The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The story begins in London in 1946. Now that the war is over, Juliet Ashton is a best-selling author and she should be happy now that she's become engaged to a rich and handsome American soldier. But she seems a bit lost despite her success. One thing that piques her interest is a letter she's received from Guernsey (one of the Channel Islands off the coast of France). It's from a man who is looking for a book and who is part of the The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society...a book club consisting of about a half dozen members. Instead of just sending the man the book, she decides to go to Guernsey and meet this book club. However, although they loved hosting her, there is some sort of secret about this group...a secret that Juliet is determined to find out for herself.

The biggest praise in this film probably goes to the director, as the story is simple but Mike Newell manages to make the most of it. Some lovely performances, great pacing and a lovely script all work together to tell a story that really hook you...and if you like romances, you're sure to enjoy this movie.

By the way, one of the best parts about story is its setting. Few Americans know anything about Guernsey and I enjoyed learning about the German occupation of the island during the war. Very interesting.

Saw 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' as a fan of period drama, as someone who is trying to watch as many films of the year as possible and who likes a lot of the actors in the cast. It's great enough seeing such talent on their own, and even more of a delight to have so much talent together.

The idea for the story was also very interesting and it was nice to see a film based in a fairly under-explored period of wartime history. The title was not hugely appetising though. Seeing the film with my sister yesterday, found 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' to be a pleasant and well done if falling short of great film. It is engrossing enough and should have enough to appeal to a reasonable sized audience, it may appeal more to older audiences but those who want to know more about this period of wartime history or want to gain some knowledge of it should get something out of it.

Not a perfect film by all means. Will admit to having a good idea of, well actually knowing, how 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' was going to end well before it ended, with the love-related aspect of the story being telegraphed a little too early.

Didn't care for the character of Mark. Despite him serving some point to the story, with a crucial part of the plot being resolved with his involvement, he was rather one-dimensional and didn't have much personality or anything to make one endear to him (he also behaves like a jerk later on). Within the period, he seemed a little out of place. The same goes for how he is played. Matthew Goode's part was also on the underwritten side but he was much easier to like.

Pacing at times could have been tighter, some draggy spots here and there.

However, there is an awful lot to like about 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society'. The production values and cast are the biggest selling points. It's a beautifully shot film with very handsomely evocative production and costume design that does give one a real sense of period.

Even better are the cast, with Lily James a charming and very rootable lead and Michiel Huisman cutting a handsome presence. Their chemistry is warm and tender. Tom Courtenay is understated and amusing, having one of the film's best lines near the end, while Penelope Wilton as the most rounded supporting character is heart-wrenching. Jessica Brown Findley is also strong.

Mike Newell does solidly directing, not exceptional but he skilfully stops 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' from being too frothy or too intense. The script is thought-provoking, with some tension and a lot of emotion. The end credits were a lovely touch. A good job is done showing what living in the period and before was like while not being too one-sided. There is genuine emotional power here, with a back-story and main conflict, centring around the consequences of significant loss, that provides a lot of poignancy and hope.

One does feel the love and friendship between the characters and there are some nice revelations along the way in solving this intriguing story where one hopes for a happy outcome to the mystery/mission dominating it. The music, when used, is neither intrusive or too low-key.

In summary, good, pleasant and engaging film that could have been even better. 7/10 Bethany Cox

"Our Friday night book club became a refuge to us. A private freedom to feel the world growing darker all around you, but you only need a candle to see new worlds unfold. That is what we found in our society."

I loved this so much with every fiber in my being. I just finished the book earlier this month and finally sat down to watch the movie. It was so beautiful and absolutely perfect. The characters all felt like family and the story kept me on the edge of my seat, just like the book did. I strongly recommend this because it is such a good story and feels like a warm hug. Dawsey owns my heart and Mark can leave.

A lovely British comedy/Drama with a stellar cast.

This film has so much warmth and heart that it deserves all the positive ratings it earns here.

I declare a vested interest as I am a Guernseyman who has lived here all my life. The film is very entertaining, well acted and interesting. I recommend it as a love story with a Guernsey historic background that is reasonably accurate. Sadly the film was not shot in Guernsey for various reasons and although the scenery is lovely to look at it's not as beautiful as our Island. Come and visit Guernsey and enjoy our Island.