I must be getting old. Was a time when my idea of a perfect movie night in would be a Hong Kong action movie, but nowadays I'm quite happy to curl up on the settee with films like this.
I read the book many years ago, and always thought it would make a great film. I later found out that it HAD been adapted, of course, several times. It is a classic children's novel, after all. But this seems to be the definitive film version.
Firstly, let me say, straight off that this movie is beautifully shot. Bravo Mr. Roger Deakins, one of the world's best cinematographers. In too many reviews I've read, the cinematography is mentioned almost as an afterthought. From hot, dusty India to cold, grey England, this film looks wonderful.
The three young leads are nothing special, it has to be said. But they are likable, or at least (in the case of Mary and Colin) become likable as the story progresses. And Maggie Smith - does this woman ever age? To be fair, she is the only actress I recognised. Chirpy young Martha and grizzled old Ben Weatherstaff are just how I pictured them, although their strong Yorkshire accents have been considerably softened.
I won't spoil the ending for the very few people who don't know it, but suffice to say it is genuinely moving and made me smile. I've watched this film three times since I bought it last year, which for me is pretty good. I can't rate it as a classic despite its pedigree, but there are worse ways to spend an hour and a half.
I read the book many years ago, and always thought it would make a great film. I later found out that it HAD been adapted, of course, several times. It is a classic children's novel, after all. But this seems to be the definitive film version.
Firstly, let me say, straight off that this movie is beautifully shot. Bravo Mr. Roger Deakins, one of the world's best cinematographers. In too many reviews I've read, the cinematography is mentioned almost as an afterthought. From hot, dusty India to cold, grey England, this film looks wonderful.
The three young leads are nothing special, it has to be said. But they are likable, or at least (in the case of Mary and Colin) become likable as the story progresses. And Maggie Smith - does this woman ever age? To be fair, she is the only actress I recognised. Chirpy young Martha and grizzled old Ben Weatherstaff are just how I pictured them, although their strong Yorkshire accents have been considerably softened.
I won't spoil the ending for the very few people who don't know it, but suffice to say it is genuinely moving and made me smile. I've watched this film three times since I bought it last year, which for me is pretty good. I can't rate it as a classic despite its pedigree, but there are worse ways to spend an hour and a half.