I watched this film on DVD and loved it. Although there are a few comic touches, the prevailing mood is of melancholy reminiscence, the recurring themes, loss and bereavement. Visually it is magnificent, capturing the English countryside to perfection. Everything is very quiet and understated, also in a very English way. The acting is first-rate, and I particularly admired the performances of Rollo Weeks, a sixteen-year-old grieving for his mother, and Simon Paisley Day, who has a small but chilling role as his sententious and sadistic headmaster. This film deserves to be better known.

Disney without the attention to detail.

Very choppy direction ruins a reasonably decent plot and, at times, good acting.

The feeling that you are watching a 90 minute cigarette commercial doesn't exactly heighten the experience.

Nutley has, for reasons unknown, a relatively solid fan base - but surely their patience must be stretched close to breaking point with this performance.

I saw this film on DVD in Australia. The cover of the DVD said it was in the tradition of 'The Remains of the Day" & this was not misleading. It was visually enjoyable & authentic in it's depiction of the period in which it was set. I enjoyed all the performances. I admit the beginning was a bit slow with some extended scenery shots & for just a few minutes I was concerned I might not get into it but once the story really got going I didn't look back. It had a good mix of pathos & humour throughout & characters from young children to the elderly so there is something for everyone! I saw Brokeback Mountain on the same weekend & I enjoyed this film more!