Hope and Glory (1987) Director: John Boorman Watched: May 22, 2018 Rating: 6/10 Reminded me a little of "A Christmas Story". How? Both are semi-autobiographical, tenaciously adhered to young boy's point of view, funny vignettes (this one covers far more serious material, of course), school shenanigans, dream or fantasy sequences, adult version of the protagonist does a voice-over (thankfully Boorman does it less frequently). Best aspect of this film is its unique perspective on the Blitz during World War II. Important historical period that has been covered many times before, but rarely a ten-year-old boy's interpretation. Some things we see are things everyone around Bill likewise experienced. The frequent air sirens, the stressful air raids, family members coming and going in wartime, managing ration books, military balls, the excitement of a rogue barrage balloon, the thrill of a German pilot landing in their backyard. Some things, not so much. Swearing as initiation into boy's club. Collecting shrapnel. Playing with toy soldiers later melted in a random fire. A boy's fort stash full of bullets and bomb pieces. "German" preserves his mother is afraid are poisoned. Reciting multiplication tables while waiting for an air raid to finish. A large part of the story is also a typical coming-of-age story, which occurs with or without war. His father teaching him a special trick throw. Bribing a girl to see her vagina. Tossing rocks at his sister and lover when he catches them having sex because he does not understand. Observing perplexedly as his older sister and mother fight and reconcile in the same moment. Watching his mother consider infidelity (that he understood exactly what he was seeing at the time is doubtful, however), but ultimately reach a sort of contentment in her marriage. Seeing his capricious sister finally get married. Entertaining his tetchy grandfather. Interestingly, no love interest at all. Cinematography and loyal time period production design were two other things this film had going for it. Wide angle shots on particular. My concern is that most of the characters seemed unrealistically complacent if not glad on a daily basis, moving right along with their lives. Even during tragedy we see minimal grieving. That being said, Boorman was clearly going for a child's point of view and it is possible that this is he saw things; psychology gives evidence of this- not only at the time of events but also in later years through repression. A sugar-coated but accurately representative time period. The acting, as far as the adults went, was also not very impressive in my opinion. Sarah Miles in particular (who has been single out with praise) I found to have acted pretty poorly; especially in scenes where her emotions were improbably exaggerated. A fresh and funny take on the Blitz, though from its unique child's viewpoint, inevitably limited in its scope and realism. Though still an entertaining history lesson! #FilmReview #GoldenGlobesBestPicture

This was simply un-engaging – more like a series of unconnected and disjointed scenes. The acting lacked any intensity – in fact the film and actors were bloody boring. Overall a very wooden and artificial feel to this film. Scenes that were allegedly funny were cornball. I started to fast- forward at the end, my spouse did not protest. The film would constantly jump from one scene to the next with little continuity – because in fact there was no story – just a series of cameos. It reminded me of a badly done soap opera. At least a soap opera can be funny. The dialogue was contrived and the character interactions stilted.

one of my dads favourite films, this always gets watched when it comes on. a small capture of a boys experience of his war, the triumphs and the tragedies he and his family faced, from losing lead soldiers to grandada shooting rats. from scoffing German jam to the war kids and their sacred word that is only said for something really special - ill let them tell you, to the ultimate joy of catching fish on the river and the supreme irony of school being closed thanks to Hitler bombing it i can see why dad loved this film, and its one of my favourites too !! some superb acting from the kids to the supreme hamming up of ian bannen.one of them films that should be shown in school, as a this is how i remember the war from the viewpoint of a child to a child..

When I saw the poster of the film I thought : "waow ! it is going to be a romantic film, we will take out our hardkerchieves". But it is not. I have found the film unbelievable, wonderful. I have been touched by all characters. The acting is perfect. The little boy who plays the role of Bill is magnificent and the elder daughter is playing beautifully. The film is seen through the eye of a British boy, we can say that the film is autobiographical. John Boorman shows own experience during world war II with a lot of sentiments, emotion, a mixture of fun moments and sad moments. I think it is the best film I have seen in years. I give it an 8 and I will always be thankful to my teacher for seeing the film. It is a film for you if you want to be touched, to be flabbergasted and please if you are touched by the film like me, pass on the message that this film is wonderful.