Cinema reviews examine themes of childhood and family in new releases

Recent film reviews highlight diverse approaches to children's cinema. The Singaporean film ‘Ah Girl’, directed by Ang Geck Geck Priscilla, offers a melancholic look at childhood through the eyes of 7-year-old Ong Xuan Jing. Set in 1994, the story explores the complexities of family dysfunction and parental separation, refusing to romanticize the indifference or negligence of the adult characters.

In contrast, ‘The Enchanted Tree’ (A Maravilhosa Árvore Encantada), directed by Ben Gregor and based on Enid Blyton’s books, attempts to address modern screen addiction. Starring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy, the film follows a family moving to the countryside to reconnect with nature and imagination through a magical tree. While praised for its accessibility and sympathetic performances, critics noted the film lacks the imaginative depth its premise suggests.