Sunday 13 April 2014

Film Review - How I Live Now

This was entertaining watch, but had a bit of a mixed vibe. A bit like a mash up of Threads and The Railway Children, although not quite as good as both. It probably ranks as the most genteel post apocalyptic film I've seen. An American girl is sent to stay with her cousins in the the UK, which is sliding into civil war. This set up isn't really explained and did seem a bit fanciful, but never mind.

It all starts with a bit of angst and some idyllic countryside and a bit of mind reading. When the proverbial hits the fan martial law is declared and the children are split up. Do not be fooled by the cover this is not an action film, although it has a few moments. It's a bit of a teen coming of age movie and it does a reasonable job at that. The performances from everyone are ok and the story does enough to keep you watching.

There's a few moments in the film that pack a punch, but they don't last long and the punches are pulled somewhat. And that sets the tone really, it's ok, not great but watchable.


American teenager Daisy is sent to live with her aunt and cousins for the summer on their remote farm in the English countryside. Defiant and unhappy, city girl Daisy at first refuses to warm to her new rural surroundings. With her aunt engrossed in her role as a peace negotiator, Daisy and her cousins are left to live in an almost utopian setting and she begins to soften towards her new family and friends. However, their perfect summer is blown apart by the sudden outbreak of a war, leaving them isolated and forced to fend for themselves. When they are violently separated they must embark on a terrifying journey in order to get home.

Click here to purchase How I Live Now from Amazon (and it's an entertaining watch)

2 comments:

  1. Let's give this another try (my first attempt at a comment didn't work). I agree with your opinion. I think it would have packed a bigger punch if the subject hadn't been handled with kid gloves. (sorry for the cliches)

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    Replies
    1. Indeed, it wasn't a bad film, but could have easily been better.

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