate Title: The Lost Boys
Story: This heart rending, moving
documentary about the tragic story of the Lost Boys of Sudan must be
on your to see list. Yes, Sudan has been in the news but it's
people have been suffering for much longer than the horrendous recent
events you now see on TV and read about in the papers. The civil war in Sudan started in the early 1980's
when the oil rich Muslim north embarked on a campaign to eliminate the
mostly farming, Christian south. The slaughter was brutal and with the
decision by the Government to kill all of the Christian young males
the exodus began. Some 27,000 young boys started to walk out of the
Sudan. First they went to Ethiopia, but with the fall of that government
in the early 90's they ultimately ended up in a Kenyan refugee camp.
Those that survived the harsh years formed a community in the camps
that substituted for the families they lost. Director and writers Christopher Quinn
and Tommy Walker have made a respectful, compassionate
documentary about these boys as some of them, under the auspices of
humanitarian aide, made their way to the United States. In less accomplished
hands this film could have been cloying. They focused on three of the
boys and their adjustments to a new culture. Over a three year time
period we watch as these 'boys' become stronger in health and spirit
and attempt to build a community. I cared about each 'boy' and so will you. If
you like films about survival, perseverance and the strength of the
human spirit go see it today. Acting: This does not apply in a documentary but
you will fall in love with the three featured boys, for sure. Predilection: I like documentaries.
Critters: File footage of cattle. Food: There are some humorous passages involving
food. The scene where the boys eat their first airplane food is reason
enough to see the film.
Opening Titles: Nicole Kidman is the narrator. There
is a short explanatory sequence so we understand the history of the
boys.
Theater Audience: I entered the theater and there
was no one else there. Suddenly, about 50 high school kids and their
teacher stormed into the theater. I panicked. Should I go to the manager
and get a rain check? Is this going to be a nightmare? Why are these
kids here on a Wednesday morning? Then I thought maybe it was a good
idea they were there and I should just stop being an idiot. The smells
of the nachos, franks, popcorn and other goodies was overwhelmingly
nauseating. But I stuck it out. Then just as suddenly they all got up
and left. They were in the wrong theater. They were supposed to be next
door at the showing of 'Letters from Iwo Jima'. Then I had a private
showing - sweet.
Sappy Factor: 0
Squirm Scale: The file footage of the thin starving
children is haunting but fleeting.
Drift Factor: 0
Predictability Level: I had read about these boys
and knew most of the story. Tissue Usage: You would have to have a heart made
of stone not to cry at the end.
Oscar Worthy: Yes.
Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine but I
like to support these types of films by going to the theater.
Length: 90 minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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