This movie is awesome. Why have I only stumbled across it now? Was there no publicity back in 2002? So much better than the normal Hallmark product, which can be over sentimental and fanciful. It's an intelligent re-make of the Swiss Family Robinson's survival story, cleverly avoiding the clunky plot points of the 1960's John Mills film. Shot in Thailand (I think ) the film looks stunning. Beautiful sets, fabulous cast (including a young Jessie Spencer aka Robert Chase in House MD.) There's a reality about their evolution on the island and the magical encounter with a native fisherman. One of their sons Jacob is separated from them during the shipwreck and is adopted by Pirates. This cleverly provides the emotional drive the story needs to get to it's climax. Exciting, moving, rewarding, with excellent direction from Charles Beeson.....just great!

Hallmark has spent a lot of money on their "Family Robinson" tale and it looks gorgeous, the money is there to behold in lavish sets, great cinematography. I saw this purely by chance, when I ordered the wrong DVD (should have been the Spanish Stranded from same year!), nevertheless it provides 3 hours of pretty decent entertainment for all but the youngest children. The violence by the end of the film may not make it ideal choice of entertainment for pre-schoolers. TV director Charles Beeson directs a cast of lesser-known actors but Brana Bajic as Lara Robinson is certainly a looker! Other than that the cast is pretty anonymous and misses the mark when it comes to suspense. Few surprises here, this is a classic whitehat/blackhat movie. The kids will love it, but the grown-ups may find this a bit anemic. Will do nicely on a rainy day, however and the lavish tropical pictures will linger on.

Wonderful portrayal of the timeless classic, Swiss Family Robinson. A great film for all the family. It's exciting, moving, has wonderful photography and is excellently directed. Shipwrecked and separated from their youngest son, the Robinsons set about surviving on a deserted shore. Pirates and the inevitable return of their estranged son makes compulsive viewing. Congratulations Hallmark.

Just finished watching this excellent Hallmark channel movie, STRANDED,.........It was done in a fine manner, with great location scenery and fairly true to the original book. I would highly recommend this to anyone. It has just enough excitement in it to hold ones' interest,pirates, etc. It reminded my of why I also enjoy movies and books, like TREASURE ISLAND,20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA etc.