Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartfelt family drama with ghosts and scary fire scene.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
From Time to Time
What's the Story?
In FROM TIME TO TIME, World War II is in its last days. Tolly Oldknowe's British soldier dad is missing somewhere in Europe and, to keep Tolly safe, his mom sends him to stay with his grandmother in the family's grand house in the English countryside. There's been some estrangement, and, at first, Tolly is wary of his granny (Maggie Smith). As the two explore a relationship, Tolly encounters profound secrets about the old house, and finds himself witness to an extraordinary story about a blind girl, missing jewels, and a runaway slave that took place over 100 years earlier. Ghosts are his guides; his grandmother becomes his closest ally and friend.
Is It Any Good?
Written and directed by Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, based on Lucy M. Boston's novel, this is a beautifully made family saga with wonderful performances. Its two timeless stories complement each other and deliver a rich view of two distinct periods in world history. Tolly learns to trust, to love freely, and to come to terms with good and evil, as well as with the brevity of some lives.
It's a film to be shared and enjoyed by families with older kids and teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what "timeless" means. Tolly's story takes place in 1944; Susan's story takes place in 1811. Remembering that, explain the word "timeless." What do you think kids today have in common with Tolly and Susan?
Though there are no battle scenes, in what ways does this film show what happens during wartime? How does World War II affect Tolly's family?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 25, 2009
- On DVD or streaming : March 20, 2012
- Cast : Alex Etel , Maggie Smith , Timothy Spall
- Director : Julian Fellowes
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Ealing Studios
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild thematic elements and peril
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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