This is an odd one. All throughout France, Europe and the world this little film has been misunderstood. Kids play like adults in America's 19th century wild west, and they play it with a twist. There's romance, war, racism, corruption, torture and death, which, although mildly depicted in (in most cases) a humorous way, is not quite standard family flick material. Not even in France.
But there are more layers. You know, this is also a satire on how idiotic grown-ups are, a satire of Hollywood westerns, and it's even a musical! The director and producers took great risks, and from this point of view, this is certainly interesting cinema. The children play their roles quite sincerely, there's little cheesiness, and the humor is subtle enough for adults to be appreciated. It has been shot in Bulgaria (!?). Go see it if you get the chance, you're in for a surprise.
But there are more layers. You know, this is also a satire on how idiotic grown-ups are, a satire of Hollywood westerns, and it's even a musical! The director and producers took great risks, and from this point of view, this is certainly interesting cinema. The children play their roles quite sincerely, there's little cheesiness, and the humor is subtle enough for adults to be appreciated. It has been shot in Bulgaria (!?). Go see it if you get the chance, you're in for a surprise.