White Bird Movie Review by Kate. This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog. 

Know Before You Watch

Movie: White Bird: A Wonder Story 
Rating: PG-13 
Age Suggestion: 10 and up 
Running Time: 2 hours and 1 minute 
Release Date: October 4th, 2024 
Warnings: Contains physical violence, gun violence, anti-Semitism, ableism, loss of a parent, and murder 

Quick White Bird Movie Summary

White Bird follows the journey of a young girl named Sara, who, decades later, shares her experiences during World War II with her grandson, Julien. Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied France, the film explores themes of courage, love, and the power of kindness in the face of adversity. As Julien learns about his grandmother’s past, he discovers the impact of compassion in a time of darkness. The narrative intertwines present-day challenges with historical events, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of standing up for what is right, regardless of the circumstances. 

White Bird Movie Review

This adaptation was wonderful. I have not read the book since it originally came out in 2019, but it felt faithful to the original book. The story is heartbreaking, but full of hope, and has a good moral message of being kind and generous to others. In terms of differences, the film may introduce new scenes or characters that enhance the plot and provide additional context, making the historical elements more vivid. The emotional arcs are similarly crafted, but the cinematic format allows for moments of tension and poignancy that can resonate differently than the graphic novel’s format. Overall, both mediums effectively convey the message of hope and the importance of standing against injustice, but they do so through distinct storytelling techniques.  

This movie really shines in terms of production quality. The visuals are striking, with great cinematography that brings out the emotions of the characters. The pacing does a nice job of balancing the historical parts with the modern story, keeping you engaged throughout. The music adds to the emotional vibe, making the tense moments even more powerful. It’s a strong adaptation that draws you in and makes you think. To be critical for just a moment, some of the CGI felt out of place, especially the wolves. There were also some interesting scenes in the forest that looked almost fairy-tale-like. Some of them worked very well, but some felt weird, like when someone is being chased by someone aiming to kill them. 

This cast was amazing. I had no notes on the choices they made. They were all very believable. Every actor was fantastic, but some highlights for me were Ariella Glaser as Sara Blum, Orlando Schwerdt as Julien Beaumier, Helen Mirren as Grand’Mere, and Gillian Anderson as Vivenne. They all gave touching performances, and I was completely compelled by their performances. 

As a side note, I also love how they handled Julian’s disability. One quote that made me tear up was “My cane doesn’t make me brave; my cane makes me walk.” It was a great example of acknowledging his disability without harmful rhetoric regarding him being a superhero for being disabled. As a disabled person, this was very appreciated!

-Is the White Bird Movie Appropriate for Younger Kids?

This movie is heavy due to the subject matter of the Holocaust, though there are light moments. They do not shy away from the cruelty, though no concentration camps are shown. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what your kiddo can handle. I took my 14-year-old sibling to the movie, and they did totally fine.  

White Bird Movie Discussion Questions

1) How does the film portray the theme of kindness as a form of resistance during difficult times? Can you identify specific moments that exemplify this theme? 

2) In what ways does Julien’s understanding of his grandmother’s past influence his character development at the end of the film? 

3) How does the context of it being World War II shape the characters’ decisions and relationships? What parallels can be drawn between their experiences and modern-day challenges? 

4) Discuss the role of family and heritage in the film. How do the generational stories impact the characters’ sense of identity and purpose? What stories from previous generations do you know? 

5) What message do you think the filmmakers intended to convey about the importance of remembering history? How does this message resonate with today’s social and political issues? 

Meet the Author- Kate

Kate is a young disabled writer based in Colorado. She’s obsessed with anything Marvel, Disney, or theatre. She can normally be found performing and singing dramatically in the car. 

Instagram: @kit_kat_kate_cat TikTok: @kathrynthecat

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