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[Back to index of February 2008 articles] Family Films
By Judy Russell The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep If you have ever wondered about the Loch Ness Monster, you will be interested and amused by this action-filled film. The story takes place near a loch in Scotland during World War II. After young Angus MacMorrow (outstandingly portrayed by Alex Etel) finds a large, rock encrusted egg by the shore and secretly brings it home, he soon has a problem that gets harder and harder to hide; the hatchling is a cute, quickly growing and very rambunctious animal which the handyman (Ben Chaplin) identifies as a kelpie, or water horse—a sea creature of Celtic lore. The movie weaves comedy, the terror of war, and a hint of romance into a lovely tale. The colors and materials selected for the sets and costumes give the feeling of the 1940s, and the scenes which were shot before a green screen were seamlessly incorporated. This realism may be too strong for young children – especially those under the age of 8. There is an imaginary drowning, an extremely suspenseful workshop scene, as well as a long, violent episode when Angus rides through and under the water on the back of the fully grown, huge water horse amidst heavy British anti-sub artillery fire. The joy of the film comes from watching the bonds of friendship and family love grow – even during the hardships of war, and the many small moments that flash by but still change the course of their lives. Rated PG. Judy Russell teaches music and performing arts at Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School. [Back to index of February 2008 articles]
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