The true story of Margaret Humphreys (Emily Watson, Cemetery Junction), a social worker from Nottingham who uncovered one of the most significant social scandals in recent times: the organised, forced deportation of more than 100,000 poor and orphaned children from the United Kingdom to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada. The scheme began in the 1800s and ended in the late 1960s. UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown made a formal apology to affected families in 2010.
Almost single-handedly and against the odds, Humphreys reunited thousands of families, brought authorities to account and brought worldwide attention to this miscarriage of justice.
Also starring Hugo Weaving (The Matrix), this is the feature debut from director Jim 'son of Ken' Loach.
An emotional moving commentary on the hidden truth about the export of 130,000 yes 130,000 children from Mother England to Down Under Australia and the exposure of institutionalized standards and behaviors that only now being exposed through adults bearing scares. The film is that much more absorbing by connecting the tragedy to the true story (Autobiography) of Emily Watson and her exposure of these mistreated children. Brilliantly casted and acted no one left my viewing without a wet tear and a thought provoking face. A memorable film to recommend to Baby Boomers.
A worthy film. Does that make it a great one? Not in my opinion. The acting is adequate, the script necessarily heavy in detail to fill the audience in, but the film never really takes off. You feel the determination Margaret has, and the support and frustration of her family at this, but it all feels a little flat and movie by numbers. The most moving moments are where they should be, with the survivors (even part of that was spoiled when I saw it at the Rialto by the incessant opening of the doors by the staff to make sure everything is OK), whose stories of neglect and abuse are heartbreaking. Read the autobiography and be moved and impressed by this woman driven to extreme lengths to uncover the truth.
We went to see this movie knowing very little about the history that has been pushed under the carpet. We were truly moved by the plight of these people and what they endured. A very well portrayed movie with enough to keep you wanting more.
Jim Loach's first feature film is a very promising debut. And Jim is indeed his father's son, taking on a most outrageous social injustice of the 20th century, and the woman who uncovered it, as his subject matter. The film never falls into gratuitous voyeurism even in the most upsetting and rawest part of the story. And not only it is well directed, it is definitely well acted with a stunning performance from Emily Watson as Margaret Humphreys, and plenty of pitch perfect second roles including Sam Neil and Tara Morice .
Quite unbelievable that something like what happens in the movie actually happened in real life; a great film to see just to open your eyes towhat happended if anything else.
Moving if low-key, Jim Loach's debut feature is proof that compassionate, socially conscious filmmaking runs in the family.
There’s a lot to be said for such heart-wrenching drama that doesn’t fall into the easy trap of mawkishness or manipulation – Loach has cast actors capable of dealing with raw scenes in a spare yet deeply moving way.
A forgotten generation remembered…
In the best tradition of British social realism, Denson Baker's largely handheld camera is steady and unobtrusive; Lisa Gerrard's lovely score is discreetly applied. All other technical aspects are top-notch.
Impressively directed and superbly written, this is a powerfully emotional drama with a terrific central performance from Emily Watson.
