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An enjoyable film, fairly loyal to the book
Review date: 2008-04-04 Rating: 6 out of 10
People are often disappointed by adaptations, but even if you do know the book, you should still enjoy this. The story is gripping, and the acting is of a very good standard. To compress the book into a couple of hours or less does mean some sacrifices. The most crucial change has been in the characterisation. Carrie's inability to understand others' motives is the cause of the series of crises in the book. Her younger brother Nick is - again in the book - the more insightful and aware one. This contrast is crucial to the plot, but the film downplays this to such an extent that some of Carrie's actions become incomprehensible. The ending of the book is rather saccharine, and it is a pity the film does not seek to improve on that. Overall a successful venture. Well done BBC.
Over the years the BBC have produced loads of great dramas adapted from classic novels, such as 'David Copperfield' and 'Hard Times', and i have to say that this one is no acception to the rule. The fact that it was released on DVD and video only a week or so after it hit the TV screens, proves this.
Carrie's War is a story about Carrie and her brother who are evacuated to Wales at the start of the second world war, and are taken in by the grumpy Mr Evans and his sister Auntie Lou, and tells of their adventures in the village of Druids Bottom.
This heartwarming tale adapted from the bestselling novel by Nina Bawsen is full of emotion and is guarenteed to pull at your heart strings so my advice would be to get a good supply of hankies ready before you start watching it. It describes brilliantly the mixed emotions that children who were evacuated were feeling; saddness about leaving their parents, excitment that they were going to a new place, appreciation to the people who took them in, and many more.
The acting, like in most dramas not only by the BBC but also by other TV channels, is superb and in most respects often better than some of the acting which you see in films. Each character is portrayed by excelently by the actor , and i'm sure that we will see some of them in future films and dramas.
There is no doubt in my mind that this film will become a classic just like the book, and it certainly deserves it. This is one of those film which can be watched by all ages, and even if you are not into this type of film genre, you will still find it immensely enjoyable. Be warned though, you will need a good supply of hankies.
Beware this film will certainly tug at your emotions and is surely destined to become a classic. It is a film that does justice to the author’s original written work.