Another Mother's Son

Jersey was the only British territory ever occupied by the Germans, it occurred in the Second World War, and this film makes a thorough realisation of how it was. There is no human German here. The Russian prisoners, collected from Europe to work in the quarries, are treated like beasts, and the pressure of the German authorities on the innocent population, mostly women, is horrendous. One mother, whose son is out in the war, finds no choice but to take care of and protect a Russian prisoner who has escaped, he lives under the protection of the family and becomes like one of them, learning English and giving practical service whenever he can. It almost becomes idyllic, but the Germans will not let them be. The liberation of Jersey was belated because it was not included in the invasion, with disastrous consequences for this family. The acting is superb, Sophie Skelton as the mother delivers credibility, and Julian Kostov in his constant turmoil between despair and happiness, makes a gripping performance. The whole production is watertight realistic, the realism almost becomes too much as it always does in 2nd world war films, which only affirms the grimness and truth of the realism. It's a strong film of almost documentary quality, but you would not willingly watch it again.

Very powerful story! Yes the acting was whatever, but the story was very powerful. I'm British and Jewish so I have to say it touched me perhaps more than other films. Certain parts of the film towards the end sort of shocked me with the reality of WWII. Would highly recommend watching this.

This film restores one's faith in people. It's about some residents of Jersey during the German occupation in World War II. We see the film through the eyes of a local shopkeeper. She bravely takes in Russian prisoner of war who manages to escape from forced labour in a quarry. Times are tough with rationing. Slowly but surely she forms a relationship with the POW, teaches him how to read English and he becomes like a son to her. The story is sensitively told with excellent acting from the principals. Although I note that the actor playing the part of 'Brian' is not mentioned the cast list. Without giving anything away the tensions mount as time passes with an inevitable conclusion. This film portrays the bravery and selflessness of ordinary people in helping others and opposing occupiers. A deep film and a well worthwhile film to see. When I saw it at the Clevedon Curzon members of the audience clapped at the end of the film.

This movie is a touching recount of heroism in the face of Nazi occupation. The bravery of some of the Islanders is on full display as well at the cowardess and fear. This story is one of many, but was very well written and acted. This is proof that it is the deeds we are remembered for and not just our words.

The plight of the Channel Islands during World War II is a relatively obscure footnote of World War II. As the only example of German occupation of British territory, it is certainly worthy of movie treatment. Though no large-scale battles took place there, citizens of the crown lived under German rule for years. This movie is based on a true story about a Jersey shopkeeper shielding a Russian prisoner of war who escaped from a brutal work camp on the island. The woman's two sons are fighting the Germans, as was this young man, who finds relative safety in the woman's house after enduring torture by his captors. The tension comes as she attempts to keep him hidden from the authorities, sometimes in plain sight. Relatives and neighbors are in the mix, some offering help, others warning of the consequences if they are caught. Collaborators and prying German soldiers provide some tension. This is not a bad movie, but it could have been much better. Instead, it suffers from a tepid script and uninspired direction. It is also weakened by implausible segments, such as how quickly the Russian learns English and the reckless actions of his protector, who often places him in danger by parading him throughout the countryside and in town. The acting is good, and the cinematography successfully places us in the quaint environment of a British populace with strong French influences. But the movie lacks a true climax, and what serves as one seems to be little more than an afterthought. That's too bad.