Wish You Were Here

An excellent study of austere england in war. A troubled character trying hard to become an adult, with all the petulance associated with teenagers (whatever the decade). It must be a hard film for north americans to watch, no gluto inous consumption, all that human frailty. Good job it wasn't made for them, we European liberals love this sort of thing.

Emily Lloyd is great as 15 year old foul mouthed (for the 50s anyway) tenacious yet likeable tearaway Linda, growing up in a humdrum seaside town. The film's title potentially explains her volatile behaviour, having lost her mum when very young. A very enjoyable 7 out of ten

Like most of the above reviewers say, this movie is a good film for a laugh and plenty of outrageous behaviour from the protagonist, Lynda. A terrific reproduction of 50s Britain - right down to the dressing gown patterns and minor consumer products. But what is it she really wants and what does she learn from her foolish behaviour? 'Nothing' seems to be the answer. And this 'nothing' seems to be the major theme. It is a film about folly.

In many ways Lynda's path is boringly predictable: She has no understanding of the man who manipulates her, nor of the future consequences of her rudeness and impulsive behaviour. One wonders what amount of social realism is represented here for an unmarried mother of the period. Poorly paid jobs, lack of support, a low income to further disable somebody with little patience and understanding of the situation she has largely created for herself. A fun attitude, temporary prettiness and her fast-disappearing youth will not go that far.

In my country this film did not reach the cinema theaters. I saw it back in 1989 in a small room (100 seats or less) of a private university's Cine Club.

It was a beautiful surprise. I was not expecting such a good film with dark drama and comic moments at one time. And the end is so relaxing after so much trouble... The best to me is the natural way Emily Lloyd acts, whom I try to follow after I saw this film.

In my opinion, she is underrated and not present in many films. Alas! Such a waste of talent and expressiveness.

If you enjoy life, this film is a must see... absolutely worth watching.

I saw this film about ten years ago as part of a one-day-show at a film festival. Since that time forward i have tried to see it again, but that has been impossible for any "commercial" movie theatre showed it in my country.

Both, the plot and the acting of Emily Lloyd left a delicious taste in my senses during and after the film was over. Later i found it was her first official/professional appearance on film. She was perfectly casted. One has no other choice but to love this film, and being a woman... it is a MUST SEE.

What happened to writer/director David Leland? It is a shame we don't see fresh films like this one more often. Recently, "Life is beautiful" (Italy) swept with many awards... well, "Wish You Were Here" is something like "life is not beautiful but one better live it to the edge, being the one and only life we have".

P.S. Still... i am waiting for the video version in order to watch this film over and over.