The Iron Giant

Release Year: 1999

Director: Brad Bird

Review:  A boy and his pet.  Essentially this is what the film boils down to.  That pet, however, is a giant alien robot capable of taking on the US army.  Reminiscent of E.T., the story captures the kinship of the boy and his friend perfectly.  Hogarth, an oddball kid who has a big heart, discovers an enormous metallic robot in the woods in Maine during the 1950's.  Unfortunately, during the middle of the cold war, paranoia is running high and the government isn't as receptive to the misunderstood giant.

 

There are many layers to the film.  In one sense the film is a farce on cold war paranoia akin to 'Dr. Strangelove'.  The government has a one track mind.  Anything foreign, or unknown, must be dangerous or destroyed without thinking everything through.  On another level it's an anti-war movie with a strong line against guns.  But where the film definitely shines is in the simple relationship between the boy and the giant.  The development of their friendship is touching.  Somehow they managed to make what essentially is a walking weapon seem like it has a heart.  One of the strong themes is that we choose our own destiny.  The giant is who he chooses to be.  It is a poignant message that resonates loudly in this wonderful film.
Rating: 4/5