Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

The first must-see film of the year.

The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

I've just seen this and agree with the other reviews that this is a great family movie. No need for flashy cgi just a good story and great acting. They do lay it on thick but this is what this story deserves. Nice comedy moments make this a great hour and a half's viewing. If you have a chance catch this movie you'll not be disappointed.

I've just watched this beautiful film. Coming from N. Ireland it is just amazing to watch a film which shows the heart and soul of our wee country. The sights and sounds bring home the emotions felt during the second world war. Loads of places we know and love, showing Belfast was used to film this. The story is just beautiful, quite a roller coaster of emotions, well for a Mum of 3 and animal lover. The story captures what it is like to be a child in a world where everything seems unfair. I was fully emersed in the journey and loved every minute of it. I laughed and cried and just fell in love. A must for the family to watch.

A beautiful family drama,about a little zoo in a little village just outside belfast,nortern ireland.its an emotional story about an elephant and his human rescuers and friends during the devastating time of 2nd world war blitz-krieg phase. it is a sweet but also sad story about love,engagement,poverty,life and death,good and evil ,made through a great filmographic,audio/visual production,and a whole lot of great young actors.even though i understand english language pretty well,the irish slang are at time hopeless to understand when spoken with low voice,anyway,the worse the dialect the better.geordie is fein..... the pace are a little slow but it gives time for recollection on wartime for the younger viewers.

During March Break TIFF (the Toronto International Film Festival) had a kids film festival. We were able to take 3 of our 4 kids (aged 7 to 13) to see this film. This film was simply great. It is based on a true story of what happened with a Zoo in Belfast during the Nazi bombing raids. As you can imagine zoo animals breaking free due to the bombings could pose a serious threat to the people in the area. For that reason the government decided to take pre-emptive action of putting down the dangerous animals. The story focuses on one boys mission to save an elephant from that fate. But he can't do it alone. At the end of the film there was a unanimous round of applause. But, even more telling was that as we departed the theatre it seemed as though everyone was discussing their favourite parts. Many of the kids could be heard excitedly talking about what they would have done had they been in that situation. To me that is the hallmark of a film that really connected with its audience. I can see my parents and grandparents also enjoying this film, so I would recommend it for all ages.As soon as it is released, I'm planning to take our other daughter who had to miss it the first time - I suspect I won't be taking her alone.