Quando vennero le balene

This charming 1989 film was shown recently on cable. Not ever having seen it, or known about it, one realizes what a shame it is not to have been show to a wider audience. "When the Whales Came" is a wonderful film that should be seen by children, as it will charm and involve them in a positive way. Director Clive Rees does a wonderful job in adapting Michael Marpago's novel, in which it's based.

The story takes place in the remote, but beautiful Scilly islands. They are inhabited by people that eke a life out of a hostile environment. Two children, Gracie and Daniel are intrigued by the mysterious man, the Birdman, who lives in a remote shack, but who sensing their curiosity, begins leaving them a few of his wood carvings. As they get to meet the man, he encourages them to follow his example. Then one day, whales beach themselves and the Birdman pleads with the children and the other folks to help him in getting these gentle giants back into the ocean where they belong.

It's a sweet story made even better by Paul Scofield, who as the Birdman makes a fabulous contribution to the film. Mr.Scofield, an actor's actor, is rarely seen on the screen and one rejoices in seeing this magnificent actor in the film. Helen Mirren is also seen as the mother of one of the children. The children, Helen Pearce and Max Rennie are delightful. Also seen in the film, David Suchet, Barbara Jefford, Jeremy Kemp and David Threlfall, among others.

An inspired film that will satisfy any audience thanks to the treatment Mr. Rees gave everything.

This one sneaked up on me a Thursday afternoon and the Fox Movie Channel tossed it in. God bless 'em for that. Hope they repeat it soon. (They have that tendency).

This film about life on a remote, barren English island during WWI (it is by no means a war flick) is, in words of one, MAGNIFICENT. The direction, superb photography, excellent music (unobtrusive, unlike too many of today's noisy movies) and the acting all combined to choke you up, or bring tears to your eyes, depending on your level of emotion.

This well told, beautiful tale has the big plus of some fine, fine performers, particularly the youngsters Helen Pearce and Max Rennie. For whatever ungodly reason neither of these two achieved any kind of fame. Young Max only made one other movie, "Hard Road," while Helen did nothing else.

Both youngsters received the Young Artists Award, an honorary but justified recognition.

Paul Scofield and Helen Mirren the entire cast were heavily responsible for the success of this G-rated movie.

The accents were not too heavy so, no problem in understanding. It was a tad slow at first, but that is nit-picking. Overall, it can be rated as one of the best movies of its kind hell, any kind ever made.

I found this film a decent watch. The pace is a little slow in parts and towards the end, it has a darker tone to it and becomes somewhat thought provoking, due to what comes to light. It made me think about the consequences of things that people end up involved in - there's definitely a strong element of social morality and conscience. There's an allegorical side to it, with the film set on a seemingly somewhat idyllic island, when there are some less than lovely things going on. Nothing awful - just a bit grim and we learn about peoples recollections of history and the like. I liked that it had, ultimately, a sense of optimism - something we could do with more of, frankly.

From a film perspective, I enjoyed seeing Helen Mirren in a film from the late 80s (which this is). I hadn't seen her in many roles from over 2 decades ago - thats why I decided to watch this film. The music isn't too 'in your face' I'd say, its perhaps a little over sentimentalised maybe, but only just - it certainly didn't put me off the film to any large extent. It also pushes home the optimistic elements of the story, which was nice. Overall I'd say its worth a watch.

When the Whales Came, based upon Michael Morpurgo's charming story, is a beautiful well-meaning film, that I do think is worthy of a lot more praise than it is given. The cinematography and scenery were gorgeous, and so was the enchanting music score. The part when the villagers drive the Narwhal into the sea was such a poignant moment. The script was fine and so was the direction and the acting. The two children are believable, and Helen Mirren and David Suchet, two exceptional actors give fine support. Though the real kudos have to go to Paul Scofield, who was fantastic, and to Jeremy Kemp as Mr Wellbeloved, who wasn't only warm and loving towards the children, but it was also an altogether sensitive portrayal. My only minor complaint with the movie was the pace, it was a tad slow, but overall this film is beautiful. 9/10 Bethany Cox

When the Whales Came is a low key adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's book. It is set in the Scilly islands in 1914, just at the outbreak of World War One.

Gracie and Daniel are two children living in this impoverished island fishing community. The local school is stern, Daniel's father is sterner.

Gracie faces tragedy as her father went off to fight in the war and was reported to be killed.

Both children befriend Birdman (Paul Scofield.) This deaf old man lives an isolated life, doing wood carvings.

When Birdman finds a beached whale, he wants to push it back out to the sea. The islanders wants the whale for the money it will bring them.

The Birdman tells a story of what happened when the last time the whales were beached up in Samson. He was a little boy then and greed bought tragedy with it.

With eerie, haunting music, this is charming simple tale with an ecological subtext. It is a bit slow to get going.

It portrays life in this gloomy harsh small island environment. Even in 1914, Gracie's father is fearful what life is going to be like for his child when she grows up.