Valley Between (2pc)

Description

Bruno Gunther is a feisty, 14-year-old immigrant, growing up in a small farming community in South Australia during the 1930s. While his stern German father preaches hard work, Bruno is constantly tempted by the chance to do mischief. Whether it is startling a prim teacher as he flees from a runaway bull clad only in his underwear or organizing a "race" between two feuding neighbours, Bruno's world is an idyllic one. His high spirits will sustain him as his close-knit family experiences some dark times -- and the memories of this gentle world will remain with him forever. Parents and children alike will love this unforgettable tale that captures a special time when a boy hovers on the verge of manhood.

Customer Reviews:

Valley Between moves foreign hilltops closer together........2006-12-14

The is a wonderful movie and show be viewed by any who like themes relating to character study, relationship development, rise of the underdog and the loyalty among kindred spirits that are often found in unexpected places. Highly recommened!!!

Excellent, wholesome family entertainment.......2005-10-04

I first saw episodes 2 and 3 of "The Valley Between" on 2 VHS tapes from the Brittania catalog in 1998, then called "Life on an Australian Prairie." I thought it was excellent then, and seeing these VHS tapes prompted me to buy the whole series this past summer from Amazon.com. I particularly enjoyed the wholesome scenes of family life, not too different from Michael Landon's adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House on the Prairie" TV series (1974-83). The actors in "The Valley Between" are all excellent, and very believable in their roles, but I enjoyed especially the acting of Jamie Croft (age 15 in 1996 when this was made) who plays Bruno Gunter, a 14 year old boy living in a the country near a small village in eastern Australia in the 1930s. His father, a stern German immigrant, insists on hard work and high moral values from his son. Bruno is often day-dreaming, not attentive in school, preferring to be with his friends, or visitng with neighbors. There are some comic elements, and some dramatic moments, too. But although Bruno appears irresponsible and his father too stern and gruff at times, there is and understanding between them and a good personal chemistry.

Most of the actors in the cast are Australians, and there are cast bios included on one of the DVDs. Marcos Gunter, Bruno's father, is played by Christian Kohlund, who according to his bio is from Switzerland; I've seen Kohlund in Canadian TV shows set in the 1800s, with a similar theme to "The Valley Between."

[...] The lack of extreme violence and foul language also makes this a desirable series for families: wholeome entertainment. Highly recommended.

Family Entertainment at its Best.......2004-11-07

This is an utterly delightful look at family life circa 1930's South Australia among the immigrant German community. The acting is so good, the characters seem totally real, and the storyline is gripping. Each of the 6 episodes builds on the previous ones, but is an entire story in itself. From a mischievious, prank-prone boy, we watch the development and growth of Bruno, the main caharcter, as he turns into a responsible, moral and hardworking young man, This is good old fashiioned family entertainment, the way old Disney pictures were. Highly recommended.

impressive features and your money's worth.......2004-06-23

For whatever is charged for this video you will be getting your money's worth. There is an impressive 10 hours of video episodes (most 45 minutes) as well as extras about Australia's history on this 2 DVD set. How many movie companies will give you five hours of video and audio material on one DVD. I love the acting of Jamie Croft as Bruno. You get a lot of enjoyment out of watching this 1930's movie about a boy growing up with his family in Australia. This film would be especially good if you have a back seat TV and DVD player in some van and you want to entertain the kids after logging many miles and hours of road time. I would give this movie ten stars if I could. It is that good.

Jamie Croft: One talented actor.......2004-06-23

I loved this movie. Especially Jamie Croft whose portrayal of Bruno Gunther resonated with me. I liked him a super whole lot. The film is a great movie filmed in South Australia. The boy plays a little mischief, when he runs away from a steer after he lets them in to a fence that has cows. There are other fun scenes like playing pranks on girls (like putting pencils and other things in their hair during class.) I loved some of the music that represented the 1930's. Bruno learns some lessons on what it means to be a man, like focusing on school work. I would highly recommend acquiring this two CD collection if you want a fun movie to resonate with and enjoy. Hollywood should make a dozen more movies like this, before the year is over with.

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