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Mr. Burton

Play trailer Poster for Mr. Burton 2025 2h 4m Biography Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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83% Tomatometer 18 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Mr. Burton tells the true story of the relationship between Port Talbot schoolmaster Philip Burton and a wild young schoolboy called Richard Jenkins, the son of a wayward drunk. Richard dreamed of becoming an actor, but his ambitions were in danger of being derailed by a combination of family trouble, the pressure of war, and his own lack of discipline. Mr. Burton recognized the raw talent in his pupil, becoming his tutor, strict taskmaster and eventually his adoptive father.

Critics Reviews

View All (18) Critics Reviews
Lucy Peters Little White Lies Lawtey delivers a dynamic performance considering the big boots of his subject, although the film suffers the expected issue of casting any actor to represent the singular and iconic star. Rated: 3/5 Apr 7, 2025 Full Review Kevin Maher Times (UK) It’s a bold movie that tries to find a feelgood drama in the life of Richard Burton, but such is the pitch of this tender biopic. Rated: 4/5 Apr 7, 2025 Full Review Jonathan Romney Financial Times [Jones] can signify more with a gently furrowed brow than most performers can at full fury — which very nearly makes this mostly bland film into an implicit essay on contrasting acting styles. Rated: 2/5 Apr 7, 2025 Full Review Terry Staunton Radio Times Lawtey is the true star of the piece, a mesmerising presence both in early scenes as the rough-around-the-edges pupil and in latter stages of the narrative, when his volatile personality threatens to derail a thespian career before it's barely begun. Rated: 4/5 Apr 12, 2025 Full Review Tom Shone Sunday Times (UK) Presumably, the film didn’t want anything that interfered with its inspirational teacher narrative — To Sir, with Love with coal dust on top — but it forces Jones into a certain insipidness. Rated: 3/5 Apr 7, 2025 Full Review Helen Hawkins The Arts Desk Although Mr Burton's style is conventional, it is so engagingly performed that its oversights seem less important than its achievements. Rated: 3/5 Apr 7, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (13) audience reviews
David L Mr. Burton is a beautifully crafted film that lingers long after the credits roll. Anchored by a standout performance from its lead, the story weaves heart, humor, and a quiet intensity into a truly unforgettable experience. The direction is assured, allowing small moments to breathe while never losing narrative momentum. Every frame feels intentional, with gorgeous cinematography and a haunting score that elevates the emotional depth. Mr. Burton is that rare kind of film—intimate yet expansive, personal yet universally resonant. It’s a moving, masterfully told story that deserves to be seen, felt, and celebrated. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/08/25 Full Review Matilda J I loved this film so much I've seen it several times at the cinema and taken different people with me each time! Beautifully acted, and a moving story. Definitely recommend. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/08/25 Full Review Jamie M There aren't enough superlatives in the English (or Welsh) dictionary to describe this masterpiece of a film. Career defining performance from Harry Lawtey and the Best of British when it comes to the acting chops of Toby and Lesley. Aimee-Ffion should always be at the forefront of every casting director's minds. Marc Evans should be a household name, whatever he touches, turns to absolute gold. Can't recommend this film enough. Go see it! You will not be disappointed. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/09/25 Full Review R G I thought this film was very good. I was still thinking about it days after I left the cinema. Richard Burton was obviously a very complex person. He was very much plagued by his demons as shown through his heavy drinking, but there must have been a very strong sense of self (if that's what it was) that led him from his beginnings to being called one of the greatest actors of his time - although those demons ultimately got him in the end. Unlike another reviewer I thought the music was good, emotive and well placed. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/27/25 Full Review Audience Member It started really well but got lost half way and in the end was 30 minutes too long. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 04/18/25 Full Review Kyle J Not perfect technically but acting gets better and better and better. Wasn't sure Toby Jones face would fit but he was superb and Lawtey in the final scenes brought Burton to life. It is a good independent biopic and professionally produced. I would say the music needed more thought, Welsh accents were almost non-existant, background historic smoke effects passable, and early personality of Burton could have been delivered deeper, but the film is refreshing and talent in every direction. Best film out of Wales ever! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/17/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Mr. Burton

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Movie Info

Synopsis Mr. Burton tells the true story of the relationship between Port Talbot schoolmaster Philip Burton and a wild young schoolboy called Richard Jenkins, the son of a wayward drunk. Richard dreamed of becoming an actor, but his ambitions were in danger of being derailed by a combination of family trouble, the pressure of war, and his own lack of discipline. Mr. Burton recognized the raw talent in his pupil, becoming his tutor, strict taskmaster and eventually his adoptive father.
Director
Marc Evans
Producer
Ed Talfan, Josh Hyams, Trevor Matthews, Hannah Thomas
Screenwriter
Josh Hyams, Tom Bullough
Production Co
BBC Wales
Genre
Biography, Drama
Original Language
English
Runtime
2h 4m