I Declare War
Starring: Michael Friend, Gage Munroe, Siam Yu
Director: Jason Lapeyre, Robert Wilson
Rating: 4/5
I Declare War is one of the independent films not to miss this summer as Jason Lapeyre and Robert Wilson team up in the director's chair for the first time.
I Declare War sees Lapeyre make his directorial debut as well as on board as writer, while Wilson is also serving as director.
I Declare War focuses on a group of 12-year-old friends whilst they play an innocent game of ‘Capture the Flag’ in the neighbourhood woods, arming themselves with nothing more than sticks, their imagination and a simple set of rules.
One afternoon the game takes on a more serious tone and the quest for victory pushes the boundaries of friendship, giving the would-be warriors a glimpse of the darker side of human nature.
Will child’s play turn to something more real or will these boys battle it out and win the war?
I Declare War is one of the standout non-blockbuster films of the summer so far, it really is a terrific blend of coming of age story and war movie.
This is something so nostalgic from start to finish, you really get the sense that Lapeyre and Wilson truly remember their childhood and playing these games: that makes the film seem so incredibly genuine and give it real heart.
I Declare War is a movie that will resonate with anyone who ran round outside of their house playing war and shouting 'powpowpow' to anyone who walked past.
I Declare War is a movie that really does celebrate the innocence and the imagination of youth, and the sadness of having to leave that all behind as you grow up.
A terrific young cast has been assembled for the film, and the likes of Michael Friend, Gage Munroe, and Siam Yu have been allowed to run wild and do what they do best... be children.
I loved this movie from start to finish, and you can really see the influence of the likes of Stand By Me and The Goonies shine through.
I Declare War is out now.