Have just caught this gorgeous little film (a short, not a feature) at a screening, and was amazed at what had been achieved. Remarkable considering I'd never heard of Kewhaven or the people behind it. Jacquiedwards' review hits the target perfectly - it's kinda lots of great things all in one. The score is really romantic and sad, the direction is clear and tender, and the story is a real tear-jerker; the acting is lovely, the stunts are bold, the meaning is profound. I think more drab Britfilm directors could learn something! It looks amazing - American movie mainstream with British reserve. Andy Jackson and David Bartlett have done a bravo job. Very fine.
6 Reviews
Absolutely excellent!
jacquiedwards14 November 2005
Really warm and moving film about loss and grief and love. Beautifully acted by classic British actors Edward Hardwicke and Dudley Sutton, the story shows a world war two fighter pilot haunted by a love affair that ended during the war. The more recent loss of a ballet dancer friend reminds the old man of the earlier loss, and he must learn how to accept things and move on. Hardwicke and Sutton play off each other superbly. Really nicely acted around a fabulous script, there is a blinding second world war battle sequence during a really balletic flashback sequence, beautifully scored by the composer, and amazingly well directed. One of the best shorts I've ever seen.
Beautiful
rralphfarella8 November 2009
They say those who criticize the work of other do so because their own efforts pale in comparison to those they judge. After working in this business most of my life I think its important to let someone know when they have created something special. This is one of those pieces.
Its rare to get taken out of oneself and to be able to be truly taken with a story, not only by the actors, but by the writing and overall production. There are so few pieces that ever really give attention to a story and instead depend upon post production explosions to carry it through.
I would and have recommended this film to others.It was beautiful, moving, and left me looking forward to what's next from Kewhaven.
Its rare to get taken out of oneself and to be able to be truly taken with a story, not only by the actors, but by the writing and overall production. There are so few pieces that ever really give attention to a story and instead depend upon post production explosions to carry it through.
I would and have recommended this film to others.It was beautiful, moving, and left me looking forward to what's next from Kewhaven.
An Amazing short Film
ChrisRLewis13 November 2009
Just had the privilege of viewing this amazing short film. A beautifully-written and directed tale of lost love, the story begins during an impressive WWII aerial attack in England over half a century ago. Now a scratchy church organist, a former RAF pilot (Edward Hardwicke in great form) has to once again surmount an old, familiar loss and put his life back together - this time with the help of best buddy organ tuner, Harry (played so engagingly by Dudley Sutton). Against a theme of sadness and combat, the charm, subtle humour and sweet joviality of the two old aerial warriors comes to tear-jerking fruition in a closing bi-plane scene that confirms that this is a cracking movie. I loved it! It's full of music and there's even a tender moment of ballet that pours from the Pilot's tortured soul. The score (including Jazz played on a church organ) adds impressively to the whole triumph. I wish it could have been longer!
Story fanciful and direction over-dramatised in my opinion
truthserum-113 November 2008
On watching, I found the storyline of this production rather fanciful. It reads well as a synopsis but feel that emotional immaturity of the production has been reflected in rather major flaws in the logic of the plot and consequent over dramatisation by actors that would, under other directorship, produced sterling performances.
There is, of course, a place for fantasy in British film, but this is sold as a true-to life story and, in my opinion fails to reach the level that we should expect of young film writers and producers, such as those from Kewhaven, in Britain.
Im sorry, but I really do find it hard to believe that this film nominated for an award and would suggest that viewers modify their expectations if they are anticipating an award winning feature when booking to see.
There is, of course, a place for fantasy in British film, but this is sold as a true-to life story and, in my opinion fails to reach the level that we should expect of young film writers and producers, such as those from Kewhaven, in Britain.
Im sorry, but I really do find it hard to believe that this film nominated for an award and would suggest that viewers modify their expectations if they are anticipating an award winning feature when booking to see.
Beautifully Crafted Gem
RoseKane9 November 2009
Stumbled upon this fabulous short and am delighted to see such graceful and classic work coming out of young British filmmakers. Even if it were not particularly topical for this time of year, this moving work is a studied reminder of the lives of those who fought 20 plus years ago.
Touching on a difficult topic (age, war, death), this could have easily descended into mushy sentimentality but instead it carefully balances nostalgia and remembrance with strong plot. Clearly strong writing and direction have been employed to manage 2 of the UK's most recognisable 'senior' actors to give such moving performances in this short format.
Will be interested to see what is next for Kewhaven.
Touching on a difficult topic (age, war, death), this could have easily descended into mushy sentimentality but instead it carefully balances nostalgia and remembrance with strong plot. Clearly strong writing and direction have been employed to manage 2 of the UK's most recognisable 'senior' actors to give such moving performances in this short format.
Will be interested to see what is next for Kewhaven.
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