Review of Goodnight Mr Tom

Sentimental? Yes. Life-Affirming? Yes. Heartwarming? Yes. Mawkish? Definitely no. In short a wonderful effort with top marks to everyone involved beginning, of course, as always, with the writing, through directing to acting. I have a healthy streak of cynicism in my makeup and I'm usually among the first to spot 'manipulation' and, in the immortal words of Damon Runyon, deal with it accordingly. This time around, however, I was content to overlook contrivance - a saintly evacuee, illiterate and battle-scarred who utters not one word of complaint/reproach against the mother who has almost succeeded in scarring him (both mentally and physically) for life; a near hermit, embittered by his own tragic loss in the War before this one, turning his face against his neighbours, finding happiness almost against his will - and rejoice in great acting that is greater for being restrained. A must-see.