The Railway Children (2000)

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

A lot of fun.

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

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'.

I just loved this film - even though I thought the first 1970 film was wonderful, this is better. All the actors are super, and I thought Gregor Fisher was great as Perks, a lovely warmth to him. The really inspired touch was in getting Jenny Agutter to play the mother role this time, and she does it superbly. I always chuckle over the lines given to Bobbie and herself; she warns Bobbie not to go onto the railway line, and Bobbie asks innocently "Didn't you ever walk on the rail tracks when you were a girl?" Tongue in cheek, a nice touch... The trains are gorgeous, scenery beautiful, but we don't see enough of the lovely Michael Kitchen. I've bought this one to watch again and again.

I watched this movie out of sheer chance. Sitting far away from my remote, and on a lazy Easter Monday afternoon... I couldn't be bother to get up and change the channel... so just stayed where I was and watched this great film.There is no death... no destruction. It's just a happy film that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It's really good... so if you get the chance to watch it, do.10 flaps outta 10 because it made me happy. And make sure you have a big box of chocolates with you when you watch it as well... coz it makes it even sweeter :) FrozenDreamer xxx

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.