This magical film focuses on the diaries of the noted writer Vera Brittain. Vera battles against all objections to win a post at Oxford university, studying English literature at Somerville Cottage. War breaks out, and all those close around her sign up to fight, including her love Roland, wanting to help and make a difference she turns her back on Oxford and becomes a nurse. The War had heartbreaking consequences for so many, Vera included.
The film boasts an utterly wonderful cast, it's no wonder that there are some fabulous performances, Alicia Vikander is utterly sensational as Vera, watching this film you'd never in your dreams believe she was Swedish, her RP English is incredible. I've been a life long fan of Miranda Richardson, and she doesn't disappoint, she truly is a national treasure. Colin Morgan is excellent as Victor, one scene in particular was incredibly moving.
The period detail is impeccable, the buildings, decor, fashions, hairstyles etc, all is as it should be, it certainly looks the part.
The scenes in France are so sad, very distressing, but painfully real I imagine. You'd need to be made of granite not to feel something.
There is a huge switch in tone in the film, the first 40 minutes are gentle, almost idyllic, but as War strikes there's a shift, it's almost purposely slow to begin.
It's a fabulous film, one that totally draws you in, I found it extremely engaging. Beautifully acted, you will need your hankies, not ashamed to admit I cried. 9/10
The film boasts an utterly wonderful cast, it's no wonder that there are some fabulous performances, Alicia Vikander is utterly sensational as Vera, watching this film you'd never in your dreams believe she was Swedish, her RP English is incredible. I've been a life long fan of Miranda Richardson, and she doesn't disappoint, she truly is a national treasure. Colin Morgan is excellent as Victor, one scene in particular was incredibly moving.
The period detail is impeccable, the buildings, decor, fashions, hairstyles etc, all is as it should be, it certainly looks the part.
The scenes in France are so sad, very distressing, but painfully real I imagine. You'd need to be made of granite not to feel something.
There is a huge switch in tone in the film, the first 40 minutes are gentle, almost idyllic, but as War strikes there's a shift, it's almost purposely slow to begin.
It's a fabulous film, one that totally draws you in, I found it extremely engaging. Beautifully acted, you will need your hankies, not ashamed to admit I cried. 9/10