This movie has recently come out on US Netflix. Although we see how far these children have to travel to get to school and the obstacles they face (sometimes dangerous), the movie is not depressing at all. These kids are full of joy, and there isn't a hint of complaint in them. I came out of this movie appreciating how blessed these children really are that their parents approve of their long commute to school, as it becomes obvious that similar children in neighbouring villages probably aren't all granted that opportunity. It also makes you think of the children whose villages are just that many more km away from schools, for whom it would literally be impossible to attend. So the movie leaves you feeling very happy that, although it's not easy, and if you stuck your average western child (or wealthy child in the developing world) into this situation, they'd be like "What the?!?" and possibly kick up a fuss. Also, many parents of well-off children (and perhaps poor children as well, I don't know, it depends on the parents), are so over-protective of their children that they hardly let them go out into the street or park unsupervised for 5 or 10 minutes, let alone commute by themselves to school. So in that way, it also made me feel sorry for our children, that they don't get exposed to wide open nature that you see in this movie (which is varied and absolutely gorgeous - you could watch this film just to see the amazingly beautiful landscapes and enjoy it for that reason alone), nor do they develop the survival and problem-solving skills and independence that the children in this movie have, obviously. And do you know what? That's quite sad. This movie shows how capable and strong children are. Thinking of childhood as this time to just play or be catered to and protected constantly, and have ample time to be very bored, is really quite an illusion we've created over the decades. Throughout our history, children have learned more skills, been given more responsibility, than what we deem appropriate or necessary in the well-off west. I definitely see this as a problem. In any case, enough about my philosophical (or sociological? whatever you call it) ramblings. This is a lovely and simple documentary type of movie that merely shows footage of four groups of children (in Kenya, Morocco, India, and Argentina) making their way to school alone, without adult supervision, across vast expanses of land. We are allowed little snippets into their culture and way of life as we also see a bit of footage of their cities and towns, their family homes, and other countryfolk they encounter on their journeys. It's extremely touching. I recommend showing it to your own children.
