terry gilliam's miniature epic is one of the few films that have genuine crossover value for both adults and children alike. the story of a young boy, kevin, who somehow ends up on an adventure throughout time and space with a band of dwarves works on many levels. primarily the story is great; the characters have heart and are genuinely appealing and the constant flow of cameo appearances keeps the pace of the film flowing rapidly (sean connery, john cleese and michael palin all make appearances). visually the film is stunning, utilising the bizarre mind of its creator for all its worth, resulting in some truly bizarre visages. despite the fairly basic premise the film has a strong undercurrant of deeper context. the use of bureaucracy and technology to suggest a negative impace on imagination is key. time bandits is thought of as the first part in gilliam's "trilogy of imagination", which also includes "brazil" and "the adventures of baron munchausen". each film features a protagonist of a particular age, with kevin representing youth, "brazil'' lead sam representing adulthood and the baron of "the adventures of baron munchausen" being old age, and the way in which they express their imagination. control of ones imagination by external forces, be it government, god or parents is explored heavily through each of the films.
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