The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a heartwarming and emotional film that tells the story of Harold Fry, an ordinary man who decides to embark on a pilgrimage to deliver a letter to his old friend Queenie. The film is a slow burn, starting as a simple story of a man walking, but it gradually builds into a poignant examination of grief, guilt, and eventual closure.

Jim Broadbent delivers an excellent performance as Harold Fry, capturing the character's quiet desperation and eventual transformation as he walks the 600-mile journey. Penelope Wilton is also good as Harold's wife, Maureen, who is hurt and confused by her husband's sudden departure.

The film's direction by Hettie Macdonald is ok, with the cinematography and production design capturing the beauty of the British countryside. The score also adds to the story's emotional weight.

However, the plot can sometimes be implausible, and some supporting characters feel underdeveloped. The pacing is often ploddingly slow.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is an occasionally touching and poignant film that, while not perfect, may be worth watching for the performances and emotional resonance. But it never really manages to reach its potential.

The cinematography of this film is beautiful - a story full of fleeting moments and what-ifs, and the impact that small actions can have on the people we come across. A life-affirming and thought-provoking movie that will make you want to be a better person. Gently heartfelt acting from a top-flight cast.

If you're looking for dramatic plot lines and fireworks, this movie is not for you. However, if you want to enjoy a couple of hours with some glimpses of English scenery and weather - and the repressed emotions so typical of the English temperament - while reviewing your personal relationships, this is a wonderful piece of unassuming filmmaking.

In a bid to avoid the rush of people going to see Guardians this weekend I decided to catch up on last weeks new release that I unfortunately missed. The unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry is one of those small British films that we maybe get once or twice a year that are mainly targeted towards the older generation. The film takes next to no time to get going as it opens with Harold played by the always brilliant Jim Broadbent receiving a letter from an old friend. The letter reads that Queenie who Harold used to work with but hasn't seen for a long time has been admitted to a hospice and is in the final stages of cancer. Initially Harold writes a letter back but on his way to the post office he meets someone who changes his mind and he decides to walk from the south of England to the North some just under 500 miles as he believes he can save Queenies life by doing so. This film is very much about people, the good, the bad and the human spirit of being able to make mistakes in life but not having to feel like those mistakes define you. Along his journey we learn a lot about Harold and his life and ultimately the real reason he has embarked on his journey but I won't say any more as not to spoil it. I think the thing this film surprised me the most with was that it's really deep and real and I left the cinema actually feeling quite emotional rather than uplifted as you'd perhaps expect with this type of thing. Yes some of the pacing isn't perfect and heck perhaps you wanted a feel good film but this was different and it gave me something I look for in films which is great writing that accurately represents real human emotion. I thought this film was really thought provoking and despite the somber mood it left me in I also left feeling that as humans we don't have to change the world, sometimes just giving someone a smile on a day when they're really struggling can make the world of difference to them. I can't recommend this film enough, especially if you like thought provoking drama but if you do go and see it perhaps tell your partner where you're going first.

Lovely movie, with the ever so lovely Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton as the typical retired couple, going about their humdrum lives, until the post arrives from an old friend of Harold's. Life just isn't the same again, as something inside Harold beckons him on a journey, which unfolds the reason of why he must take the journey. Wonderfully captured, but I kept thinking I had watched it before. And I had. The equally excellent Timothy Spall in the Last Bus, travelling the length of the UK with his wife's ashes to the place they met in Lands End. If you like Jim Broadbent as Harold Fry, you will love Timothy Spall in The Last Bus.

This might not win many awards or get critical acclaim, but it will probably make you cry and certainly make you think about life.

A poignant film, which Broadbent shines as much as he ever has. From the people he meets along the way to the affect his decisions have on those he leaves behind. It's a beautiful story of a simple act that one man made to try to bring some meaning and importance to a life that was just originate but full of regret.

A very good way to spend a few hours, especially if you have someone in your life who is struggling with an illness. There's probably a lot more you could do for them.