SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS (1974) ** There are people who meditate considering relaxation a mere means, and there are those who mediate with the ultimate goal of relaxation. Of the second group, a great many do so without meaning to do it: they turn on the television and their mind goes to sleep. Such individuals may find this film of great utilitarian value. It's a film where nothing happens, to too many 21st century eyes. It's just some intelligent, creative, good, and very British children playing on a lake, really. No monsters, no violent criminals, not even any pirates except for in their minds. It's nicely done. Somehow Claude Whatham convinces the children to forget about it all and act like children, and Arthur Ransome wrote a very loose story allowing them to do so. It's as gentle as an afternoon on the lake, though some of us probably still prefer the real thing. On the other hand, though the film eventually takes on the character of a nature walk that's long outlasted its novelty and plot, it checks out after a mere 92 minutes. Not half the time you'll take up if you get lost again after you wanted to be home.
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