Adapted from an Appalachian Jack Tale set in the late 1940s, this tale follows a World War II veteran named Jack who, in return for an act of kindness, receives two magical gifts: a sack that can catch anything and a jar that can show whether a sick person will recover or die. Jack becomes a national hero when he rescues the president's daughter from a serious illness by capturing Death in his magic sack. However, after many years without Death in the world, Jack realizes that he has upset the natural order and releases Death to save humankind from perpetual old age and misery. An excellent discussion-starter on living, aging, and dying.
Jack catches Death in a sack in this Appalachian tale.
Reviews
Gail Munde for Independent Spirit...
It is bad form to gush over a film. Particularly a children's film. Particularly when it's a folktale. Particularly when words like "appealing," "delightful," and "suitable for audiences of all ages" spring to mind during viewing..."Soldier Jack, Tom and Mimi Davenport's latest and most ambitious production, might just be the most intelligent children's live-action film since Disney's Old Yeller....Davenport and personnel have paid care to every aspect of their work, and in doing so have made a film that will engage children with its generous humor and broad sight gags, as well as charm adults with its satisfying performances and high production values.
