O Trem Italiano da Felicidade

The Italians are brilliant at creating gems like this. Beautiful stories, top-class performers and wonderful musical scores.

Over the years we have seen films that dealt with the evacuation of English children from London and other cities to the countryside due to the aerial bombings during WW2. However, I was certainly not aware of this particular piece of history that, after WW2, saw 70,000 children from the South of Italy sent up North for a different reason, to avoid poverty and the terrible conditions they were living in. This film, set in those sad times, provides us with an insight of what it must have been like for the families.

Inevitably, tissues will be required at times and the gentle, haunting score by legendary Italian composer Nicola Piovani (who won an Oscar for "La Vita è Bella") enhances the entire production.

Strangely, the music credit (at the time of writing) is not shown on IMDB, or at least not in its usual position on the list.

Having watched this production you will likely be inspired, like me, to do some further research into this period of Italian history.

This is a beautiful little Italian gem. The over all production to include photography, sets, costumes and musical score are superb and in my opinion worth several awards.

The script is very simple although not too original as it reminds of some old fashioned Italian style seen several times before over the history of Italian film making. It probably reminds of Nuovo Cinema Paradiso or La Vita e' Bella but it also reminds of old Sophia Loren's films given the importance of the female characters.

However the story is still beautifully told and it is sweet and touching in its simplicity.

The acting is superb from all members of the cast , including the children.

It is an unexpected high quality film from Netflix which in my opinion would deserve recognition from the public and the critics. An old fashioned enjoyable and very touching beautiful film. I had a little tear at the end.

Watching Il Treno dei Bambini - The Children's Train was a deeply moving experience that left me tearful and reflective. The movie tells the true story of Treni della Felicità (Trains of Happiness), where some 70,000 Italian children were relocated temporarily from poverty-stricken southern regions to families in the north post-WWII (Ref: Wiki). Organized by the Italian Resistance and the Catholic Church, these trains rescued children from war's devastating effects. The movie masterfully weaves together historical facts and fiction, crafting a captivating narrative that transports viewers to wartime Italy.

For the children who were part of this remarkable endeavor, the experience was bittersweet. On one hand, they were given a chance to escape the horrors of war and find temporary solace in safer environments. On the other hand, they had to adapt to new and unfamiliar surroundings without their families.

As the children eventually returned to their homes, they faced the daunting task of readjusting to a life forever changed by the war. The movie also sheds light on Italy's post-war transformation, including the communist influence in northern regions and the struggle for women's literacy.

The Children's Train is a powerful and moving tribute to the courage and strength of the children and the families both on south and north. A beautiful heartwarming story. It left an indelible mark on my heart. A great watch, available on Netflix.

When you can't give your children a better future sometimes it's better to let others do that. That is not the parents place to decide but the child. The worst thing that can happen a child is not starvation but rejection. In many places a mothers love is a luxury and children are mistakes that happens. This movie is extremely good just showing that. It's not judgmental but fair with both the mother and the foster home. The acting of the children is extraordinary. The makeup and the locations take you on a journey into to the postwar era and how people managed to survive in such conditions. A very compelling filmic experience.

This touching film is a beautifully crafted tale that explores the profound themes of love and the human capacity to give and receive it. The story is recounted through the perspective of a little boy, now grown, as he reflects on pivotal moments in his life. Its poignant narrative is accompanied by a soundtrack that perfectly complements the film's emotional tone, drawing the audience further into its tender moments.

For those who appreciate intimate, character-driven stories with significant emotional depth, this movie is a must-see. Its simplicity belies the complexity of its themes, offering a quiet yet profound meditation on love, memory, and connection.

Loved it.