Geheimnisse eines Sommers

This film is an endearing tale filmed, it seems, in perhaps two different languages and dubbed (badly) into English for a mainstream release. The story of four children and their various adventures on their uncle's farm is a touching one, and is made up for by strong performances from the young leads and Tomas Vamos' sun-dappled photography.

Alexandra London-Thompson makes a highly impressive movie debut with an emotionally resonant performance far beyond her years. She is complemented by Santiago González Crende's Martin, a strong screen presence as a young local (it's worth noting a scene was deleted hinting at an attraction between the two).

Sadly the younger-brother characters soon become irritating, the middle brother because of his almost psychopathic need to tame a nearby horse, ('you're MINE now' he whispers to the poor animal as his eyes glint with Gary-Buseyesque intensity) - whilst the younger annoys with his pointless erupting into either baboon-impressions or farts.

But this is ultimately a family film, and could be a great watch for parents and children on a rainy afternoon. Plus, despite it's flaws, it has something a million Disney pics often don't; real heart.