  Mixed-valence perovskite manganites (Re$_{1-x}$A$_{x}$MnO$_{3}$ where Re=rare
earth, A=alkaline earth) provide a unique opportunity to study the
relationships between the structure and the magnetotransport properties due to
an interplay among charge carriers, magnetic coupling, orbital ordering and
structural distortion. This makes these compounds very exciting from both the
basic research and from the technological view point. As the technology pursued
with these materials requires film growth, extensive studies have been made on
materials synthesis, structural and physical characterization and device
fabrication. In this article, the results of the different experimental
techniques and the effects of the deposition procedure of the manganite thin
films are first reviewed. Second, the relation between the structural and the
physical properties mentioned, and the influence of strains discussed.\
Finally, possible applications of manganite thin films for spin electronics are
presented.
