Tied for the best movie I have ever seen

This Movie Can Only Be Described With One Word.

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

As I suggested, or at least hinted, in my reviews of The Razor's Edge, 1946, and Limelight, 1952, Somerset Maugham may have seen himself as Larry Darrell, and Charlie Chaplin may have seen himself as Calvero. And so now, we may be seeing Edith Nesbit portrayed as Mrs. Waterbury. Now, since motion pictures began, if we could only count the perfect ones on the fingers of only one hand, perhaps this is one of them.Meanwhile, in the motion picture industry, producers will ask performers to consider, shall we say, mature roles, and it could be that the Director, Lionel Jeffries, sometimes thought otherwise. Thus, it is said, for example, that he told Sally Thomsett, who was actually of young adult age, that after hours during production, no smoke, no drink. Later on, during later years, both Jenny Agutter and Sally Thomsett had to understand the studios and producers, even as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly did their best to negotiate through this as well.And even after all this, Judy Garland will always be remembered as the one who sang Somewhere Over The Rainbow, and Jenny Agutter will always be remembered as the one who said Daddy! My Daddy!As we know, there are trolls who will insist upon such maturity their way instead of what this film presents, and so to paraphrase Franklin Roosevelt speaking at one time at Madison Square Garden, one can welcome their attitude, and still prevail.

The Railway children is so exciting and it tells us more about the victorian days. This film is very interesting and conveniant about the situation of these three young children... Because there has been a mistrey with there father the three young children are very worried and scared about living in the country side. I have enjoyed watching this film several of times and it brings yourself into the story.This story tells you more about the steam engines and how children love to ride on trains.It would have been more interesting if they had to go to a new school as well and bring new teachers up as friends. As well as the children being scared it is also there mother because now there father has gon to jail there mother cannot aford to get a job and look after the children by herself.

What is enjoyable about watching random movies at random times is that one never quite knows what to expect or where the next great piece of cinema will emerge. Recently, my viewing has taken the form of stapled classics like "Raging Bull" or "Raiders of the Lost Ark", but this time my VCR took me away from modern conveniences and plopped me right down in front of Lionel Jeffries' "The Railway Children". This is a skillfully directed film about three youthful children, a mysterious event with their father, relocation to the open fields of England, and eventually the rewards inherited by merely waving at trains. At first glance this seemingly simple children's film doesn't seem all that hopeful as it has been lost on VHS rarity for some time, but within the first fifteen minutes of this film, one realizes that it is more than just your common place children's movie – "Railway Children" was created during a time when purity was more than just saying "no", when family meant everything, and where adventure was ready for you around every railroad track bend. This is more than an adorable film, it has amazing cinematic techniques used, it keeps the regular viewer glued to the screen with unanswered questions, and gives three perfect companions to follow along this 110-minute voyage. "Railway Children" is a lost treasure that needs to be seen by families and film aficionados alike.There are several moments that stand out proudly in "Railway Children" that transform this from mediocrity to excellence – one happens to be our three children; Bobby, Phyllis, and Peter. Modern cinema assures us that these three children cannot provide ample darkness, laughter, and insight into the world surrounding them, but Jeffries' children prove otherwise. From intelligently spoken lines (both from acting and the script), to sincere kindness and dedication to this small village, all the way to the final meeting at that train stop; these children are more than just child stars advancing a story, they are leading us with emotion, persuasion, and a realism unseen by today's children. There is more imagination packed in this small VHS than I have witnessed in film for years. A favorite scene that could have been handled with generality, of which I have seen in other films, was the birthday scene for Bobby. The way that Jeffries floats her between guests and gifts was exciting and refreshing, keeping our eyes excited about each scene, as well as our mind. Another scene that captured my attention was when the children were working on gifts for Perks, when asking one man for a gift, Jeffries has him merely state, "No, I will not. I don't like Perks." The children's reaction is hilarious – providing moments for both children and adults to enjoy throughout. Filmed in the 1970s, this tiny feature provides genuine laughs than most modern comedies. It is a creative film coupled with great choreography and direction.That is to say, as much as I loved this film, it wasn't perfect. Jeffries does a great job of keeping us guessing as to what happened to father, but it did feel like the event occurred, the children were kept in the dark, and it suddenly resolved itself by the end. More detail to father, not much more, would have solidified his character and given us the opportunity to see more of the children's reaction. Also, there is one scene in this film, one of those grandiose wide-screen shots of the English countryside that is just breath-taking, but when looking a bit closer you happen to see cars in the background. It made me chuckle, but didn't distract too much from the overall picture. Cinema like this is sorely missed today, and oddly, it seems that only the British have the gumption to produce it. Films like "Love, Actually" or "Vicar of Dibley" demonstrates the power and excitement for community towns, places where everyone knows everyone and we aren't afraid to be neighborly. This is more of a theme that American audiences could have more of – more understanding of what is happening outside, instead of remaining secluded to your own events.Overall, I loved "Railway Children". I didn't know what to expect when I first put it in the VHS player, but from the opening scene, to the exploding train set, to Perks birthday, Jeffries proved that he could handle the most child-friendly story with ease. His ability to make the child actors feel like real characters, to involve the adults less, and to involve the children like they were adults was outstanding. This is a film to be viewed as a strong alternative to anything Disney releases. The continually occurring themes of friendship, kindness to strangers, and forgiveness blasts through the TV with grace and power. "Railway Children" is more than just a kid's film; it is a feature that should be a staple to modern audience viewing. Not only does it give a great visual to the English countryside, but it also teaches (and shows) how life would be greater with an emphasis on imagination and courage, instead of fighting any CGI bad guys.Grade: **** ½ out of *****

I think together all the reviewers have captured this film really well. I have seen it many, many times, but I still feel a sense of joy and warmth just as I did the first time. My emotional response to this film never seems to fade. The final scene certainly brings me to tears, but so does the scene between Perks and The Children on his birthday. And as for the Kindly Gentleman. Something else is going on with that character. The generous provider and solver of problems. He knows everything about everything and has connections everywhere. A perfect father to run to and make us feel safe. I do not know how the film does it, but it touches something very English deep inside, which has long gone from our daily experience, but yet we all instantly recognise and yearn for again.