Another weeks round up of films to catch up on. This week we are looking at Song of the Sea, The Goonies and My life as a Courgette:
Song of the Sea (2004)
Suitable for: Cubs and up
This film’s beautiful hand-drawn animations breathe life into the most magical of Celtic myths, capturing the story of the selkies – mythical creatures capable of theriantrophy: the art of changing from animal (in this case, seal) to human form. The story follows Ben, a 10 year old boy who lives with his father, Conor, sister, Saoirse, and sheepdog, Cu, in a lighthouse near the Irish shore.
When Saoirse is brought into the world, his mother vanishes. People claim she died in childbirth, but to Ben, things can’t be as they seem. Could it be that Saoirse – born mute – is not only responsible for Mum’s disappearance, but a selkie in disguise? Why is Dad acting so weird? And what really lies beneath the depths of the sea that borders their
home? Exploring grief from a child’s perspective, this film might not be suitable for those who’ve lost a parent,
especially recently. But in the end, it remains a powerful – and surprisingly funny – tale about finding voices literally and metaphorically), accepting how we feel (even when it’s sad or scary), and doing everything we can to protect those we love.
Scout values: integrity, care, co-operation
The Goonies (1985)
Suitable for: (Older) Scouts and up
Though this ’80s classic features several big scares and swears that will render it unsuitable for some young people, it remains an absolute favourite at camps and sleepovers – and it’s not difficult to figure why.
It follows the treacherous trail of a group of kids who stumble upon a treasure map in their parents’ attic. Then they find themselves being pursued by a hook-slinging, car-chasing gang of criminals who also want dibs on the treasure. There are near-impossible clues to solve and labyrinths to navigate, crazy cool gadgets to try out and booby traps
to dodge; pirate ships to climb aboard and crushes to win over – all the ingredients kids so dearly love. And beyond the (now-dated) special effects, over the top stunts and oversized props, there’s a crucial message, too: about being yourself and standing by your friends and siblings – even if they’re considered outcasts by the ‘cool’ kids – and
making sure no one gets left behind. Because Goonies, like Scouts, never give up, never give in, and know that
true friendship is worth more than its weight in gold.
Scout values: integrity, care, co-operation
My Life as a Courgette (2016)
Suitable for: (Older) Cubs and up
When we’re introduced to nine year old Icare, aka Courgette, he’s alone in his bedroom, surrounded by worn down crayons and spilled beer cans. Downstairs, his mother burps and yells at the TV. A ripped up family photo lies on the floor and an argument breaks out. After a terrible fight, Courgette finds himself sent to a children’s home where, in the words of one long-time resident, ‘Everybody’s the same: there’s no one left to love us’. What follows is a hilarious, heart wrenching insight into the care system, from the point of view of those within it. Blending wry dialogue with hartwarming stop-motion animation and a great soundtrack, it’s a unique and irresistible tale of resilience, hope and humour in the face of life’s bleakest scenarios; a testament to the power of the families we create for ourselves, geniously disguised as a harmless children’s film. Suitable for adults (who’ll be bowled over by its brilliance and tenderness) and young people (who will rightly miss some of the film’s underlying themes, but gain lots nonetheless): we can’t recommend it highly enough.
Scout values: integrity, care, co-operation
Words: Aimee-lee Abraham | Illustrations: Maria Suarez-Inclan. Courtesy of Summer Scouting Magazine
