The most shocking element from the novel is the violence displayed by children as young as six, especially by Ender. As much as he fears and tries to avoid Peter’s aggressive influence, Ender inevitably resorts to violence when it is necessary to make a lasting point. In more than one instance, his self-defense leads to the death of another child.
Even though the ages of the main cast have bumped up to teenagers, the violence between students will still be a central aspect of the film. Ender’s decisions are made with long-term goals in mind. If someone will potentially bully him more in the future, Ender seeks to win the war, not just the battle. Recently, The Hunger Games explored this level of violence among children, so hopefully Ender’s Game can handle the material as well.
The officers in command of the Battle School always make sure to keep Ender on his toes, pushing him further than any child, let alone grown man, should be pushed. Their manipulation and deception is all done for the sake of the war, but Ender doesn’t know that. Cruelty towards children is a bit of a taboo subject in cinema, but Ender’s Game makes it a crucial aspect of Ender’s development.