Echoes of Innocence

This movie is one that will require you to know who Joan of Arc is, so I did have to provide background info to my teen-aged grandchildren. However, when they watched this with me, they found the storyline and action every bit as intriguing as I did. Their perfunctory sighs soon turned to "shhh" whenever anyone spoke. On one hand I did have to explain some of the symbolism to them, but I do believe they would have enjoyed it just as much without my need to turn movies into teachable moments. I thought the acting was very good and the story was one that unfolded at a nice pace. I found it to be a film that not only spoke to a relevant issue for today's teens, but also presented a beautiful allegory to those of us who are Christians. Frankly, I have watched it several times, and I enjoy it more with each viewing. It certainly is a very thought-provoking film and one that I would recommend to others. The fact that the main character Sarah (Sara Simmonds) was not Catholic, yet her spiritual mentor was a Catholic priest (Benjamin Dane) was handled in a sympathetic yet realistic manner. The acting skills of both, plus the rest of the cast, was sheer delight to watch.