Echoes of Innocence (2005)

High school films are the kind of thing that I tend to be in to. I'm not entirely sure where that comes from, I didn't have the best high school experience and that probably has something to do with it. I must like watching people navigate through the experience with what is often more complicated a time then I had. All the drama on screen makes my own seem less terrible. But at a certain point you have to realize that these on screen experiences are just actors playing a role and what ends up being watchable is not necessarily reality. Still, there's an element of comfort in it and that can't be discounted. More than likely because good drama is usually based on some element of truth. In that way the emotional elements take on a universal feel that everyone can relate to for anyone who has gone through the experience of the last 50 years of education where the modern high school experience originated in Western cultures.Circumstances and technology will change over time, but high school is always just... well... high school. No one likes it, and if you ask some people no one ever really leaves it as you can look at the world and see elements of it in every day life. While watching Echoes of Innocence, I get the impression that the circumstances of today's high school student seems to be ideology. What is belief's place in the high school experience of today? Is there a place for religion and faith in the modern public system? Most people would be turned off by such an idea, but those questions in a lot of ways are more like themes to the film that are creeping around the sides of the film's main plot, much like the background scenery of the visuals or the setting of high school itself. The real story is driven by the character of Sara, a young girl who feels out of place and somewhat ostracized from her classmates. Reasons why are pretty clearly defined through a series of flashbacks which lay out who she is and why she acts the way she does. That coupled with a number of voice overs from Sara herself make her the most interesting character of the bunch, which include her best friend who is both supportive and critical, various classmates who are both put off and intrigued by her, and the new kid in school who joined the local paper and wants to do a story about Sara.They all play a part in Sara's story but the characters themselves don't necessarily get clearly defined. More often then not they are inserted into Sara's story when necessary to give her someone to interact with. Her own journey is very much a solitary one, defined by her own actions and her own ideas about the world and what she wants from it rather then how she relates to others. This drags down the story somewhat but Sara's progression is defined clearly enough that she manages power through the weak bits. It gives her story the necessary elements not to be bored by it. Obvious parallels to Biblical elements are present but the filmmakers clearly pulled back enough so as not to come off like a preachy film. I'm honestly not sure whether that causes a problem for the film or whether it helps. I suppose it's 50/50 in that department. Still, I think the film is worth watching for anyone who wants to look back and remember the way they saw the world when they were that age. Perhaps give you a new perspective on the vision you have of the world today. I say check it out.To check out more of my reviews, go here:http://andrew-heard.blogspot.ca/

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.

I had the pleasure of viewing this movie several weeks ago and loved it. The story of young love being torn apart is not unfamiliar, but there are a variety of ways to relate a tale. A young girl, who has a troubled family life, begins a fascination with Joan Of Arc. At a very young age, she and the boy she loves agree to remain pure until they can marry on her 18th birthday. Although he mysteriously has to leave, Sarah continues her vow to wait for him. Of course, this makes her an even greater temptation for the high school boys. However, both her aloofness and her visions also make her an object of ridicule among many of her peers. The arrival of a new boy in school does cause Sarah some conflict though as she finds herself being drawn to him despite her vow to wait for her first love. I was impressed with both the storyline and with the acting. Benjamin Dane's portrayal of a Catholic priest, who is Sarah's confidante and adviser, is very well played. The message of purity is also a very welcome, especially when compared with many of the films promoted for teenagers today.

I recently went to a viewing of "Echoes of Innocence" at Regent University. I really had no preconceived expectations, although I have heard good things about Todd Sims and the work that he has done in the past. The movie was riveting. The Cast did an exceptional job of drawing you in and keeping your interest from the beginning of the film right up until the end. I am 49 and I brought my 75 year old mother, my 24 year old daughter, 20 year old son and some other friends with me to view the film. We all loved it. I am looking forward to seeing this film in the theater. This is film for all ages... but I especially think that all young people and those who are waiting for that special someone to come into their life, "HAVE" to check out this film.