Cider with Rosie is a 2015 television movie from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The movie, which is based on a 1959 book, debuted in September of 2015. The book is based on the life of the author, Laurie Lee. It was previously adapted into a film in 1971 for the BBC and again in 1998 for ITV. Timothy Spall narrates the film, as the voice of the protagonist, Laurie Lee.

The film begins with Young Laurie Lee (Georgie Smith) and his family moving to the village of Slad, Gloucestershire, England. The only family member missing is the kid’s father, who stays behind, due to the war. After making their initial adjustments, Laurie and his sister, Frances (Teddie-Rose Malleson-Allen) begin getting into all kinds if mischief. They stir up trouble with the town’s angry grandmas, Trill (Annette Crosbie) and Wallon (June Whitfield).

The kid’s mother, Annie Lee (Samantha Morton) remains hopeful that her husband will visit them and permanently reconnect in the future. Unfortunately, disaster strikes. Laurie Lee falls ill, but it is his sister, Frances, who suddenly passes away. Around this point in the film, we begin experiencing time wraps, with the film flashing ahead to an older Laurie (Archie Cox). Although the jumps are periodic and frequent, it is even difficult to keep up.

The film perfectly exemplifies the coming of age genre and refuses to go any further. Along the way, Laurie surrounds himself with a quirky cast of characters, including the energetic and profane Rosie (Ruby Ashbourne Serkis). While young Laurie begins to explore his sexuality, young Laurie explored his imagination and pretends to be a soldier. Laurie’s old sister falls for an AWOL soldier, Private James Harris (Billy Howle). This exposes Laurie to his first look at romance and coincides with older Laurie’s first sign of interest in women.

The film is somewhat like Boyhood, but it covers so much more and takes place in the First World War era. In order to prevent myself from giving too much away, I’ll stop there.

 

Cider With Rosie Review

So, how is the film? Well, as someone, who has never read the book or watched the previous films, I enjoyed it. The tale is scattered at times and leaves a lot to the imagination, but the heart and soul of the film cannot be ignored. The childhood of Laurie Lee is ultimately one that is tremendously unique in today’s society. Due to technology, those childhood activities are dissipating rapidly and most modern children will never wear a cooker, carry a branch and pretend to be a soldier on the nearby hillside.

Cider With Rosie allows the viewer to relive these moments through the eyes and voice of Laurie Lee. Despite the differentials from today’s world, some things never change. Unfortunately, Annie Lee’s marital problems are certainly still prevalent in today’s society. These events help to make Laurie Lee’s childhood very relevant and familiar. The ride might leave the viewer longing for more, but it is ultimately one that is well worth experiencing.

Also, the acting is great. Although Georgie Smith’s accent was a little difficult to understand at times, the young actor took control of the role and did a fabulous job. Archie Cox was also captivating, as the older Laurie. Timothy Spall’s narration definitely improved the film as well. Overall, the film deserves a 7.5 out of 10. If you wish to enjoy an enthralling coming of age tale, Cider with Rosie should not be ignored!