User Reviews

I really enjoyed, appreciated even, this film, as a way of showing the life of a father via his sons memories, shortly before he dies. It felt quite poignant and not unnecessarily sentimental in an over the top or excessively forced way either, which is always a good thing. I felt that Jim Broadbent gave a particularly good performance as the somewhat no nonsense and yet also clearly proud father to his somewhat quiet and laidback son. It came across as quite a realistic film I felt, from what little I know of the time its set (the 1960s primarily). I thought the characterisation was good and it's quite a warm and enjoyable film, although it may make you sad if you've, of course, lost a parent recently but I like that it didn't seem to be, as I say, actively wallowing in sentimentality or anything.. don't get me wrong, it IS sentimental but not overly, in a way that ruined it for me, not at all. There are amusing moments and more serious, thought provoking moments too. I felt it got the balance right somehow. I also liked the relatively bright colours shown with bright Christmas decorations and clothes standing out, among other things. I believe the film is based on a memoir and that makes it even better in my humble opinion. Ignoring the slightly cliched music played to bring out certain emotions in certain scenes, I would certainly recommend it, yes. It may not be to everyone's taste but I thought it was a very good film.