Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 10+
Heartwarming family drama with ghosts and a terrifying fire scene.
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Videos and photos
Based on 4 opinions of parents
What is the story?
US TIME IN TIME, World War II is in its final days. Tolly Oldknowe’s British soldier dad has disappeared somewhere in Europe and, to protect Tolly, his mom sends him to stay with his grandmother in the family home in the English countryside. An estrangement ensues and, at first, Tolly is wary of his grandmother (Maggie Smith). As the two explore their relationship, Tolly encounters deep secrets about the old house and witnesses an extraordinary story of a blind girl, missing jewels, and runaway goods that happened more than 100 years ago. The spirits are his guides; grandmother becomes his closest ally and friend.
Is it good?
Written and directed by Julian Fellowes, creator Downton Abbeybased on the novel by Lucy M. Boston, this is a beautifully crafted family saga with beautiful performances. His two timeless stories complement each other and provide a rich view of two different periods of world history. Tolly learns to trust, to love freely, and to come to terms with good and evil, as well as the brevity of some lives.
It is a film to be shared and enjoyed in families with older children and teenagers.
Talk to your kids about…
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Families can discuss what “timeless” means. Tolly’s story takes place in 1944; Susan’s story takes place in 1811. Remembering this, explain the word “timeless”. What do you think children today have in common with Toli and Susan?
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Although there are no battle scenes, how does this film depict what happens during the war? How does World War II affect Toli’s family?
Did we miss something about diversity?
Research shows a connection between children’s healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in the media. That’s why we’ve added a new “Different Representations” section to our reviews, which will be published continuously. You can help us help children