The Last Bus

Any movie that brings tears to my eys is worth watching. It's a simple and harmless film with a wonderful soul at its heart. The story is told through and by virtue of a bus journey which is the vehicle for a source of sadness not revealed unit the final few scenes. The script is sparing and essential and there's no subplot unless you include the many encounters on the journey. Many of these encounters, even the briefest are full of poignancy and charm. A wonderful Feel-Good movie in its own very sweet way.

A story about a bus journey. Just fantastic film making, and an outstandingly magnificent performance by Timothy Spall.

Nothing happens. Just this journey interspersed with flashbacks as to why he is making it.

You may need tissues handy.

This is rare movie, as it brought tears to my eyes. It reminds us that there are still kind, generous, wonderful people in the world.

I suppose for me the most amazing thing about this rather small movie is Timothy Spall, about 63 during filming, effectively playing a 90+ year old man with a number of physical issues. He is Tom, who at 15 managed to enlist and fight in the war in 1944. In 1950 he met the love of his life in Land's End and they were married. After a personal tragedy his wife's request was to "leave here, and go as far away as we can." So they settled in the far NE corner of Scotland, a community called John O'Groats, and lived their lives.

Then after his wife passed on in 2020, after almost 70 years there, he packs up and leaves everything behind to return by bus to Land's End. This movie is mainly about that trip, with his hand written journal to guide him he tries to recreate, backwards, his trip getting up there all those years ago. But of course not much goes as planned and unique adventures result. Along the way we the audience is treated to short flashbacks to fill in the story of his life.

This is a warm and simple movie, I found it on Amazon streaming, Spall's character makes it a very nice viewing.

I never expected "The Last Bus" to be so touching. The story is told bit by bit through flashbacks, and gradually fills in the blanks. This enhances connection with viewers. Towards the final twenty minutes, I really feel for the old man, sand just can't stop the tears. The film is really beautiful, and portrays a plethora of deep emotions effectively.