The Railway Children (2000)

the leading man is my tpye

You won't be disappointed!

Better Late Then Never

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

I went looking for this movie, remembering the earlier 1970s version, which I saw as a pre-teen. I enjoyed it then but couldn't remember why or much about the plot. The costumes of the 1900s were definitely memorable and were the feature I remember most.Since viewing the 2000 version yesterday I have decided to replay it for my seven year old great-nephew at our next movie night. He's fairly bright and an avid reader. He seems to enjoy more cerebral story lines compared with some of his peers. Other movies he's watched and enjoyed immensely are Hugo, The Indian in the Cupboard, The Borrowers and Ice Age. I think The Railway Children will appeal to him because of the themes, the steam trains, the adventure and humour, and the children's teamwork and problem solving.His family also live in straitened circumstances since the global recession hit and, although his stay-at-home Mum and baker Dad work very hard for the three boys, they just can't stretch to outings or holidays - which is most of his living memory. The story is relevant to him, even though it is set in the 1900s. The themes which resonate are 1) sticking together through adversity 2) standing up for what you believe in 3) 'going without' cheerfully and 4) taking responsibility for how you feel in a given situation, even if you can't control the events themselves.Being the eldest in a family of three boys, he will feel fortunate when he hears Peter saying that he wished he had brothers! I particularly liked the character of railway station porter, Albert Perks, played by Gregor Fisher. Until I'd read contributions from some of the British reviewers I didn't realise this was an atypical role for him as an actor. He seemed so well suited to this character in The Railway Children.One aspect that is exercising my mind is the comparison from a 'health and safety' perspective between the 1900s and today. We live in an area which has many trains - commuter and freight trains and the public safety messages about line safety today are NOT going to be reinforced from watching this movie. But it will provide a good conversation opportunity to reinforce those after watching.A good movie for adults and children watching together - and to remember as a 'classic'.

This is just an attempted copy of the 1970 film. It largely tries to only mimic the original film. That film was a masterpiece and so this film is quite simply an embarrassment. Had this film been its own interpretation of the story then it might have been a worthwhile remake. For example Gregor Fisher is simply acting Bernard Cribbins character rather than playing the role of the character in the story. There are many other ridiculous parallels. Jenny Agutter is of course just wonderful as the mother. This adds a cheesy twist but that is hardly a reason for a remake, or rather re-hashing, of the film. Having the 1970 film ingrained so much in my mind, I found this film to be a toe-curling embarrassment. A 'meddlement'. What was the point of it?

The Railway Children is one of those works which seems to demand periodic reworking, and this turn-of-the-millennium version comes 30 years after Lionel Jeffries' classic version.This is good, make no mistake, and comes with a solid recommendation - you will enjoy it. The source material is strong, and there are no missteps in how it is handled. And, of course, it is interesting to see Jenny Agutter playing Mother, having played eldest child Roberta in the preceding version.And there's the rub. Because you will enjoy this version much more if you have never seen the 1970 version. Where this version is good, Jeffries' version is great. Where the casting is excellent in this version, it doesn't quite reach the pinnacle of casting in the previous film.This comes over, I fear, as damning with faint praise, and I suppose it is.

I loved this, what a great way to spend a cold Sunday afternoon in Sydney. I remember watching and really enjoying both the 1970 movie and series of The Railway Children as a girl. It was a nice surprise to see Jenny Agutter who was Roberta then, play the Mother this time with just the right amount of fragility and fortitude. The children, especially the girl who played Roberta, were delightful and they made a very believable family. Richard Attenborough was wonderful as always as the old gentleman, who wouldn't want a kindly friend like him? The scenery was really beautiful, lush and green and the 1905 touches like the steam trains and fashion are very much appreciated. A lovely way to revisit this timeless story.