Swallows and Amazons

Swallows and Amazons – Roger, Tatty, Susan and John are four siblings who, while on holiday, are desperate to explore a nearby island and make it their own. After persuading their reluctant mother to allow them to go alone, they sail to the newly named ‘Walker Island’. However, stumbling across a man wanted by Russian spies and other inhabitants on the island, the children face dangers and adventure and every turn.

Swallows and Amazons (2016) – Director: Philippa Lowthorpe

By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50833946

Rating: PG

Running Length: 96 mins

Starring: Dane Hughes, Kelly Macdonald, Rafe Spall

Genre: Action/Adventure

REVIEW: ‘SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS’

Based on the classic children’s novel of the same name by Arthur Ransome, ‘Swallows and Amazons’ follows 4 of the 5 Walker siblings (the 5th being a babe in arms) as they set off on an adventure to a nearby island while on holiday. With their father away in the navy, the brood are looked after solely by their mother so, when they plead with her to allow them to go sailing and after a telegram from her husband vaguely says ‘Ask your mother’, she reluctantly agrees to allow them to go (perhaps more to provide herself with some much-needed peace than anything else, who can tell!)

Thus begins the adventure of the ‘Swallows’, i.e. John, Susan, Tatty and Roger Walker all of whom are convinced of their spectacular abilities in the wilderness but fail to actually demonstrate any of them until predictably convenient. The siblings, as the core of the movie are difficult to engage with; John, the oldest, is so unpleasant and arrogant, especially to next-eldest, Susan, that he is near impossible to warm to. Susan barely has a character except for complaining about John’s treatment of her. Tatty is perhaps the most interesting as the tom boy and Roger, who initially seems to be the main character, quickly fades into the background. His vulnerability due to being so young makes it inconceivable that he would be allowed to go with the others (an issue that is brushed aside as soon as he has a single swimming lesson). The espionage plot doesn’t really land with the Russian spies having a confusing friendliness and the English spy they are following is so gruff and rude that it’s difficult to care about the fate that may await him should he be captured.

Overall, ‘Swallows and Amazons’ tries to be a swashbuckling kids’ adventure but the lack of fun characters, unbelievable plot (involving genuinely dangerous adults) and slow pace make it incredibly difficult to enjoy and, frankly, disappointingly boring.

CONTENT: IS ‘SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS’ SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

After being briefly left alone in a train compartment by their mother, the five siblings (including a baby) are visited by a gruff, strange man. He sits with them and takes the baby in order to hide behind her when other men come in, looking for someone. The children are unsure of what to do and are unhappy when the man takes their sibling; the older boy, John, tells him to give the baby back which the man eventually does. He then threatens them, saying ‘Not a word to anyone or I’ll find you and shut you up’. He then leaves the train via the outside door, clinging onto the outside of the train as it speeds along.

When the children are talking about how much they want to visit the island, Tatty excitedly says they can ‘hunt goats, skin them then roast them on the fire!’

Tatty and John explore the island together and come across another camp which has numerous dead animals strung up around it, presumably waiting to be cooked and eaten. A snake slithers over Tatty’s feet, causing her to panic. The two children are then approached by two men who initially appear menacing and dangerous. They turn out to be friendly and helpful but parents may be uncomfortable with the message that strangers like this can be trusted.

Signs on the island suggest that there is another group on the island called ‘Amazons’. They turn out to be two older children who are seen briefly at various stages but eventually chase the Walker siblings towards a precipice wearing large, tribal-style masks. The youngest, Roger is told to hide from them while the older ones jump over the edge into the water below. The drop isn’t too high and they are able to swim but we mention this as it could be imitable.

John is often mean to his siblings, especially Susan who he is constantly undermining and belittling. At one point he yells at his little brother, Roger, calling him an ‘idiot’ and ‘useless’. He then says ‘I hope you drown!’, this causes Roger to run away, devastated and in tears.

Roger, who it has been established is not a strong swimmer, falls over board when he is in the middle of the lake. John and Susan, desperately look around for him, screaming and panicking. Eventually, after around 20 seconds, Roger surfaces and is ok.

Two children form a truce and spit on their hands before shaking them.

When realising that he has to help someone from a dangerous situation, John picks up a gun and a knife, weapons which he fully intend to use.

On the surface, the Russian spies seem quite nice and friendly but they have a sinister streak and are constantly pursuing a man who is trying to avoid them. It becomes clear that they intend to take him back to Russia for interrogation and he will likely be killed there.

CAN I SEE A CLIP?

VERDICT: IS ‘SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS’ FOR KIDS?

Dull and unrealistic, ‘Swallows and Amazons’ doesn’t live up to the classic kids’ book on which it’s based. We feel this movie is appropriate for kids aged 7 and over.

• Violence: 1/5 (there are a few threats of violence, both verbally and with the pointing of weapons at people)
• Emotional Distress: 1/5
• Fear Factor: 2/5 (some suspenseful moments and adults threatening to harm children)
• Sexual Content: 0/5
• Bad Language: 0/5
• Dialogue: 1/5
• Other Notes: Deals with themes of sibling rivalry, feeling the need to show maturity, espionage, adventure, responsibility, bravery, rival factions and competition.

Words by Laura Record

[amazon_link asins=’B01MRI7HD4,B01F5FJ5VE,0099572796,0099427222,B01M1COOMJ’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’isthimovsui-21′ marketplace=’UK’ link_id=’75a9f666-ba90-11e8-b5f4-8948ab3cb256′]