The Lost School (2011) User Reviews

A truly emotional piece of work, which everybody needs to see

[dan-coolidge · 10/10 · 7 May 2013]

I remembered researching in history lessons about Norfolk during WWII and I came across a story, a story about this small village and the people in it having no option but to leave their homes and say goodbye to their past pretty much. Then randomly i searched for something video-wise on youtube and came across this film. Reasons for my generous rating is basically how original yet so simple "The Lost School" is. Nobody's ever come across a story like this before, especially in Norfolk and more importantly how intelligent the story is. You can tell A LOT has been put into this - time and effort combined. I'm not used to ratings and reviewing but I felt that I had to with this one because I really felt something for this short film and how emotional I really felt for the characters and world in which they lived in more specifically West Tofts village. It's up on youtube. Watch it. I urge you!

Kris Smith does it again....

[leannester · 10/10 · 7 April 2013]

Having had the pleasure of working with the director of this short film,I can safely say that he is a very talented man and I truly believe he has the brilliance to go far. It comes across clearly in this film that's set in the early nineteen forties. It's very believable,not that I was around in them days but it's exactly the way I would picture it to be and nothing seemed unreal. The film tells a very moving story and at points,even had me close to tears and the film portrays,very well,the difficulties of life in them days and how people lived together as a community. There is also some brilliant acting throughout,from the lead actress to the featured extras,they all play their parts very well and give very convincing performances.

Bleak study of an English village during World War 2

[Horst_In_Translation · 6/10 · 12 September 2013]

Very Tolman (portrayed very well by Lucy Atkins) arrives in a small English village to pursue her job as headmistress to the local children. We see her teach a class of maths and get the impression that she has found the perfectly right balance between strength and warmth in supporting her pupils in terms of education and beyond. The film is set in the years of World War 2, so, at some point we get to see a British general informing everybody that the area is taken over by the military.

However, I felt the reference to historic occurrences was only secondary in this short film. It was much more about Atkins' character and the challenges and struggles she's facing in these 16 minutes. It's definitely a fine first effort by director Kris Smith, one that is worth the watch.

A very sweet film

[jack_woods40 · 2/10 · 10 April 2019]

I really enjoyed this. Thought it was well crafted and placed. Tone and character was spot on for a period drama. Certain things dragged on but besides from that, well made! 7/10

I still think about this film

[samuelvictor-19261 · 7/10 · 7 February 2023]

The Lost School is a fictional drama very much based on actual events surrounding the small village of West Tofts. Smith captures a beautifully yet tragic story about a young headmistress encountering what is a devastating situation, to evacuate her new home and desert everybody behind. John Atkins' book is an excellent tribute to English history - I urge everybody to read the book version. Cast even though some aren't professional, they do believer a convincing performance all around, and of course we have wonderful music from Kevin MacLeod's royalty free website. It's an old film now but that shouldn't stop you from watching this.

Lucy Atkins' finest performance

[ianhowe-92792 · 5/10 · 24 November 2022]

We enter the Norfolk countrysides, the grim British weather, and we take a glimpse at West Tofts, 1941. Vera Tolman, a young schoolmistress (played by the wonderful Lucy Atkins) who notices strange behaviours in certain people. Her world turned upside as the English soldiers visit the village ordering residents to evacuate, causing major anxiety and disturbance for so many lives. Part fiction, part fact. Based on actual events. This short film calculates a decent 20 minute film, performed by good actors. Some aren't experienced but it doesn't distract you. A well made authentic drama with David Frost (great showreel) and Julie Carter.