Ender's Game Presents the Power and Potential of Youth

MOVIE REVIEW
Young Cast No Obstacle to Masterful Storytelling 
By SILKE K.

"Adults are wiser than children" is the common-held belief.  However, in the riveting Ender's Game, it is the children of the day that the world turns to for rescue from its ultimate demise.

The Formics are an insect-like alien race that has already invaded earth twice. The second time, humanity survived only because of one man. One hero. Mazer Rackham (Ben Kingsley). The Formics are not done with earth, however. They are coming back, but this time, humanity is ready. For the last fifty years, the world has been searching for the best and the brightest to lead mankind in the unavoidable encounter to come. Humanity has finally found someone - Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield), a  sixteen-year-old boy. He is pushed to his limits and beyond in the race to prepare for the imminent battle to come. The climatic finale will leave the watchers shocked and horrified at the lengths to which humanity will go simply to survive.

The tense and expectant atmosphere of a world awaiting its impending destruction is artfully set off by the naïve young children in whose hands lies the fate of the world. Gavin Hood (director) does an exceptional job in telling the complex and engrossing story of a boy with the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Harrison Ford’s lifetime of experience is evident in his excellent portrayal of the gruff and seasoned Colonel Graff. Asa Butterfield is also perfectly cast as Ender Wiggin. His remarkable talent is shown in his accurate portrayal of the brilliant-but-reluctant hero.

Several of the young actors look slightly uncomfortable in their roles at the start of the epic, but their energy contributes greatly to the thrilling final battle. A few of the young actors do an especially phenomenal job in the film. One such actor is Boises Arias (as Bonzo Madrid), who provides ample comedic relief in the midst of the fast-approaching demise of the world. Suraj Partna (as Alai), Khyhin Rhambo (as Dink Meeker), and Aramis Knight (as Bean) are just a few of the talented young actors that together form Ender’s formidable and inseparable army.

The majority of the story takes place on a very realistic space station orbiting earth. The glimpses shown of earth are ethereal and mesmerizing, as are the scenes of the unique alien planet. The quiet and peaceful music gradually builds with in tension to arrive at the stunning finale during the concluding struggle.

There is little in the film to concern a Christian audience, and much for us to appreciate. The classic well-loved tale of a world fighting for survival is tactfully set-off with moderate violence. Light profanity is scattered throughout the film, but it is only barely noticeable to the viewer.  Ender’s Game has other redeeming qualities as well. One such is the implied reflection of the story of Joseph in Ender's life, seen in how Ender finds himself in a position of power over his enemies and is faced with an important decision. Themes on loyalty, love, and compassion are also featured in Ender’s relationship with his exceptional army. 

Ender’s Game is a thrilling and thought-provoking film cast with outstanding actors and directed with an equal level of excellency. The brilliant epic begs the question, "Can a sixteen year old boy really win a war that full-grown adults can’t?"