cameron_au

This is a beautiful film, so simple and real in its portrayal of a family's difficulties with an Alzheimer's sufferer. And if you like Erik Satie as much as I do, this should be a favourite.

My brother thought the ending was a cop out, but I found it thought provoking.

My only problem was that I was told by the TV guide that Mr. Davies "secretly decides to put into action a plan to get back at the system" - unfortunately I never understood how moving into a nursing home achieved this. I also wondered what happened to Maureen's son - what looked to be a interesting subplot, died almost immediately. Oh, well.

Fortunately, though, the performances were beautifully understated and funny (the "mad as a hatter" English woman springs to mind, look out for her!) and the story still emotionally involving enough for someone who's not so knowledgable of the failings of the Thatcher/Majors government.

More importantly, the film is mostly in Welsh, which is a gorgeous language to listen to. It's great.

This is a new favourite of mine. Timothy Spall's Tommy Ragg was brilliantly repulsive and hilarious to watch, while Pete swayed violently from being in awe of his mentor's drive for a sale, to wet-yourself fear of his driving skills. Two very convincing portrayals of two very bizarre characters - one incredibly foul and the other oddly likable. I watched it with my brother and we cacked ourselves. It's great.

It's a triumph for the director that this should work for a film, and it does, compellingly. It's so enjoyable to watch the two protagonists break through each other's fences and defences. Of course, it's a bonus that the gorgeous Aaron Pederson features, and Alison Whyte has been a favourite of mine since 'Frontline' and 'The Glyn Nicholas Show'.

The sunlight at the end of their tunnel is as invigorating as waking up in the early morning after a good sleep. This movie is great.

They must've had sore ears by the end of the shoot.