Summerland

This movie was a heart-warming tale of how love can find its way back. The main characters were so very well portrayed. I so needed this break from the cruelties of reality. The young man who played Frank was exceptional. It was a very clean and wholesome film, and anyone who finds issue with the content has to be a close-minded individual.

An endearing and easy going tale of a cantankerous lass who gradually comes to terms with the cards she's been dealt when a wartime evacuee lands at her shore. Perfect Sunday afternoon family fare.

I watched this for one reason alone: Gemma Arterton. However instead of enjoying looking at her,m I was transfixed by her character. She reminded me very strongly of a character in a Diney Costeloe movie. The dialogue is a bit weak in patches and the direction is lacking in a big way. This would be a blockbuster movie had direction and dialogue been better. However, the cast, mainly Arterton, floated this story right through my emotions and from a quick look at a beautiful lady, it turned out to be an immersion in a beautiful tale. Bring out your happy, watch this film.

Most of the story here is during the 1940s England, WW2 was raging and British cities were being bombed. To help preserve the children many were sent to live with families in rural areas less prone to the warfare. But the story also includes flashbacks to the 1920s and finally ends in the 1970s.

The single lady, an author, is surprised when she is brought a young boy, perhaps 12 or so, to live with her. She was irate and unwelcoming, she was sure there was a mistake. But slowly the boy wins her heart and only near the end of the movie does she fully realize why she was chosen, as the only one the mother back in London trusted would take care of him.

It is a good movie, well-filmed and well-acted. My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library. The title is a reference to a fictitious place that is sort of a pagan version of where you go when you die.

MAR 2925 update: My wife and I just watched it again, most of it was fresh after 4+ years. A good relationship story.

I rarely write reviews, but was alarmed to see this film have such a low rating. This film has amazing acting; everyone truly is their character. Gemma is Alice! It is a sweet story among an unsweet time, and beautiful scenery will take your breathe away. I truly loved it!