I recall being "forced" to read this book in a cold Winter in London in about 1978. The magic of the book is effortlessly transfered to this screen version. The only fly-in-the-ointment is that the book chronicles several seasons on Corfu, rather than the screen version with its perpetual Summer. That aside, it remains a solid piece of film-making and Mr Americanos (who is actually an Iranian comedian) shines as the families taxi driver. He would HAVE to have visited Greece to know that his character is perfect! Believe me, I lived in Greece for six years and people like him still exist. I lived in Crete rather than Corfu but, hey, it's a beautiful part of the world expertly shown in this film.

The movie is truly a delight to watch. It's full of warmth and humour. It reminds me how wonderful it is to connect to nature, a thing hard to achieve in this modern age of technology and fast-paced life. The scenery is just so beautiful, the characters interesting and lovable, the acting smooth and convincing, the soundtrack I find quite quirky but amusing, and the animals absolutely cute! Imelda Staunton is superb as usual, while Eugene Simon is very good as the inquisitive Gerald. Despite the fact that this movie is not a very dramatic one (no violence, no real romance nor suspense), it is engaging and entertaining. A must-see.

It is a pity that this was made for television only, as it would have been an excellent movie release.It is an excellent adaptation of the book (of the same name) by Gerald Durrell, and accounts the youthful exploits of the extremely talented Durrell family during their stay in Corfu after their father's death. The story is told through the eyes of the 12 year old budding Zoologist Gerrald Durrell in the backdrop to the outbreak of the second world war.The characters are well portrayed and realistic, and the script manages to keep in the light-hearted humour and comedy from the book. Altogether a highly recommended movie for all the family.

This is a really special piece of classic British comedy, know one does comedy like the Brits! Gerald Durrel's wacky family are vividly captured in this period drama, about a family who are so different, but still are the perfect English family. I watched this drama expecting it to be another cheap shot at an unmemorable attempt in the 1980's, but this is really the sort of thing you should watch on a cold winters day, with a mug of hot choc and curl on your sofa, and relax. Its a feel good film, full of laughs and hilarious family 'in jokes', which every family has. Plus the animals that Gerry collects are just so cute. Perfect cast, who all seem to slip into their individual roles easily and comfortably - laughs all the way, topped off by Mrs Staunton (Vera Drake), who leads the family as the mother. Fan-bloody-tastic! Watch it, or miss out!