And When Did You Last See Your Father?

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isla s 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. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Firth is losing his father and remembering through all the times (hard, crazy and maddening) that he had with him. As he deals with loss and searches for affirmation from his dad, his trip through the memories eventually grounds him. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review Audience Member Fantastic performances by Broadbent and Firth make a potentially mushy film palatable. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member Based on British author Blake Morrison’s memoir and directed by Shopgirl’s Anand Tucker, And When Did You Last See Your Father? is a beautifully made and understated little gem that is one of the most affecting and touching tales of father/son relationships that’s been seen on screen and packs an emotional kick that very few films can muster. There’s a rawness and honesty to Father, something that can only be attained from someone’s personnel and relatable experience, obviously something Father inherits from Morrison’s source material. Tucker’s direction is superb, he does a great job of capturing both the trials and triumphs of a father son relationship and Morrison’s was a tricky one, with his unique fathering style from doctor and larrikin Arthur occurring. Where Father truly succeeds is in making us care for this man despite him not always being all that honest or even all that kind, but his human, flaws and all. At the heart of this tale is the great pairing of British mainstay Jim Broadbent and everyone’s favourite stuttering king Colin Firth. While the young Blake is played by Matthew Beard the real heart and soul of the film stems from Firth’s older Blake dealing with the ailing family patriarch as he tries desperately to share one more “moment” with his father who’s health and mind is failing him. Broadbent and Firth bring a quiet gravitas to proceedings and they don’t feel or seem to be actors playing these real life figures, they in many ways become them. These two accomplished performers ad greatly to the realness of Tucker’s film and are a huge reason as to why Father feels so different from many such family dramas of the same nature. It’s got its faults and flaws like the characters at the heart of its tale but Father slowly builds to an emotional payoff that is both life affirming and uniquely touching. It asks and answers questions that will be relatable to anyone from anywhere that is part of a family and particularly for those that happen to be a son to a father. A lovely film, And When Did You Last See Your Father? is an underrated gem worthy of your time and easily one of the most accomplished films about the relationship between parents and children that’s been produced in quite some time up until this very day. 4 poorly chosen camping spots out of 5 www.jordanandeddie.wordpress.com Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Audience Member Any convincing tale of forgiveness and reconciliation scores a four in my books Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member This is a film that anyone who has an up and down relationship with their father should see. Some may see it as cliche, but for me it touched a nerve and drew out some incredible emotions in me. I was crying by the end and still thinking about this film the following day. Incredible performances from Broadbent and my favourite Colin Firth. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/09/23 Full Review Read all reviews

And When Did You Last See Your Father?

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