The Railway Children (1970) Review in 2025
The Railway Children is a heartwarming classic about three siblings who move to the countryside and befriend a kind old gentleman who turns out to be a former government minister.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is highly suitable for family viewing, especially for children aged 8 and above.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for its heartwarming story, excellent child acting, and nostalgic value.
Spoiler Alert!
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The story revolves around Roberta, Phyllis, and Peter, three siblings who move to the countryside with their mother after their father is wrongly accused of espionage. They befriend a kind old gentleman, Perks, who turns out to be a former government minister. As they spend more time with Perks, they learn about his past and the reasons behind his kindness towards them.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a clear narrative that explores themes of family, friendship, and redemption.
acting8.00/10
The acting is excellent, with the child actors delivering standout performances.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with the three siblings being particularly well-portrayed.
direction7.00/10
The direction is solid, with Lionel Jeffries bringing a sense of warmth and authenticity to the story.
cinematography6.00/10
The cinematography is decent, but sometimes feels a bit dated and lacking in depth.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Railway Children is a charming and engaging movie that explores themes of family, friendship, and redemption. The child actors deliver standout performances, and the story is well-paced and engaging.
Cons
The cinematography is sometimes dated and lacking in depth, and the direction could have been more nuanced.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a spy, I'm a railwayman."
"The railway is a part of us, and we're a part of it."
