I had never heard of Remembrance until it was screened during the graveyard slot a few months ago on Film Four (they partly financed the project back in its day). Set on the eve of a major NATO training exercise - with one or two ominous hints of war - and using a series of overlapping viginettes, the film tracks the progress of a group of young sailors on their final hours of leave in the naval town of Plymouth. By the time most of them are ready to sail, their lives and outlooks will have changed forever.
I must say, given the calibre of talent involved - a first time film role for Gary Oldman, early appearances for Timothy Spall and John 'Nasty Nick' Altman, plus a host of familiar character actors and bit players - it is surprisingly how this film has lapsed into obscurity. If only for the sake of reminiscence, local historians, veterans and naval buffs will love it; and remember, then as now, the odds of making a film in such a 'provincial' setting outside London were probably well stacked against the makers.
Remembrance is slow moving, a bit talky at times, but worth the watch. Like these young ratings, you will think about your own connections, with ourselves, our loved ones, even total strangers, and the most difficult task of all...how we ready ourselves to say goodbye.
I must say, given the calibre of talent involved - a first time film role for Gary Oldman, early appearances for Timothy Spall and John 'Nasty Nick' Altman, plus a host of familiar character actors and bit players - it is surprisingly how this film has lapsed into obscurity. If only for the sake of reminiscence, local historians, veterans and naval buffs will love it; and remember, then as now, the odds of making a film in such a 'provincial' setting outside London were probably well stacked against the makers.
Remembrance is slow moving, a bit talky at times, but worth the watch. Like these young ratings, you will think about your own connections, with ourselves, our loved ones, even total strangers, and the most difficult task of all...how we ready ourselves to say goodbye.