6 family-friendly movies to watch at home this Christmas
6. 'White Bird'
The family-friendly film “White Bird” serves as the “sister piece” to the 2017 film “Wonder,” which follows the story of Auggie, a little boy with a craniofacial difference. In turn, “White Bird” picks up with the story of Auggie’s bully, Julian (Bryce Gheisar), who has struggled to belong ever since he was expelled from his former school for his treatment of Auggie.
Sensing her grandson's difficulties, Julian’s grandmother (Helen Mirren) reveals to Julian her own story of courage: during her youth in Nazi-occupied France, a boy shelters her from mortal danger. They find first love in a stunning, magical world of their own creation, while the boy’s mother (Gillian Anderson) risks everything to keep her safe.
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Director Marc Forster, who is also behind “Finding Neverland” and “Christopher Robin,” told The Christian Post that as a father, he wanted to make the film due to the story’s message for younger audiences.
“I love humanity, and I love humans, and I believe that kindness lives on forever, past when we are gone,” he said. “Even when we’re gone, the light of kindness remains. That’s something I want young people to understand — our good deeds have ripple effects we may never fully realize."
An adaptation of a YA graphic novel by R.J. Palacio, “White Bird” gives Julian a chance for redemption — a theme Forster told CP he is particularly fond of. "I love stories of redemption,” he said. “I think it’s important for young people to see that even people who have made mistakes can change."
“White Bird” is now available on DVD and BlueRay, as well as Digital HD from Amazon Video and iTunes.
Leah M. Klett is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: leah.klett@christianpost.com
