I think those criticizing the light tone of the war scenes are missing the point. The story is told through the eyes of a boy (semi-autobio of John Boorman, the director), and is based on his recollections of what happened to his family and neighbors during the start of World War II.
It's a difficult film to describe since there is no real plot, just a series of funny, touching, sad and humorous vignettes in how the boy and his family coped with what he personally thought was a great adventure. In many ways, it reminded me of the way EMPIRE OF THE SUN was told from the boy's viewpoint, although that film grappled with much darker themes.
Here the accent is not on tragedy but on the human spirit and survival during a difficult time on the homefront.
Boorman wrote and directed it with skill and the very British cast is excellent. Well worth seeing for another perspective on WWII, British style.
It's a difficult film to describe since there is no real plot, just a series of funny, touching, sad and humorous vignettes in how the boy and his family coped with what he personally thought was a great adventure. In many ways, it reminded me of the way EMPIRE OF THE SUN was told from the boy's viewpoint, although that film grappled with much darker themes.
Here the accent is not on tragedy but on the human spirit and survival during a difficult time on the homefront.
Boorman wrote and directed it with skill and the very British cast is excellent. Well worth seeing for another perspective on WWII, British style.