Lassie (2005)

I've never seen any previous version of "Lassie". I only judged by my feelings for this one, and it's good enough.With beautiful cinematography and gorgeous symphonic music, this film is very easy to get yourself involved inside and wander by the plot. The little boy is not classically handsome, but he's very specially cute, like some character coming to life from a fairytale. And surely the collie Lassie is gorgeous enough to catch everyone's eyes, intelligent enough to deal with humans (both the good and the evil) and fortitudinous enough to run across the island to unite with her families. And many supporting roles were played by great actors and actresses and were played greatly.It's a hilarious masterpiece, though occasionally mixed with bitter and sadness. But isn't it what life should be? In this case, it's a good material to teach children with. They will know all the necessary elements of emotions and respect life and people from of all classes.**(spoiler) However, I just don't get it why the dwarf's little dog had to be dead.** I still think death is too cruel a thing to be shown to the target viewers of such early ages. And some scenes were considered too sentimental, thus may possibly prevent some adult viewers.So overall I'll say it's a masterpiece with flaws. Still it may give many families a great time to enjoy.

With its class divisions and social differences, the have not's and the I want mores, this is the story of Lassie the Rough Collie, originally bred for herding in the harsh Scottish climates, she, like her owners have become innocent victims of the times. Set in the beautiful Yorkshire valleys and lush green fields, as well as the ever - mesmerising Scottish Highlands, with true filming locations in England and Scotland, plus County Wicklow and the Grand Masonic Lodge, Dublin in Ireland and the Isle of Man. This is a visual splendour of the vast wilderness and the beautiful panoramic landscapes, that when set against the tiny figure of the star herself only projects her impossible plight. Cinematography is by one Howard Atherton, and being a member of the British Society of Cinematographers too, has us transfixed at the stunning lands and lakes that are Lassies barriers and wedges that divide heart from home.Done with a gracious style of indifference and tender loving, Lassies adventure homeward bound is a story of human tragedies also, for the people that she stumbles upon, she brings course and effect, Lassie touches us all, her ever trusting, and weary, nature, she can become as close to you as only you wish to be close to her. With a cast of greats and new faces alike such as Peter O'Toole (1932 - ), as the sinister, cunning and malevolent Duke, with him are the likes of Scottish actor and comic Gregor Fisher, Jonathan Mason as young Joe, Peter Dinklage as the travelling Rowlie the street entertainer. We also see John Lynch as Joe's father along side Samantha Morton the wife and mother, and a bit part from the comedy actor Nicholas Lyndhurst, playing the evil Buckle, not forgetting the acting talents of Steve Pemberton, Robert Hardy and Edward Fox too. This all blends in extremely well too, set against the period sets, locations and costumes of the pre Second World War era. With the style of story telling, which was first written in 1943 by Eric Knight (1897 - 1943), that brings us to a state of trepidation, doubt and sorrow for our heroine, then at the right moment will have us adulated for her sheer guts and determination.Lassie is a family movie, and for sentimentalists alike, with its theme of finding ones home and knowing where the heart really belongs, with its subplots of human soul searching that are parallel to Lassies plight too, this is a fine story, told in both wondrous countryside and stately homes to back streets.This is a tale of knowing ones place in life, and wanting to be there, and the rewards of achievement when one reaches the end of the road.Heartlands Truly Moving Picture Awards, USA, gave Lassie top accolade for its very moving emotional impact and to quote their philosophy for picking such movies, "Truly Moving Pictures are films that explore the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life". I'll second that, will you?

I had to give this movie a 9, I have had dogs all my life and I have to say, I thought of each and every one of them while watching this film. It's a very sentimental film, boy has dog, money is tight due to the war, parents sell dog, dog goes on journey home. I checked spoiler in case this spoils the film for anyone. I highly recommend this movie for families, yes, the children will be on the edge of their seats, mom and dad may even shed a tear or two. Worth the time to see. I know I did! There is the standard bad guy, and various characters that are anti-lassie and pro-lassie, typical of older versions of this classic tale. Regardless, watch this movie, you will not be disappointed.

It is so refreshing to watch a family film that doesn't have to rely only on special effects to tell the story. This film is just how they used to make films with great acting, beautiful photography and of course a lovely story. It's full of emotion and soul and it's just a good all round film the whole family will enjoy. It's about a boy and his parents who fall on hard times and have to sell their beloved dog, which gets taken hundreds of miles away. But his love for his dog never falters and the dogs love for its owners makes it determined to escape and travel the vast distance to get home. We have watched a few blockbusters lately but this film deserves praise. It might have a lower budget, but it has something that we all deep down want out of a film.