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Private Peaceful is based on the brilliant bestselling novel by Michael Morpurgo.

 

It is the story of the unbreakable bond between two brothers, from the innocence of their childhood in the fields of Devon to the violence of the battlefields of Flanders.

 

In the trenches they experience the brutal injustice of war, far removed from rural family life and their rivalry for the love of the beautiful Molly Monks.

 

Directed by Pat O’Connor (Dancing at Lughnasa), with an all-British cast, Private Peaceful is a powerful and emotional tale of injustice, love, heroism and fierce family ties that will never be broken.

 

Starring George MacKay (How I Live Now, Sunshine on Leith), Jack O'Connell (300, Skins), Alexandra Roach (The Iron Lady, One Chance), Maxine Peake (Silk, Shameless), Frances de la Tour (Hugo, Alice in Wonderland), John Lynch (Sliding Doors, The Fall) and in his last film the incomparable Richard Griffiths (Harry Potter, History Boys).

 

Extras include interviews with Michael Morpurgo, Jack O'Connell, George Mackay, Richard Griffiths, Makine Peake & John Lynch.

 

Actors: Richard Griffiths, George Mackay, Jack O'Connell, Frances de la Tour, John Lynch, Alexandra Roach

Director: Pat O'Connor

Format: PAL, Colour, Anamorphic, Widescreen, HiFi Sound

Language: English

Subtitles: English

Region: All Regions

Aspect Ratio: 16:9 - 1.78:1

Number of discs: 1

Classification: 12

Studio: Fluidity Films Ltd

Film Run Time: 104 minutes

 

RECENT QUOTES FROM AMAZON BUYERS

 

ian braunton

It was an amazing story with a brilliant end better than War Horse the film give a real insight to how horrible the First World War was. 5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant film!, 22 Aug 2013

 

Leslie

I am teaching the novel to year 7 students, and I purchased this to show them as part of the unit. The students find the story so intriguing, and loved that they could compare the differences between the novel and film. It's a brilliant film in its own right. It's well directed and well acted. It's one of the best WWI films I've seen. There are quite a few differences from the novel, but it's a film where it's easier to overlook those differences due to how well it still keeps the essence of the story and each character.

5.0 out of 5 stars A sympathetic treatment of a great book for young people, 31 July 2013

 

S. Harrison

My year 7 English class were totally enthralled by this film version of Michael Morpurgo's book. The casting is superb - in particular, we found the grown up characters of Tommo and Charlie completely credible. The narrative method of the novel, using 'now and then' details, is sensibly handled so that people unfamiliar with the original still get a good sense of the reminiscent style used by Morpurgo. The feelings of injustice and inequality created by the book are, likewise, presented well: to the point that several of my class were reduced to tears by the closing scenes. Thought-provoking, sensitive and great as a teaching aid for English and Humanities.

 

4.0 out of 5 stars A sad but beautiful film., 29 July 2013 malcolm mcgarrigle

Great cast and a very poignant story. Very beautifully presented. Very pleased with the film and glad to have added it to my collection.

 

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable, 26 July 2013 Bee

This was worth watching, but once again I was left wondering why the film makers couldn't stick with the original plot; there are some really big changes and I felt that Morpurgo sold out if he agreed to them, or at least one of them in particular. Perhaps it would be better not to read the book!

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of British, 25 July 2013 Kev Stock

This is a must watch film, depicting rigid class structure, military brutality and the tragedy of war. Richard Griffiths is at his best, as is John Lynch, but the two leads Jack OConnoll and George McKay carry this film throughout. Set in rural Devon before and during WW1, it is a tale of simple family life, ripped apart by war. Realistic battle scenes and stunning locations all add to a remarkable film that has yet to receive the accolades that it deserves
Low budget it may be, but this is British film making at its unequaled best.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely adapation, 15 July 2013 Mrs H M Dalziel

I bought this to accompany the book and audiobook for pupils with developing reading skills. It brought the story to life for them

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Great interpretation of the book!, 16 Jun 2013 roofie

After 'War Horse' we have gotten into some Michael Morpurgo. Having read 'Private Peaceful' it was great to find that they had also made a film.
Thoroughly enjoyable and well made!

 

5.0 out of 5 stars A very private war., 16 Jun 2013 Jan Enwright

This is a thought provoking story about what it really meant to be a soldier in the First World War. It would be a useful insight into the personal human aspects of war for any students studying this period of history.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars loved it!, 12 May 2013 T. Williams

very good true to the book, a true look at the sad waste of lives in ww1, very strong characters

 

4.0 out of 5 stars DVD matches Book, 31 Mar 2013 Square eyes

Although written for children. Such a gentle story given the subject matter. Has a feel good factor and as in the book such good storytelling of a piece of history and Michael Morpugo as usual simply tells the story well.
The DVD matched the book. Recommended for anyone who appreciates a good story well told.

 

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for kids, 21 Mar 2013 Soozi3

I bought this film to show my students at school after reading the novel in class. Needless to say, the film is always a bit of a disappointment. The students enjoyed it though!

 

4.0 out of 5 stars Like it, 11 Mar 2013 she

Good story, well acted, set ups/scenery well worked and worth viewing. Nine more words are nine too many which over requires need of statements not worth making!

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Private Peaceful [DVD] [2012], 9 Mar 2013 Poldark

I work in a high school and this is a very popular book both by the English Department and the children. Whilst I know it is historically correct i.e., World War I and the fact that men were court martialled and killed by firing squad for whatever trump up charges could be found. The story starts at the end. Despite having read the book several times during lessons and the film being shown to the students, it is definitely a tear jerker. Each time I have watched it, it has left me in a bad mood. When you watch it and find out why... No, I'll say no more because it will ruin it. Such injustice, that is all I will say. This certainly isn't suitable for junior schools or anyone under the age of 12/13; any younger I don't think they would understand it anyway.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Really good film, 6 Mar 2013 Ed

Private Peaceful has a good storyline and is well presented and performed.We enjoyed seeing this movie and think it is well worth owning.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable, 5 Mar 2013 Ms. Anne Mortlock (UK)

I enjoyed the film but nowhere near as good as the book. I would recommend that you read the book first. The character of tommo was just how I imagined him to be but the ending was disappointing in some respects.

 

Caitlin Brown

...I have left out some of the events, including the gas attack,as I don't want to tell the whole story. It is a heart wrenching story about love and loss, and is so realistic both to the book, and to WWI itself. I have enjoyed it, and would recommend for anyone interested in war, or studying war. The trenches are realistic to. So buy this film, as it truly is great.

I give it a 5 star, because of how realistic it is.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Gentle and sad film, 13 Feb 2013 H. F. Tierney "Diesel Dolly"

Michael Morpurgo's books have been enjoyed by all ages in this family, and this story is no exception - excellent.

 

4.0 out of 5 stars Private Peaceful DVD, 8 Feb 2013 Sally Hibbs

I had heard about this DVD from my brother in law as he was an "extra" in it. Loved the story and was very surprised at the ending. Would recommend it to friends and family.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Home Viewing, 18 Jan 2013 C. Colley (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I enjoy reading Michael Morpurgo's books and was really looking forward to watching this adaption of Private Peaceful. The film, which follows two brothers going to war, stays quite close to the story in the book and I was not disappointed.
It moves from the Peaceful family home in the Devon countryside to the trenches in Flanders, and the war scenes are dramatic and realistic. I've read the book and know that the story is sad and the film definitely evoked my emotions.
There is a lot to be said for a low-budget film, particularly a British one and this is a fine example. Private Peaceful genuinely portrays life at home and at war, during the First World War.

 

4.0 out of 5 stars Really good film, 14 Jan 2013 matthew bradbrook

Brought this for my partner, who loves war related films! Watched it as a family and loved it. Well worth seeing

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Educational and true to the original book version, 12 Jan 2013 Mrs.E.Feibusch

Excellent film portraying realistically enough for young people the effects of WW1. It's part of the KS3 Curriculum so very useful too especially with the extras like the Michael Morpurgo interview.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing adaptation, 12 Jan 2013 Lizi

The film is a very well acted, brilliant example of British film-making based on an amazing book. It doesn't feel long.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Delivered on time, 5 Jan 2013 Rosemary

dvd follows the book very closely, with a few exceptions and some minor changes. It was bought as a teaching aid and appreciated by viewers.

 

Excellent product. Arrived just in time for Christmas viewing, 26 Dec 2012 Rosa

Excellent DVD. We have been waiting for this DVD since the story was published. My class loved it and it is fairly close to the book.. I will recommend it.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Private Peaceful, 24 Dec 2012 Mrs. P. V. Kelly

fast and efficient serve from seller very good film would recommend it can be a little bit like war horse need tissues to hand when watching it.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing bad to say!, 24 Dec 2012 Vimto!

It was delivered earlier than expected in secure packaging.
And it is now my favourite film! Definitely worth the money! (just make sure you have tissues when you watch it!)

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal, 13 Dec 2012 Emmet Todd

Private Peaceful, as an independent movie, exceeded all expectations. Excellent film, especially if you've read the book, very similar and loyal to the original.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Great support film for 13plus exams, 7 Dec 2012 Jae

My grandson is studying Private Peaceful at school. This is a great support film for revision it brings it to life.

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Peaceful feedback!, 30 Nov 2012 Haddock!

I enjoyed this DVD film for the following reasons, the: acting, storyline, screen play, the terrible time in the history of mankind at war it portrayed, I would recommend it to friend and foe!

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Such a good watch, 19 Nov 2012 bertiebumdrops -

This was a lovely film, certainly brought it home how wretched the first world war was and how incredibly unfair. However we did enjoy this and would watch it again

 

4.0 out of 5 stars A QUIET FILM WITH A LOT TO SAY, 16 Nov 2012 the treepster (Devon)

Private Peaceful is an adaptation of a source book originally written for older children but providing a powerful and intensely humane commentary on what it is to be human.

It invites us to consider how we can be so eminently capable of learning while finding it so hard to learn. The film is understated and eloquent and very well played by a distinguished cast. It is beautifully shot so that we don't miss Devon too much, and has a very evocative score.

I was tempted to say that it could hardly fail to be moving, but that would manifestly be untrue and a disservice to the screenwriters. If the adaptation does not always completely capture the power of the book, it may simply be because a film is not a book and shouldn't try to be one, and because the emotional impact of the source material here is breathtakingly strong.

It is interesting to compare the film of Private Peaceful with Steven Spielberg's high Hollywood take on Michael Morpurgo's War Horse. The source book is no less powerful, though Spielberg did face a daunting task in further adapting a story which had already been translated into a stunningly successful theatre piece, where the sheer emotional power of puppets for horses somehow caught the spirit of the book while distilling it for the stage.

War Horse was a film I desperately wanted to love but found I could only like, and the sure touch Spielberg brought to 'Schindler's List' seemed to elude him here at crucial times. On balance the film just survived its misjudgements, but they did stop it being what it might so easily have been, and that was a chance lost.

I can also never quite forgive an honest Dartmoor farmhouse being turned into the sort of gingerbread confection which troublesome children often seem inclined to eat in fairy tales, though I have to question whether this is just the rejection felt by another Devon architect who wasn't asked to be a production consultant.

Oh, and if those sunsets were real, they really did need taming artificially.

So the film of Private Peaceful, while not perfect, offers much to admire, and although it may be destined for a somewhat limited theatrical release, I would really recommend people to seek it out in any format.

For its honesty and humility and its messages of hope in the face of shame, pity and pain. And for all those young men who now have some justice at last, thanks in part to books and films like this.

We know that less is often more, and I think the fact that this film is more successful than its much grander Hollywood companion is a real tribute to all concerned.