The Last Rifleman

Based on the true story of Bernard Jordan, a British man who escaped his nursing home in the south of England and somehow got from Calais to Normandy to commemorate D-Day.

This wonderful film switches our hero to be from Northern Ireland. This was a brave and commendable choice. For this alone it should be watched as it shines a light on the brave sacrifice of so many loyal Irishman in WW2.

What made it a 10/10 for me were two things. First it was absolutely authentic. The black soldier wasn't "bigged up" but neither did he need to be. This was a superb scene. John Amos was excellent in his role here.

The second was that Terry Loane, as Director, and Kevin Fitzpatrick's writing ensure that tough issues are not ignored. Pierce's Brosnans anger with the SS soldier seems entirely genuine and Kevin does not shirk the difficulty of crafting the scene. Jurgen Prochnow isn't so strong here.

But a special shout out must be made for Clemence Poesy who steals every frame she is in. You will remember her from Harry Potter but here she is older and showing off her acting range.

Of course Pierce is amazing. It breaks my heart that this film was not promoted or marketed. It deserves so much better.

Yes, this is a bit slow , it takes its time - but, stick it out, there is a sweet and gentle ending for a change. As the protagonist, Pierce Brosnan, is 92, you can hardly expect big bangs and lots of CGI fight scenes.

My Dad was in the South African Irish infantry, so this particular story resonates with me, although he wasn't at Normandy. He regularly attended M. O. T. H meetings and tried to keep in touch with his army compatriots as much as he could. They must surely also all be gone by now.

However, I don't think Pierce Brosnan was all that convincing as a 92 year old, that is just my opinion, but I still enjoyed his performance and the movie overall.

What a beautiful movie with one or two nicely spottable eastereggs, if you know your movies. Pierce Brosnan delivers an amazing performance and definitely should get an award, together with the makeup department, which did a great job in aging him. The movie awaits you with a double twist, you should see it for yourself, keep some tissues ready. A must see, in my opinion, if you're into movies with underdogs trying to fulfil a last honourable task.

Don't expect some Private Ryan here, even though WW2 seems to be the backstory. This one is more heart-warming, but heartbreaking the same time.

Most critics will underrate this movie, but you'll miss a very well acted little gem, if you listen to them.

Give it a try.

In 'inspired by truth' Brit drama "The Last Rifleman" 92 yr old WWII vet Pierce Brosnan (outstanding), on losing his wife of 68yrs, escapes his Northern Irish care home to get to Normandy on the 75th anniversary of the landings, to complete a personal mission for a fallen friend & comrade. En route, as news of his story spreads (via Ian McElhinney) he meets the likes of Clémence Poésy, John Amos & Jürgen Prochnow... all offering fine support, brought warmly home by director Terry Loane from Kevin Fitzpatrick's terrific debut screenplay. It starts slow, but gently builds in both charm & emotional intensity to end up as a wonderful tribute to that whole incredible generation.

Set in modern day with flash backs to the second world world. Mostly English spoken with French, subtitles in English, presents the story of a 92 and a quarter year old Artie looking to attend the celebration of D-day in France.

Our hero, played by Pierce Brosnan, escapes a regiment of pills in a care facility to mission from Dublin to Normandy.

He has to overcome failing health, bureaucracy, and his prejudice to accomplish his mission. The whispers of the horrors of loss in a war taint his memory, however, his determination to represent his regiment stand firm.

At the time of writing this the world is plunged into skirmishes in both Ukraine and Israel; but this is a reminder of a war with a clear clash of ideology and not the rhetoric of today.

Highly recommend.