Customer Reviews

Swallows and Amazons [VHS]

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As the mother of two eager boys, I am always on the lookout for quality films that will grip their attention. Claude Whatham's excellent direction of a superb cast in "Swallows and Amazons" brings all the excitement and camaraderie of Ransom's books to life with wit and humor. The only thing better than reading the books is watching this video! No formulaic stories with pulsating sound track and gyrating female figures -- this is just a great story well portrayed. A family film at its best! Hurrah and let's have more!

A 6 yr old "highly energetic" boy and a 9 year old "sophisticated" girl were both riveted by this beautiful film. Unique adventures, sympathetic characters and a fabulous location make this faithful rendering of Arthur Ransome's book a joy to watch. But be warned: I know kids who have been seriously inspired by this story!

I feared that the movie would be a "Disney-fied" version of the beloved book. But no, the movie was a delight, the casting excellent, and the story true to that in the book in look and deed.

I have watched this so many times with family and friends, including initially cynical teenagers, yet it still entertains superbly. Sailing, the English Lake district, childrens adventures, wonderful acting and you can still visit and stay at the farmhouse where the film was mainly shot - Bank Ground Farm, Coniston, Cumbria, England!

My kids have enjoyed this video several times. Unlike many movies based on books, this one keeps the spirit and feel of the books by Arthur Ransome. We'd liked to see more of this series.

I have read some of the books in this series and the video is wonderful. Great for all ages. My kids loved the video and are now themselves reading the books. It's a real adventure.

while I do like the movie and all the books the asking price here for a used copy of this movie is ridiculous. I'm not going to spend almost 900 dollars for a movie that shouldn't cost more than 40 dollars. regardless of where the movie is being sold from, an asking price of almost 900 dollars is too much for anyone to spend on a movie.

I just gave the VHS to my grandaughters (aged 9 and 13) in Alaska. So far they have watched it four times and absolutely love it. I was apprehensive lest the English accents and 1930's life would be difficult for them. I needn't have been. I recommend it most highly: it's entertaining and wholesome. Most of all the children love it and have developed a real affinity for the characters, especially, as one might expect, Port and Starboard, and William. As a result of this success I'm launching them on the books. I hope I'll be equally fortunate.