Strong as a Lion

This efficient and engaging rites of passage film is suitable for kids and pretty useful to parents too. Fatherless Simon deals with school bully Alex by creating a dreamscape where he's partnered by a protective lion. Alex, however, turns out to be the son of Simon's mum's new man; and, with the sanctuary of his home under threat, Simon goes on the offensive. The kids (Lager and Nord) give strong performances and the attendant issues, around bullying, generational relations and domestic disturbance, are allowed to emerge naturally from the story.