Film Review: Tomorrow When the War Began

The film adaptation of John Marsden's Tomorrow When the War Began was released in Cinemas last Thursday in Australia. I can't tell you how squee-making it's been seeing buses wrapped with ginormous film posters driving about. Ever since casting for this film was announced I've been excited for this film. See, I've always liked Caitlin Stasey. I thought she was excellent on Neighbours and would make a very good Ellie.

I tried not to get my hopes up too high. They got up there anyway without my permission. I was practically jumping up and down when I bought tickets. And when the credits rolled. I was still twitching in my seat when the planes were flying over Hell. I don't think I calmed down for the entire movie, because I loved it.

I loved it.

My friend loved it too. She hadn't read the books, and she was hiding under her jacket in a few places. She freely admits she's a sook, but it was genuinely nail-biting in places.

It was beautifully shot. It was funny as well as affecting. It was thrilling, and what's more, it was faithful to the novel. Things always have to be changed when a book is translated on to screen, but they were minor things and they were done well. The pacing was perfect. The acting was clunky in one or two places, but forgivably so as it was wonderful in most. The girls in the movie did seem to have these affected British accents in places, which could have been a result of hanging out with Rachel Hurd-Wood, who's a pom. I wonder, though, if it's to make the film slightly more appealing in the mother country. It's weird that it was just the girls though.

I'm so proud, relieved and excited--and I hope they make a sequel.