The Railway Children movie review

MOVIE TITLE: The Railway Children

This lovely movie is available in theaters and on VOD on September 23, 2022.

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 35 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B-

IN A NUTSHELL:

The film is based on true events that happened in the UK during World War II. It was directed by BAFTA-winning Morgan Matthews, written by BAFTA-winning Danny Brocklehurst, and based on a treatment by BAFTA-winning producer Jemma Rodgers.

During World War II, British parents sent their children away to the country to escape the German bombings in London and other cities (known as the Baby Blitz). In this story, three siblings are sent to Yorkshire to live with a widow and her adult daughter. The children encounter a young, American soldier there with a secret. Personally, I can’t even imagine sending my children away like that during a war. I would go with them!

In England, the film’s title is “The Railway Children Return”, while in the USA, it’s called “The Railway Children.”

THINGS I LIKED:

Jenny Agutter reprises her role in the original 1970 film, the 2000 TV movie, and in the 1968 TV mini-series! She has actually beaten the record for playing the same character over the longest period of time in a movie! In fact, this movie uses the same Yorkshire locations where the 1970 movie was filmed.
The children in the cast do a fine job and are adorable.
Beautiful cinematography by Kit Fraser. It’s a pleasure to play in the countryside with the kids.
Lovely soundtrack by Edward Farmer and Martin Phipps.
It really takes you back in time through the costume design and set pieces.
Fans of John Bradley from Game of Thrones will be thrilled to see him in a role in this film.
Fun fact: One of the train drivers in this movie is the real-life daughter of the driver in the 1970 movie!

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

It’s a very simple story told in a family-friendly way, so some viewers may wish for more action since it’s a WWII tale.
Fans of the original 1970 movie have been critical of pushing American political issues about race in this movie. I never saw the original, so I can’t speak to that point but I’ve heard it was very sweet and innocent. British film critics who grew up watching the original are hating on the new woke additions to this story.
It feels like a gentle introduction to WWII for children.