See info on AmazonThe spirit of Christmas caught on film!, August 25, 2005
Reviewer: Hazey Lanes "hazey lanes" (Irvine, CA) - See all my reviews
You will love this!!
Having never seen an adaptation of "Child's Christmas" on TV, I was really pleased to see a VHS of this a few years ago in the video shop. We rented it and loved it - and now its on DVD for all to see and cherish! Any human of 5 years age or older will not fail to be captivated by this.
The production shifts between a 'modern' family's Christmas eve and the half-remembered Christmas celebrations from the 'modern' grandfather's (Denholm Elliott) childhood. The family home is the same for both time periods, itself becoming a key character within the piece.
Dylan Thomas' poem is left intact and is BEAUTIFULLY and IMAGINATIVELY brought to life by a talented cast of Welsh actors, who act and sing their way with almost uncanny passion. The humor of the verse is actually improved by several visual gags.
For me, this is the best portrayal of Christmas ever filmed, with the possible exception of the last scene of a good "Christmas Carol". There is no suggestion of the ' freedom from avarice' theme that is key to "Crhistmas Carol", "Miracle on 34th St" and the newer Christmas productions. The spirit is entirely one of nostalgia, love and reflection -- surely those are the best emotions of all.
I hope you enjoy this as much as my family!
