Saturday, BBC2, 2:35pm
For those familiar with Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons, this quaint yet spirited tale of childhood adventure on the English Lake District feels like a slice of summer nostalgia served with lashings of British whimsy. While the book has been adapted for the screen several times, the 2016 version helmed by Philippa Lowthorpe brings a gentle but vibrant pace, breathing new life into the story of the Walker children as they embark on an adventure of pirates, rivalries, and a taste of wild independence. Our protagonists set off on two small sailboats, “Swallow” and “Amazon,” navigating a world of danger that only a child’s imagination could conjure. With a narrative that doesn’t shy away from its original innocence, the film still sprinkles a touch of espionage intrigue for good measure—courtesy of the ever-delightful Andrew Scott as the enigmatic “Captain Flint.”
Now, onto the soundtrack: a collection as lush and picturesque as the Lake District setting itself. Composed by Ilan Eshkeri, known for Stardust and The Young Victoria, the score echoes both the grandeur and the intimate simplicity of nature. Eshkeri masterfully combines soaring orchestral elements with traditional folk instruments, evoking the timeless beauty of the British countryside while matching the spirited innocence of young adventurers setting sail. The music plays like an extension of the landscape, sweeping us across serene lakes and rolling hills while providing a deeply immersive soundscape that makes us feel both the quiet moments of exploration and the subtle build-up of tension as the plot unfolds.
For soundtrack enthusiasts, Eshkeri's work here offers an experience both tender and grand, fitting snugly alongside the great outdoorsy scores of British cinema. And if you’re a collector, you’ll appreciate that Swallows and Amazons was released on both digital platforms and a limited-edition vinyl that feels like it could belong in a young pirate’s treasure chest. This adaptation may be more gentle than its action-heavy contemporaries, but with its combination of earnest adventure and a sweeping score, Swallows and Amazons proves that there’s still a place for a simple tale well told. It’s a soundtrack to enjoy, preferably with a view of a lake and a longing for simpler days.
- Paul Allen