You’re probably thinking “I’ve never heard of the film Innocent Voices”, and neither had I until a few months ago. But boy golly do I feel happy that I watched it.

The film follows an 11 year old kid in the South American country of El Salvador during the civil war in the 1980’s. The war was fought between rebels of the FMNL against the dictatorship’s regime. However, disgustingly, the government’s army forcibly conscripted children to fight against the poverty stricken rebels during the war. The protagonist character, Chava, is one of those many, many unlucky children.

I’d like to be able to say something negative about this film, so it doesn’t just sound like I’m biased. But, I really can’t.

The acting was fantastic in the film, from all the young children to the adults, there was not a single moment where I was sceptic to believe the tragedies in the storyline, or where I did not feel sympathetic for the protagonists.

Most of us like to think of ourselves as pretty solid when it comes to films, not often crying or getting scared, but this film brought tears to my eyes. As a matter of a fact, this film made me unbelievably furious towards the antagonists! Whenever a fight took place, I was screaming profanity at the screen, and jumping out of my seat. It takes tremendous skill to get someone so into a film like I was.

If you already have existing views on this war, as most Americans would do considering they were involved in it; this film can greatly change your opinions by looking through the window of the poor, Salvadorian citizens. That, my friends, is a very sought-after skill.

After watching the film, it really makes you value what you have as a person. You walk away with a sense of courage that you didn’t know you had. Each person walks away with a different experience – but it will always be a very educational and beneficial one with Innocent Voices.

If you like foreign films, Innocent Voices is fantastic. If you’re learning Spanish, it’s even better. This film is truly one of the best out there in its genre – the hard-hitting genre. I recommend, no, in fact, I urge you to go out and get this film. Its £5 on Play.com and is totally worth it – watch it. You won’t regret it.