This movie, set in a Pacific coast town in the early days of WWII, is about war and stereotypes and racism. It's also about kindness and loyalty and small heroic acts performed by ordinary people. The main character is a boy, played beautifully by Trevor Morgan, who is dealing simultaneously with fears about his brother's fate as a soldier in battle, the impending loss of his best friend to the shameful internment of Japanese-American citizens, and his involvement with a marooned Japanese sailor who saves him from drowning. Morgan handles the complicated role with aplomb, and even manages not to be upstaged by Haley Joel Osment, which is no mean feat in itself! If I were introducing this period of history to students, from junior high to undergraduate school, I can think of no better kickoff than showing "I'll Remember April" along with "Snow Falling on Cedars" as companion pieces to stimulate serious thought and discussion.
