Summerland (2020)

I watched this for one reason alone: Gemma Arterton. However instead of enjoying looking at her,m I was transfixed by her character. She reminded me very strongly of a character in a Diney Costeloe movie. The dialogue is a bit weak in patches and the direction is lacking in a big way. This would be a blockbuster movie had direction and dialogue been better. However, the cast, mainly Arterton, floated this story right through my emotions and from a quick look at a beautiful lady, it turned out to be an immersion in a beautiful tale. Bring out your happy, watch this film.

Fmovies: Everybody in this film was just great. Gemma Arterton, as always delivers. To me - it's a 10.

Summerland is a beautiful story told beautifully. Interesting and funny characters; gorgeous backdrop setting; and a sentimental heartfelt story. I couldn't help to notice how much the actor, Lucas Bond, has a strong resemblance to another UK actress Millie Bobby Brown. I kept thinking throughout the film if this was Millie Brown playing a boy earlier in her career or was Lucas Bond a younger sibling of hers. The resemblance is uncanny.

As an American, I find the rural country and coastal landscapes of England so very pretty. I prefer British movies like this more so than films with a London setting. Perhaps because I am a New Yorker, London resembles too much of New York for my taste as I now live near the Rhode Island shore. This film just felt like fresh ocean air on a sunny day. Very relaxing.

I loved Gemma Arterton character. She had me laughing at how much of her personality is much like mine in real life. As a New Yorker, I can be brutally honest whether someone likes it or not and I never been one to care about the opinions of others. I don't go around hurting other's feelings. But sometimes can inadvertently blurt out my absent minded opinions. Foot in the mouth syndrome I guess. Alice felt like the female version of me. More focus on my work and hobbies than to live my life based on other's opinion which has gotten me into trouble over the years. I honestly think it is exhausting to think any other way and not sure why people trap themselves in such mental prisons. But I survived the repercussions even if I did get some scars as a result.

Frank on the other hand is another breath of fresh air for me. When I was a child myself, children were expected to be as respectful to adults like Frank was and I admired that in him. Considering what he was going through, the trauma of being upheaval from his home into the custody of a stranger that doesn't particularly care to have him around. The difficulty of wondering about the safety of his parents during the war. Not to mention the news he receives later in the film. My heart bleed for this child. I really loved the dynamics at play between the characters and how it evolves. How Frank softens Alice's heart is very beautiful.

The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the relationship between Alice and Vera. I don't think it was necessary to add this to the story. But it is 2020 and it seems every film has an obligatory same sex relationship (aka PC virtual signaling). But at least it was done discretely and tastefully, not overblown with a Hollywood style sex scene. The film director kept it tasteful so it didn't harm the film. She directed the film demonstrating good aesthetic judgment instead of graphical shock value.

All in all, I really liked the film and I would recommend it. I did love the twist at the end of who Frank's parents really were. That was absolutely lovely and unexpected.

Summerland fmovies. After giving up on finding decent films in 2020, I came across the trailer for Summerland on Youtube and it pricked my attention as I find both Gemma Arterton and Gugu Mbatha-Raw both very engaging actors.

I'm so glad that i ended up buying Summerland as it's a film filled with emotion, tenderness, strength and vulnerability. As yes the film has a plot of Lesbianism, but it's so well written that it is never the main focus of the film, (as with a lot very woke films) because the story is about love, tenderness and eternal hope.

Gemma Arterton really switches it up her role as Alice and one why you can see why she is a leading lady, her ability to convey so much emotions in her eyes and expressions are that of someone that really knows their craft.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw, even though isn't in the film much, (like with most of her roles) but when in a scene she really does shine and radiates.

If you want to get away from all the craziness of 2020 and watch a film that engages you, fills you with emotions and gets right back to humanity, I can't recommend Summerland highly enough.

Summerland is simply the most beautiful movie I've seen in ages. It's stunning. The story, the characters and the happy ending. IT'S EVERYTHING I'VE EVER WANTED!!! So so beautiful! I legit can't stop crying, but they are happy tears. My heart feels all warm and cozy and happy after watching this movie! I'm ready to rewatch it over and over again.

This movie was a heart-warming tale of how love can find its way back. The main characters were so very well portrayed. I so needed this break from the cruelties of reality. The young man who played Frank was exceptional. It was a very clean and wholesome film, and anyone who finds issue with the content has to be a close-minded individual.