Defenders of Life (2019) User Reviews

Impactful

[bohemianpirate-871-383487 · 8/10 · 4 March 2020]

Wow, the Defenders of Life: Children Bearing Children is a rather stirring cinematic experience. While the lush setting in Costa Rico provides a beautiful backdrop to this film, the story unfolds slowly although it is shocking at times, for what it proposes. I cannot imagine what it must be like for a young girl to be forced to marry someone decades older than her, but the wonderful young actress in this story conveys the complex emotions one would imagine is going through a 12 year old mind. An incredible look into a culture I knew nothing about, this story is well told. Wonderful performance by a young actor named Arman Dabo as well. Recommend!!

A beautiful glimpse into an indigenous culture and a young woman's coming of age.

[ricardo-942-842892 · 10/10 · 16 August 2018]

In this film Defenders of Life, you will be treated to lush landscapes and be immersed into the old ways & customs of an indigenous culture of Costa Rica. In many ways, it is an intriguing tale of motherhood, womanhood & cultural traditions which tend to clash with the modern world and society today. Stark cultural differences and certain injustices will compel any viewer into a sense of empathy for certain characters as they navigate this journey. I also enjoyed the use of earthly elemental symbolism and mystical interludes within the scenes. Well done!

Powerful message

[pfoster-scimage · 9/10 · 6 February 2020]

When thinking about young girls being basically sold in to marriage at an extremely young age. you generally think about Slavery. I was really surprised to see that in some cultures it is normal to Mary young girls to older men even today on the south american or north american continents. Very powerful message is the only words that come to mind.

The methodical approach to this film to almost hypnotize you into the culture in both an effort to make you understand why she would marry someone at such a young age. while at the same time showing the cultural differences.

Well done documentary

[theparanormalcritic72 · 10/10 · 22 February 2020]

Great real life story documenting people who ar emuch less fortunate than we are in this country. Makes you appreciate what you have and educates us on these poor kids as well Well done

A differerent side of Costa Rica

[newcreations · 9/10 · 20 August 2018]

A very eye opening experience veiwing this film and learning about the indigenous culture of Costa Rica, a country I have visited many times. Goes to show how little we pick up on as tourists - an how much more there is to learn. Great performances by both young leads!

The surreal and mundane intertwined

[murali-83930 · 9/10 · 18 September 2018]

It is rare to find a film that can beautifully intertwine the surreal with the mundane. Yet here is one film that has accomplished just that. Defenders of Life touched on cultural and social issues from both western and indigenous perspectives. The story brings to life characters that move the audience emotionally and emphatically. With out a doubt the film will leave the audience stimulated for reflection of the human experience and the issues faced by many Indigenous women struggling to survive in this modern time.