Endearing and charming children's adventure convinces with a good cast, excellent period details and especially Chris Menges' beautiful cinematography.

Having watched the brilliant 'Price of Coal' I had high hopes for this his first feature film since the equally brilliant 'Kes' but unfortunately this is a long way from either of them. Loach's usual use of improvisation using non actors is wholly unconvincing here and comes across no better than an average school production. A good story might have helped but this is also not adapted well.

The plot is pretty interesting, it kept me in suspense for the entire film. It's essentially sweet tale that could turn tragic at any moment. All I really knew about this going in was that it was an inspiration for Moonrise Kingdom by Wes Anderson, though it's similar it's not all you think about while watching this.

It's a very good period peice as well, it never feels like people are from our current times pretending to be from the 1700's. Everything has a very authentic dirtiness to it, even the mansion of the rich family has a door with heavy wear marks on the handle. Its extremely real feeling.

The child acting as well in this film is so good you forget they're child actors. It's really mind blowing the acting level of everyone is equal theres no dumb and corny kid acting, it's very mature for such a young age.

If you're wondering whether or not you should watch it I'd say go for it. I really have to admit I'm suprised this film doesnt get more praise, it's very good.