The Children's Train (2024)

Italian director Cristina Comencini offers us a moving film that explores maternal love and the innocence of childhood, set against the backdrop of World War II.

With an emotional and natural tone, this story has left an imprint on the lives of many people.

Through Netflix, we can enjoy this beautiful adaptation of the novel by Viola Ardone, which immerses us in the endearing story of Amerigo.

His innocence and love guide us through a narrative full of endearing moments that, unfortunately, feel all too brief.

Cristina Comencini's delicate direction grips us with her ability to create beautiful shots and a raw portrayal, always seen from the children's perspective.

This allows the film to maintain a hopeful tone, despite being set in wartime.

Although the conflict is present, both the script and the direction ensure that the real homage is focused on those children who had to separate from their mothers to find love in new families.

The film stands out for its intelligence, combining stunning photography with a captivating soundtrack.

The performances of Serena Rossi and Barbara Ronchi, who play two lonely mothers filled with love for Amerigo, are truly moving.

Christian Cervone, who brings Amerigo to life, brings an emotional charge to the story with his charisma and tenderness, becoming the heart of this emotionally rich narrative.

In this play, we are reminded of how linearity and simplicity can be powerful tools to strike a chord with the viewer. Although it is a classic approach, its determination makes it unique.

The film takes us down two paths: the innocence of childhood and motherhood, presenting two perspectives that teach us that to love also means letting go and that to love is, at times, to know how to understand.

It is a charming film, imbued with Italian essence and love, which introduces us to a great director behind the camera and pays a moving tribute to all those who grew up and adapted to this train of hope.