I didn't grow up with this movie. As can be seen by the reviews here, many people did, and have very fond memories of it. This is a typical 1970s children's movie, made on the cheap, with bright colors, over-acting, greedy adult villains, cartoon-like bits, hippies, children in peril, really bad wigs and silly dialogue. I can see how children now would still love this, with the sweet and incredibly charming Jack Wild (my first crush - I would have lost my mind had I seen this as a kid - although his wig is horrible) and the adorable girl that plays his little sister and the happy ending. As for me, an adult, seeing it the first time: it's nice to see the Irish countryside in the 1970s. I've seen some reviewers say it's full of offensive stereotypes - it is a CHILDREN'S MOVIE and the characters are bigger than life and completely unrealistic, just like most kids' movies NOW. But the reality is that the only way you'll really like this movie now is if you grew up with it - which I didn't. One moment I did really love: the parade, with the song you don't have to be Irish to be Irish, which celebrates the diversity of immigrants who have contributed to the culture of the isle for a long while - it was refreshing to see in 2021. And it was nice to see Dorothy McGuire having fun.
Review of Flight of the Doves
