Too much of everything

The acting in this movie is really good.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

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 (perhaps superfluous) version of the Edith Nesbit novel was made for TV and, in an interesting piece of casting, had Jenny Agutter as the mother – she had been eldest daughter Bobbie thirty years earlier. Some changes to the fabric of the story were inevitable: more screen time is given to the events which cause the children's father to be arrested; the paper chase is no longer linked to the family of the old gentleman; and some of the characters are more sharply drawn than before.As Bobbie, Jemima Rooper, is very good, but the other children Phyllis and Peter are just OK (played by Clare Thomas and Jack Blumenau). Agutter is perfect as their careworn mother, while Michael Kitchen makes an impact as their wronged father. Gregor Fisher plays Perks the railway-man with a good combination of jollity and righteous indignation; and Richard Attenborough is an inspired choice for the old gentleman (who is not as mysterious as he had been in the 1970s version; we guess he's a high-up in the civil service or the government in this one).The great strength of the TV version is the attention to detail - we can feel the smoky fog from the 30s steam train as it rushes through the countryside.An enjoyable TV film, but a complement to the classic one, not a replacement.

I really loved this film. It is beautifully done with a stellar cast of actors and actresses. The countryside setting is beautiful and heavenly. A touching story of a rich family who becomes poor and loses their father to prison. Their relationship with Sir Richard Attenborough's character is charming, delightful, and wishful. The children seek escape from their problems at the railroad tracks. By a simple wave, they begin a wonderful relationship. Sir Richard is more like a Santa Claus character and he does his humanly best to help them. It doesn't matter by the end, that they still live poorly than before as long as they're still together. I would strongly recommend this film version and the Edith Nesbit book to teachers and their English classes. I think they would benefit it form it.

Wonderful cast, excellent photography, and (wonder of wonders to an American TV watcher) a literate script! I heartily agree about Ms. Rooper - I will look forward to seeing her again. Jenny Agutter's beauty has deepened and grown since I first saw her in Walkabout 30+ years ago. Michael Kitchen, Clive Russell, Sir Richard Attenborough, and Gregor Fisher all are believable, and have that depth that British actors have (from doing more stage, I guess.) Note: unlike the previous commenters, I haven't seen Gregor Fisher often enough for him to be typecast yet. Judging from this film, I would like to.