The Lost School

We enter the Norfolk countrysides, the grim British weather, and we take a glimpse at West Tofts, 1941. Vera Tolman, a young schoolmistress (played by the wonderful Lucy Atkins) who notices strange behaviours in certain people. Her world turned upside as the English soldiers visit the village ordering residents to evacuate, causing major anxiety and disturbance for so many lives. Part fiction, part fact. Based on actual events. This short film calculates a decent 20 minute film, performed by good actors. Some aren't experienced but it doesn't distract you. A well made authentic drama with David Frost (great showreel) and Julie Carter.

I remembered researching in history lessons about Norfolk during WWII and I came across a story, a story about this small village and the people in it having no option but to leave their homes and say goodbye to their past pretty much. Then randomly i searched for something video-wise on youtube and came across this film. Reasons for my generous rating is basically how original yet so simple "The Lost School" is. Nobody's ever come across a story like this before, especially in Norfolk and more importantly how intelligent the story is. You can tell A LOT has been put into this - time and effort combined. I'm not used to ratings and reviewing but I felt that I had to with this one because I really felt something for this short film and how emotional I really felt for the characters and world in which they lived in more specifically West Tofts village. It's up on youtube. Watch it. I urge you!

Having had the pleasure of working with the director of this short film,I can safely say that he is a very talented man and I truly believe he has the brilliance to go far. It comes across clearly in this film that's set in the early nineteen forties. It's very believable,not that I was around in them days but it's exactly the way I would picture it to be and nothing seemed unreal. The film tells a very moving story and at points,even had me close to tears and the film portrays,very well,the difficulties of life in them days and how people lived together as a community. There is also some brilliant acting throughout,from the lead actress to the featured extras,they all play their parts very well and give very convincing performances.

The Lost School is a fictional drama very much based on actual events surrounding the small village of West Tofts. Smith captures a beautifully yet tragic story about a young headmistress encountering what is a devastating situation, to evacuate her new home and desert everybody behind. John Atkins' book is an excellent tribute to English history - I urge everybody to read the book version. Cast even though some aren't professional, they do believer a convincing performance all around, and of course we have wonderful music from Kevin MacLeod's royalty free website. It's an old film now but that shouldn't stop you from watching this.

I really enjoyed this. Thought it was well crafted and placed. Tone and character was spot on for a period drama. Certain things dragged on but besides from that, well made! 7/10