I Declare War is a 2012 drama, action thriller written by Jason Lapeyre. The movie revolves around a group of kids playing a makeshift war game out in the woods. How does this merciless game work? The kids carry sticks and other items that become imaginary weapons and water filled balloons. Once shot, you have ten seconds, before you can get up and move around again. If you’re hit by a balloon or grenade within that period of time, you’re dead and out of the game. Sounds like good old childhood fun, right? Sure, yet it is anything but.

Paul Kwon (Siam Yu) and P.K. Sullivan (Gage Munroe) are best friends and allies on the battlefield. P.K. is the mastermind general that leads his ragtag group of soldiers against the brainy Quinn Wilson (Aidan Gouveia). The only problem? Sullivan’s ex-best friend, Jamie Skinner (Michael Friend), is scorned. After he captures Paul and returns to base camp, Jamie and Quinn argue over Paul’s future? After Quinn is killed by friendly fire, Jamie begins to call the shots and the war-games start to spiral out of control.

Among the other soldiers, we have Jessica Dobrzanski (Mackenzie Munro, The Story of Luke), who is head over hills for Quinn. On the other hand, you have comrades in arms, Roy Frost (Alex Cardillo) and Trevor Sikorski (Dyson Fyke). You also have a well mannered, Christian boy, Wesley Bishop (Andy Reid), who is more interested in making friends than waging war. And of course, Caleb (Kolton Stewart), who traverses the battle friend with his dog, Shadow.

As soldiers begin to die, mysteries begin to deepen. Jamie’s psyche starts to slip from reality, as he begins torturing Paul. With Quinn out of the picture, Jessica daydreams and aimlessly wanders the battlefield. Meanwhile, P.K. struggles to win the war, while attempting to save his friend from a certain death. Or will P.K. ultimately sacrifice his friend to claim victory?

Review


I Declare War is a strange, yet enthralling exploration of childhood games. While unfathomable at times, it is fun to suspend reality and pick a side. Although you won’t think about it much after it is over, the movie requires an imagination. Despite some improbable actions, the characters are actually very life like. You’ll find yourself sympathizing with a few at moments throughout.

Is the movie impulsive and unrealistic? Or did Jason Lapeyre wish to tell us something about future generations? Is the violence foreshadowing or simple unnecessary? Overall, this isn’t a movie that will change your life or make you shed a tear, but still the action was fun and the young actors all performed remarkably well. For that, this movie deserves a 7 out of 10.