Based on real diaries of the time around WWII as documented in an equally wonderful book, "Nella Last's War", this film is perfectly directed with equally excellent acting. Victoria Wood gives a perfectly measured almost understated performance. David Threalfell is excellent also.
The film is a very close portrayal of the diaries. Unsentimental without being heartless.
I also recommend that you read the book on which the film is based. I have just finished reading the sequel "Nella Last's Peace". My great wish is that a sequel to Housewife 49 might be produced.
There's a very noticeable lack of traditional comedy characteristics in this sketch show. There are very few silly accents or costumes (most of the time, anyway). There's no studio audience. It all seems a bit muted and vague, rather more like a naturalistic, Book Group/Smoking Room style sitcom than a typical sketch show. Some instances feel like they're coming straight out of real life. That's my life and your life, right up there on the telly. With good jokes.
It's all a good little package, though. The sketches range from slightly odd character sketches, to the always-funny running joke (which is, in my opinion, what they do best) and even to rare moments of full-blown surrealism, and the standard is generally very high. ... Read More:
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If you liked series 1 then you will certainly like series 2. To buck the trend I would say that series 2 is even better than the first. There are a fair few sketches that fall flat, but then that is true for just about every sketch show I have ever seen. However the majority will leave a smile on your face and there are some real gems in there as well. It certainly deserves a place in my collection.
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Actually this is an enjoyable enough movie for those who love Glenn Close or Ioan Gruffudd, and there are lots of fun elements to enjoy. The parrot who thinks he is a dog is an absolute scream, and the film itself is well made and well shot in my opinion. There is nothing really wrong with it except for the story itself. I can't even fault the script really...I think they did the best they could under the circumstances, and the actors all came up trumps...but as I say it's the story that lets the whole thing down.
Sometimes an original story based on established characters can work well (and has done), but this is not one of them. The story in my opinion is far-fetched even for a Disney film, and rather daft, but all in all it makes the most ... Read More:
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Actually this is an enjoyable enough movie for those who love Glenn Close or Ioan Gruffudd, and there are lots of fun elements to enjoy. The parrot who thinks he is a dog is an absolute scream, and the film itself is well made and well shot in my opinion. There is nothing really wrong with it except for the story itself. I can't even fault the script really...I think they did the best they could under the circumstances, and the actors all came up trumps...but as I say it's the story that lets the whole thing down.
Sometimes an original story based on established characters can work well (and has done), but this is not one of them. The story in my opinion is far-fetched even for a Disney film, and rather daft, but all in all it makes the most ... Read More:
>>More Details
Actually this is an enjoyable enough movie for those who love Glenn Close or Ioan Gruffudd, and there are lots of fun elements to enjoy. The parrot who thinks he is a dog is an absolute scream, and the film itself is well made and well shot in my opinion. There is nothing really wrong with it except for the story itself. I can't even fault the script really...I think they did the best they could under the circumstances, and the actors all came up trumps...but as I say it's the story that lets the whole thing down.
Sometimes an original story based on established characters can work well (and has done), but this is not one of them. The story in my opinion is far-fetched even for a Disney film, and rather daft, but all in all it makes the most ... Read More:
>>More Details
Actually this is an enjoyable enough movie for those who love Glenn Close or Ioan Gruffudd, and there are lots of fun elements to enjoy. The parrot who thinks he is a dog is an absolute scream, and the film itself is well made and well shot in my opinion. There is nothing really wrong with it except for the story itself. I can't even fault the script really...I think they did the best they could under the circumstances, and the actors all came up trumps...but as I say it's the story that lets the whole thing down.
Sometimes an original story based on established characters can work well (and has done), but this is not one of them. The story in my opinion is far-fetched even for a Disney film, and rather daft, but all in all it makes the most ... Read More:
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This is about the true story of the kings household staff were formed and sent of to fight during WW1 and the battle of Gallipoli between Britian and Turkey were they met there tragic end. All the acting and the battle scenes respectively are well written and performed but it is both David Jason and Ian Mcdirmid who give brilliant performances and really make this shine. A well done story with charachters who were you could not help but feel for.
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This is about the true story of the kings household staff were formed and sent of to fight during WW1 and the battle of Gallipoli between Britian and Turkey were they met there tragic end. All the acting and the battle scenes respectively are well written and performed but it is both David Jason and Ian Mcdirmid who give brilliant performances and really make this shine. A well done story with charachters who were you could not help but feel for.
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excellent value for money! 2 great disney classics for the price of one (almost)! the dvds are packed full of features!!! and trailers for tlantis hunchback2 and more!. they both come a collectors box too!
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