A favourite story of mine for very many years this translation into a TV movie is sensitively and accurately adapted, much of the dialogue is exactly as Gerald Durrell wrote it. If only the TV writers, producers, directors would do as well with so many other sadly failing efforts! The actors in this are very well chosen and give faithful and often understated performances. In particular the lad playing Gerald is very good indeed, but I only single him out from a splendid ensemble effort because of his youth. If I had to make a criticism it would be that the character of Spiro was somewhat more restrained than I had envisaged from the book. All in all, a little gem. It was screened by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Sunday 8th. April 2007.
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ngcahill14 December 2015I was very nervous about this, as My Family and Other Animals was one of my favourite books from my childhood. But this adaptation is pretty good and very faithful to the book Matthew Goode and Imelda Staunton in particular are really good as Larry and Mother. While Mother is played as a little more like the rest of her family (quirky) rather than the slightly more laid back version in the book, I think it works very well. Omid Djalili's Spiro was a little too 'normal,' but still pretty good.
The only really annoying thing about the film was the soundtrack. It was very intrusive and loud, and didn't fit the tone of the film at all. After looking through the other reviews it seems people either absolutely love it, or really hate it. It certainly is very prominent in the film; sometimes dialogue is barely able to be heard. -
ilansherr28 December 2005It is a pity that this was made for television only, as it would have been an excellent movie release.
It is an excellent adaptation of the book (of the same name) by Gerald Durrell, and accounts the youthful exploits of the extremely talented Durrell family during their stay in Corfu after their father's death. The story is told through the eyes of the 12 year old budding Zoologist Gerrald Durrell in the backdrop to the outbreak of the second world war.
The characters are well portrayed and realistic, and the script manages to keep in the light-hearted humour and comedy from the book. Altogether a highly recommended movie for all the family. -
youngsteve27 December 2005Very well put together & funny reminisces of Gerald Durrels adventures in Corfu with his family before the war. I remember seeing the BBC series about 15 years ago which also was very good, & was surprised to see it made again, but this was another superb production, so is a welcome addition. The acting is superb throughout, particularly his weird family members. Imelda Staunton is as good as aways, & was the boy playing Gerald Durrell. The actress who took the part of his sultry sister was also good & very attractive. Expect to see more of her. The setting also added to the experience, with all the sun & sand, making you wish you were there, instead of a cold winters day in England.
Overall, certainly one to watch if you haven't already. -
horrorfilmx16 April 2006I caught this movie on PBS at four in the morning and was hooked for the next two hours. It's a funny, original story beautifully shot (one assumes on location in Greece). The focus of the film is on the youngest member of an eccentric British family and his absorbing interest in nature, but the rest of his clan all have their own unique quirks. It's a little bit like James Herriot by way of ALICE IN WONDERLAND. But what impressed me most of all was the assured direction. It jumps from character to character and incident to incident, all vastly amusing, without ever becoming boring or wasting a frame. It makes me want to hunt down the TV series or go read the books. By all means catch this if you ever have a chance.
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robxy22 February 2008I rented My Family and the Other Animals on a friend's recommendation and am happy that I did. I think I'm going to have to own this movie now. I will certainly watch it again - if just to catch all the lines that were delivered (with either Greek or English accents depending on who was speaking) while I was laughing too loudly to catch the dialog! This movie proves that if the story (which is based on real life in this case), the writing, and the acting are all impeccable (which is true of this movie) one doesn't need much more that a nice villa set in a beautiful location in Southern Europe and some local talent to make a fantastic little movie.
I use the word "little" not to take anything away from the quality of the movie, but rather because this movie was never released on the "Big" screen. Aired on PBS television for "Masterpiece Theatre" and now available on DVD, this film is capable of succeeding in movie theaters.
If you are anything like me, you will find yourself smiling, chuckling, and recalling particular lines from this movie for at least a full day after watching it! -
The Brits really know how to do it right! This is the absolute funniest thing I've seen in decades. I was busting out laughing constantly throughout the film; and I enjoyed it so much I watched it again the next day, still in awe of its perfection, and still constantly amused to the point of complete hilarity.
Acting: Perfect. Imelda Staunton will throw you with how funny she is; the other actors/characters, especially Gerry's literary brother Larry, are equally as hilarious. Plenty of absurdist, priceless interactions between all of the nutty family members, and between the family and their odd entourage of wacky friends and inscrutable Greeks.
Script: Incredible. Flawless. Word perfect. This finely honed script from Gerald Durrell's witty and extremely well-written memoir is another stunning example of how "the Brits do it better."
Plot: Who could think up a better one (and it's a true story no less!)? Loony, dysfunctional, fog-and-chill-crazed Brits move to a sunny, backward Greek island and mayhem ensues. Hilarious. Lots of odd twists and turns.
Cinematography: Breathtaking. Gerald Durrell was a world-famous zoologist, whose passion for nature and animals began with this move to Corfu. Nature is revealed in all of her fascinating, gorgeous mystery in this film's meticulous cinematography. Delightful! Beautiful! Oh, to be a child again and roam the leafy, creature-laden wilds and beautiful beaches of Corfu.
Music: Bust-a-gut funny. It compliments the movie like wine compliments the perfect dinner.
Main takeaway: This film is HILARIOUS. There is not a single character who is not memorably bizarre.
Don't miss this film if you like absolute quality entertainment, and want to laugh throughout the entire course of a film. It's clever and witty and cheeky beyond measure. And the best part is that it's true. Bless Gerry Durrell -- he's made a whole peck of people supremely happy! -
The_unemployed_cynic28 December 2005I was amazed by the sheer beauty of the images in this made-for-TV movie. The views are breathtaking. Everything looks simply wonderful: the island, the sea, the villas ('our' family moves to a new house whenever they feel the need arise), the locals and an interesting flock of visitors, and of course the abundant wildlife on Corfu.
The story is quite funny sometimes, and at one point even moving, the acting is very good and the direction and editing are spot on. What matters is that non of it gets in the way of what this movie tries to accomplish.
My Family And Other Animals is about the beauty of nature, as seen by a boy. After watching it, you can understand why someone like him would spend his life studying that subject. This movie feels like a breath of fresh air, bringing the viewer back to the days when such a thing existed. Every boy (or girl) should be able to spend his youth this way. -
mithrazure4 May 2006The movie is truly a delight to watch. It's full of warmth and humour. It reminds me how wonderful it is to connect to nature, a thing hard to achieve in this modern age of technology and fast-paced life. The scenery is just so beautiful, the characters interesting and lovable, the acting smooth and convincing, the soundtrack I find quite quirky but amusing, and the animals absolutely cute! Imelda Staunton is superb as usual, while Eugene Simon is very good as the inquisitive Gerald. Despite the fact that this movie is not a very dramatic one (no violence, no real romance nor suspense), it is engaging and entertaining. A must-see.
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Remember the days when watching television with your family was wholesome, clean, and even entertaining. I love Imelda Staunton in this role as the mother of family who vacation in Greece. Her beloved son becomes more like P.T. Barnum by taking care of so many creatures. It's told from his point of view before World War II during a family vacation on a Greece Island. It's the kind of film that the whole family can watch and laugh at some of the moments. It's not too serious or too lighthearted. IT's just fine for an hour an half of clean, fun and family style entertainment that a whole family can gather around the set and watch together. It doesn't have vulgarity, sex, or violence to ruin it. It's not that kind of film. I was watching this film in London where I learned that Imelda Staunton was awarded the O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) which suits her perfectly. The scenery is spectacular and the writing could have been a little better but it works just fine for me. I love the acting but I can't remember the other actors' names.
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jopas27 December 2005If you like the gentle English approach to a story such as seen in Upstairs Downstairs and All Creatures Great and Small, this film is for you. It features the young life of Gerald Durrel, a famed British naturalist, and his eccentric family while they lived on Crete in pre WW2 days. Young Gerald fills the house with animals, a brother likes to shoot while another brother feels his whole family is crazy including his younger sister who chases older men. Many oddball friends grace the storyline and a well composed comedic music score adds to the pleasure of this production. The acting is superb throughout with the young actor playing Durrel being perfect for the role. Maybe some 'Hollywood' producers might learn from this tale you do not always need exploding objects to ensure a good film.
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Kirpianuscus27 October 2017it is easy to define it as inspired adaptation. or as one great stories. and, maybe, like one of the perfect choice for entire family. in fact, it is one of the adventure in the perfect fantasia. from the perspective of a child, discovering, in Corfu, the taste of life, chaos, animals and relatives relations, passion an sadness, sketch about a form of Paradise. seems be real seductive. and, off course, it is it.
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sugarcult_x27 December 2005This is a really special piece of classic British comedy, know one does comedy like the Brits! Gerald Durrel's wacky family are vividly captured in this period drama, about a family who are so different, but still are the perfect English family. I watched this drama expecting it to be another cheap shot at an unmemorable attempt in the 1980's, but this is really the sort of thing you should watch on a cold winters day, with a mug of hot choc and curl on your sofa, and relax. Its a feel good film, full of laughs and hilarious family 'in jokes', which every family has. Plus the animals that Gerry collects are just so cute. Perfect cast, who all seem to slip into their individual roles easily and comfortably - laughs all the way, topped off by Mrs Staunton (Vera Drake), who leads the family as the mother. Fan-bloody-tastic! Watch it, or miss out!
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Ephesians602 January 2007Hello, This is one of those British type of movies that tickle the funny bone. And make us all lone for more simple times when life was care free and not so bloody troublesome when kids could just be kids and not have to worry about any thing. This is a must see for any family who values good clean family entertainment and not all the violence one see in the media tooday, and the foul language we hear in the films of tooday. This is a refreshing breath of air form the usual tripe of tooday,s film audiaunce. This is real film work an true work of genius.
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brettmcbain-113 September 2013I recall being "forced" to read this book in a cold Winter in London in about 1978. The magic of the book is effortlessly transfered to this screen version. The only fly-in-the-ointment is that the book chronicles several seasons on Corfu, rather than the screen version with its perpetual Summer. That aside, it remains a solid piece of film-making and Mr Americanos (who is actually an Iranian comedian) shines as the families taxi driver. He would HAVE to have visited Greece to know that his character is perfect! Believe me, I lived in Greece for six years and people like him still exist. I lived in Crete rather than Corfu but, hey, it's a beautiful part of the world expertly shown in this film.
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bojoweb9 February 2022I was a kid when I watched this movie, I don't remember what age, but I remember that I had read the book some months or a year beforehand and when I saw the movie I was like hmmm this looks oddly familiar.. and then I realized that it is so close to the book it's like I had imagined the movie itself while reading it, I was amazed by that to be honest.. anyway I shall see it again in the following days, I have forgotten it for sure.
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Vincentiu6 September 2013a book. a writer confession about his golden age. and an inspired adaptation. that is all. at first sigh. because , like a dish, in this case, the taste, the flavor, the delicious atmosphere has few little secret ingredients. first - the script who explore the Durell universe with gentle and wise precision. than, the cast and for this slice must see the movie for understand. than - the music. the spice remains British humor but that is the great and magnificent virtue because its rhythm is always the same. the joy, adventure, spirit, curiosity of childhood is on front chair. the craziness, the eccentricity, egotism, strange situations are cages for each kind of public. but something must be more important - the extraordinary performance of two actors as cinnamon of this splendid pie - Eugene Simon and, sure, great Imelda Staunton. it is not really a movie. only perfect bottle for pure form of joy.
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endersgame197219 April 2015WHat an awesome film form Masterpiece theater. IN my line of thinking what a dysfunctional family, I think the only stable one is Jerry the youngest. This is a Film for the whole family to watch and enjoy with your favorite popcorn and what ever beverage you like. There is no swearing not that the average American would understand since it is a film based out of England. the only other thing is the use of a gun to hunt other then that the film is Bereft of any violence. it is a true family film it follows the life a British family who relocate to the Greek Island of Corfu because of the cold weather in London. it is a wild ride of a film with great Music throughout great acting Ten Stars at least. this is a Very Light and Airy family film full of wit and witticism and sarcasm. SO in Conclusion then I would say this is well worth a rent from your local LIbrary.
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Chrysanthepop18 November 2010I was surprised to learn that 'My Family and Other Animals' was a TV movie. I wonder why it wasn't made into a feature film. It didn't have that made for television feel at all. I liked it so much that I thought I had to say something about it. Based on Gerald Durrell's autobiography, Sheree Folkson's film tells the humorous and moving tale of an eccentric family that moves to Greece after being fed up of the terrible English weather. The four siblings, Larry, Leslie, Margot and Gerald couldn't have been any more different. Larry is an aspiring writer, Leslie hunts for pleasure, Margot is enjoys all the attention she gets from men and Gerald is a passionate explorer of nature and a lover of animals. There's a lot of chaos in the movie but it is all done in good humour. Imelda Staunton, Matthew Goode, Russell Tovey, Tamzin Merchant and Eugene Simon perform wonderfully as they really do feel like a family. Omid Djalili provides some hilarious comic relief and Chris Langham is very likable. With exotic looks and loads of humour, energy and adventure 'My Family and Other Animals' was a joy to watch.