We Were Children

We Were Children is a heart-wrenching 2012 film that takes a poetic, yet brutally realistic, dive into the lives of two survivors of Canada's aggressive residential school system. This powerful docudrama provides an intense and eye-opening experience to viewers who are unfamiliar with this dark chapter of the nation's history and at the same time, offers a cathartic journey to those familiar with the subject matter.

Co-produced by the National Film Board of Canada and Eagle Vision Inc., the film stars real-life survivors Lyna Hart and Glen Anaquod, who bravely recall their personal experiences through their film alter egos. Alicia Hamelin also provides a noteworthy performance. The film was directed by Tim Wolochatiuk and scripted by Jason Sherman, who went to great lengths to portray the grim reality with utmost empathy and sensitivity.

The narrative of We Were Children is honest, unfiltered and raw. The film takes a solemn look into the experiences of Aboriginal children who were forcefully separated from their families in an attempt to assimilate them into Canadian society. The system purported to "educate" these children but ended up subjecting them to physical, emotional, and cultural abuse, erasing the rich traditions and languages they brought from their homes.

The film revolves around the stories of Lyna Hart, who was sent to a residential school in Manitoba at the age of four, and Glen Anaquod, who was forced to attend the Lebret Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan at the age of six. Instead of offering fictitious characters, the film courageously puts forward the real-life experiences of these individuals, an approach that makes the narrative all the more impactful.

We Were Children highlights the psychological trauma suffered by these children and does not shy away from showcasing the enduring effects they had to grapple with in their adult lives. The exploration of their traumatic past is counterbalanced by the simultaneous depiction of their fight for survival and their struggle to hold on to their identities amidst the relentless onslaught on their cultural heritage.

By bringing the real-life survivors into the narrative, the film transcends the boundary that traditionally separates actors from characters, adding an additional layer of authenticity to the narrative. This creative choice makes the heartbreaking journey of Hart and Anaquod all the more poignant and palpable for the audience.

The visual style of the film is striking, switching between actual shots of Hart and Anaquod and reenactments of their childhood experiences. This contrast further emphasizes the long-lasting impact that the residential school system has had on the lives of its survivors. Despite the oppression that fills their narratives, there are moments captured that reflect hope and resilience, which are starkly illuminated against the otherwise gloomy backdrop.

The stark and immersive cinematography used throughout the film is particularly effective in juxtaposing the picturesque Canadian landscapes with the grim interiors of the residential schools. This contrast serves to amplify the sense of alienation and entrapment faced by these children, further immersing the audience into the haunting atmosphere of the film.

Structured meticulously and acted powerfully, We Were Children is a brave film that exposes an ugly truth and raises pertinent questions about cultural domination and human rights abuses. It is an emotional, thought-provoking, and revealing two-hour cinematic journey articulating a painful past towards the hope for a more compassionate future.

For general viewers, the film provides a much-needed education about a significant aspect of Canadian history, often neglected by popular discourse. For those already familiar with the subject, it offers solace, validation, and recognition of their shared suffering, symbolizing their collective healing process.

In conclusion, We Were Children serves as a strong reminder of the tragedies that happened not so long ago and the resilience of the human spirit amidst great adversity. This film is a courageous attempt to come to terms with the past and aims to generate discourse leading to extensive understanding and reparation. A defining piece of Canadian cinema, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in gaining a thorough understanding of a significant chapter in the country's history.