Way of the Morris (2011) User Reviews

'As English as Cricket'...

[tim-764-291856 · 7/10 · 11 August 2012]

Quite why this little docu film should find its home on Sky Arts is odd/interesting and thinking that it'd be so specialist that no-one would have reviewed it online, I found it varied, with a few on Amazon but less here.

Now, as a photographer I often get to photo-document traditional fairs and local events and my home-town does have its own Morris group. I don't consider Morris-ers any more weird or different to anyone else at these celebrations but the subject is one that is seen to be way too uncool to actually quiz its protagonists about directly. So, this neat little offering from film-maker Tim Plester and Robin Curry seemed ideal to balance that.

Already receptive and open-minded, I found the approach and structure - and indeed opinions - interesting, wide and fair and the people human. Did I just write that? Yes, of course, I did and when Tim talks of groups such as Fairport Convention greatly helping to revive the cause, my actually having seen Steeleye Span live comes uncomfortably close to that of Fairport!

That is the delicious and tangible truth about it all - we (some less, some more) are all connected to traditional folklore and its music and dances. Morris just so happens to be the nearest - and oldest surviving - that England has, so either accept it and appreciate it, or... (censored!)

Most of us also like to join and be part of a social group and Morris just happens to be one of them. There's an undoubted attractiveness about any group obviously enjoying themselves and we find ourselves becoming envious. Left-wing singer/songwriter and ultra-cool social commentator Billy Bragg adds some very welcome and well balanced philosophy on the matter, too.

All in all, this compact 70 minute, well-photographed documentary film sets out what it means to. To educate, entertain and show us, Morris, or not, the many facets of this solid dependable movement, for which I personally appreciate for having seen.

A Beautifully Realized Documentary

[uther8 · 20 August 2011]

I first approached this film warily - too often has Morris Dancing been ridiculed or misrepresented. Thankfully, my fears were totally unfounded.

Way of The Morris looks at the Morris tradition through the Adderbury Morris Men, their history and their personal insights.

Tim Plester, director, is from a Morris family - his father was a team member as was his uncle, but Tim has never danced. Tracing aspects of the tradition, the documentary makes no wild claims about the Morris, much of which is lost in history. Instead it briefly mentions possible theories and leaves it open to speculation.

But it is the style and atmosphere of the film that makes it stand out, the personal touch runs through it and the tale of the loss of the entire Morris side, with the exception of one, in WW1 is heartbreaking and the resurrection of the dances inspiring. Ending with Tim, Finally dancing, completes the charm, of the film.

If you enjoyed Morris A Life With Bells on, this is for you - not as a comedy, but the flip side exchanging laughs for tears.

A beautiful film.

The Morris lives!

[anne-godsall · 10/10 · 27 July 2012]

I loved this.

I have always liked the Morris and never understood how it became a laughing stock but knew little of its history.

A gentle, informative documentary, it draws the viewer in to a primal place without being able to answer many of the questions it poses. This is no bad thing, some things are better left without a full explanation.

There were tears and laughter during my viewing and the whole film was surprisingly moving.Tim Plester is to be congratulated on a job well done.