7.3/10
6,583
82 user 23 critic

I Am David (2003)

PG | | Drama | 3 December 2004 (USA)
A 12-year-old boy escapes from a Bulgarian Communist concentration camp and sets out on a journey to reach Denmark.

Director:

Writers:

(novel), (screenplay)

On Disc

at Amazon

8 wins & 1 nomination. See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
Hristo Shopov ...
Roberto Attias ...
Baker
...
...
Roberto
Marin Jivkov ...
Cecha
Shaila Rubin ...
Vineyard Owner
Robert Syulev ...
Angelo
Elisabetta Bartolomei ...
Woman at Party
Krasimir Kutzoparov ...
Camp Officer (as Krassimir Kutzuparov)
Krassimir Radkov ...
Party Guest
Diyan Machev ...
Party Guest (as Deyan Machev)
Clem Tibber ...
Young David
Adrian McCourt ...
David's Father
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Storyline

Twelve-year-old David escapes from a Communist concentration camp with little more than a compass, a sealed letter, a loaf of bread, and instructions to carry the letter to Copenhagen, Denmark. David is thrust into the free world for the first time as he travels across Europe. His spiritual voyage of discovery, where David slowly loses his instinctive mistrust of humanity and begins to smile, share, trust and ultimately, love, addresses the cruelties, politics, and suffering of warfare while celebrating the unbreakable spirit of a child. Written by Anonymous

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

Believe in the power to change your destiny

Genres:

Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements and violent content | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

3 December 2004 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

O Sonho da Liberdade  »

Filming Locations:


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Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$160,346, 5 December 2004, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$284,002, 19 December 2004
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Show more on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (TV)

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Stewart Copeland, drummer for rock band "The Police", composed the original soundtrack for the film. For inspiration, Copeland immersed himself in Eastern European Gypsy and folk music. See more »

Goofs

When David is about to board the flight to meet his mother, we can see the tail of a modern airliner that is taxiing in the background. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Title Card: In the years after World War II, many people in Eastern Europe were sent to forced labor camps for disagreeing with their new governments. Because of this, families were torn apart. Life in these camps was very harsh, and escape was not an option. And yet, for one boy named David, it was his only hope...
The Man: Are you listening to me? You must escape from here tonight. It's your only chance to stay alive. If you follow my instructions and make it out of the camp. Travel when it's dark to...
[...]
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Connections

Referenced in Yes Man (2008) See more »

Soundtracks

Thëllëzë Që Shkel Mbi Vesë
Traditional
Performed by Ensemble Tirana
Courtesy of Iris Music-France
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User Reviews

 
Excellent film
25 April 2005 | by See all my reviews

In a day when few films are wholesome or uplifting, this film was a breath of fresh air. All those who have made negative remarks about Ben Tibber's performance - it is clear you have never met anyone from Bulgaria. His stoic and serious role was accurate and well done.

As I did not know anything about this movie when I watched it, it seemed slow and at times frustrating. However, I am extremely glad I watched the entire film, as the message of this film is outstanding.

It is unfortunate that many have forgotten that films can be educational as well as entertaining, and uplifting as well as meaningful. Children and adults alike can learn history through films such as I Am David, as they experience stories they may have forever been ignorant of if not for the makers of this film.


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