The weekend is approaching and, like every Friday, the same question: What are we watching on TV today? Netflix is here to solve your doubt today. Betting on the European trend, “The Children’s Train”, a drama based on the novel by Viola Ardone, has become a global phenomenon after it was released last December. This film, full of emotion, has positioned itself among the films best rated by subscribers.
Directed by Cristina Comencini, it is inspired by “Trains of Happiness” and is based on a true story where thousands of children living in poverty were sent to northern Italy in the 1940s while waiting for the bombing of Naples.
What is the film about?
In its original language it is called “Il treno dei bambini”, and follows the story of Amerigo, a Neapolitan boy who is seven years old and has never left his city. He lives with Antonietta, his mother, both in poverty. After World War II (we are in 1946) his mother decides to send him to the north of the country in the hope that other people can give him a better life.
In the north of the country, this boy is taken in by Derna, a woman from a well-off family. We are not going to tell you more because we do not want to spoil it for you, open Netflix and put it on! Then tell us 😉
What about the cast?
The film has a very prominent cast:
- Barbara Ronchi as Derna
- Serena Rossi as Antonietta
- Christian Cervone as Amerigo (child)
- Stefano Accorsi as Amerigo (adult)
- Francesco Di Leva as Capa´e Ferro
- Antonia Truppo as Maddalena Criscuolo
And, as we said, the direction is in the hands of Cristina Comencini, recognized for Italian auteur cinema.
Success on Netflix… Oscar in sight?
The film has generated a large-scale impact, placing itself among the most watched productions on Netflix in countries such as the United States, Spain and several Latin American countries, and has received a good reception from both the public and critics in general. This emotional story already sounds like one of the possible candidates for best international film. Are we facing a new modern classic?
Was it a true story?
So, in the mid-40s and before the bombing of Naples, it was women who had to support families and kept societies running (as best they could). In this context, the south of the country was the one that had been hit hardest by poverty and lack of food after the destruction of the war, and it was then that the Italian Communist Party and the Unione Donne Italiane came up with this plan that consisted of moving minors from the south to the north, where they would be welcomed by well-off families who would provide them with support, food and accommodation. At least 70,000 minors were transported on these trains.
Where to watch “The Children’s Trains”?
The film is currently available on Netflix in Argentina, Spain and the United States via Netflix.
Vibrant, full of emotion and you can see the trailer by clicking here. If you haven’t seen “The Children’s Trains” yet, why wait