El viaje de Harold

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a heartwarming and emotional film that tells the story of Harold Fry, an ordinary man who decides to embark on a pilgrimage to deliver a letter to his old friend Queenie. The film is a slow burn, starting as a simple story of a man walking, but it gradually builds into a poignant examination of grief, guilt, and eventual closure.

Jim Broadbent delivers an excellent performance as Harold Fry, capturing the character's quiet desperation and eventual transformation as he walks the 600-mile journey. Penelope Wilton is also good as Harold's wife, Maureen, who is hurt and confused by her husband's sudden departure.

The film's direction by Hettie Macdonald is ok, with the cinematography and production design capturing the beauty of the British countryside. The score also adds to the story's emotional weight.

However, the plot can sometimes be implausible, and some supporting characters feel underdeveloped. The pacing is often ploddingly slow.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is an occasionally touching and poignant film that, while not perfect, may be worth watching for the performances and emotional resonance. But it never really manages to reach its potential.

This, for me, is a "companion piece" to last year's LIVING, since it again has an elderly gent in the central role. Like other "road movies", the film alternates between motivation and meetings. Harold crosses paths with a few fairly ordinary people who each have a tale to tell. At one stage he becomes a kind of Messiah figure, leading a flock of followers, but he arrives in Berwick on his own to resolve the issue of the dying woman's role in his life.

I got a slight sense of "wokeness" being applied to both the characters and the actors, and there are a few scenes that don't really ring true. The best element is the seesaw on which Harold's marriage is quietly riding.

Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton are two fine actors on top form here. This is another small movie with a big heart which it wears on its sleeve.

'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry' (2023)

Opening thoughts: For me, there is always at least one reason for seeing any, show, production etc. The most common reasons being good concepts, liking actors and/or directors involved and completest sake. There were a lot of reasons for watching 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry'. Being a lover of inspirational true story-like films. Being someone who loves Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton. Being someone who loves many British films, being a Brit myself. That it was reviewed relatively positively. And as someone who is trying to see more recent films lately.

Seeing it as part of a belated birthday present, to me and my sister 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry' was very, very good if not quite masterpiece level. Being moved and/or inspired by something is always an absolutely wonderful thing, and 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry' did both of those for both of us. It is one of those films that deserves a wider audience, but it is alas not one of the types of films film goers typically see.

Bad things: It isn't perfect. It is unlikely at times with a few too many coincidental, convenient encounters. Most of the supporting characters are on the sketchy side.

Also found the ending a little too pat, with it making Harold somewhat too forgiving.

Good things: Broadbent however is absolutely first rate, very charming but he is also very affecting. Really liked Harold as a character, found him very inspiring and relatable, despite making bad mistakes in the past (having had bad mistakes in the past myself that still couldn't make me judge him negatively) the film does a great job showing his regret and determination in putting things right and making a positive difference. Which pretty much is what the film is all about.

Wilton is also very commanding in a difficult role, as a character really does hate at times with some pretty cold decision making (while also understanding her point of view at other times), with grace. Even when apart most of the time, the chemistry between them scintillates. The support is solid, though never on the two leads' level, and the direction is sympathetic and no nonsense.

Furthermore, the scenery is absolutely exquisite (with a healthy dose of Devon) shot beautifully. The music fits the gentle tone very well and never felt overused or intrusive. The script provokes a lot of thought and pulls punches when needed without going too far, the flashbacks in particular. The pacing is very gentle bit never dull and the story is touching and inspirational. Complete with an uplifting message, one that was so easy to identify with and wasn't laid on too thick.

Closing thoughts: Overall, very good.

8/10.

The cinematography of this film is beautiful - a story full of fleeting moments and what-ifs, and the impact that small actions can have on the people we come across. A life-affirming and thought-provoking movie that will make you want to be a better person. Gently heartfelt acting from a top-flight cast.

If you're looking for dramatic plot lines and fireworks, this movie is not for you. However, if you want to enjoy a couple of hours with some glimpses of English scenery and weather - and the repressed emotions so typical of the English temperament - while reviewing your personal relationships, this is a wonderful piece of unassuming filmmaking.

Harold Fry (Jim Broadbent) is getting on in life. He doesn't feel it though, drifting through it as he has. Until one day he receives an unexpected letter. Setting off to the postbox with his reply, Harold finds himself reluctant to take the easy option, a choice that rewards him with a series of life lessons that will warm your heart... or roll your eyes depending on your level of cynicism. It's called The Unlikely Pilgrimage of... and it certainly is. Harold setting out to walk from his home in Devon to see his dying friend Queenie (Linda Bassett), who lives in Berwick-upon-Tweed. Bonkers right? His wife Maureen (Penelope Wilton) certainly thinks so. He's not exactly prepared and there's no plan, but he learns as he goes. As do we. It's got an air of fantasy, but remains oddly anchored through his somewhat predicable rather British adventures, although it does valiantly attempt to throw the odd curveball. Essentially it's one big visual metaphor as we learn that Harold hasn't always been in touch with his feelings or those of others, but for all its blunt plot points, it is quaintly inspirational. It's nicely shot too and achieves the feeling of Harold's journey across the country, showing England off in a rather beautiful light. Broadbent is brilliant. Simple delivery, understated, that warmth in his face filling the screen. The supporting cast too, from a brief cameo with Claire Rushbrook, all too brief glimpses of Earl Cave as Harold's remembered son and his somewhat adopted one Daniel Frogson, who as Wilf is the first of many to tag along. It's as much about Harold though, as it is about Maureen left at home. Their relationship, what it's been missing. What they need as people, maybe what we all need. Despite all this loftiness, it's not a great film, but regardless I really enjoyed it. Understanding what drives Harold, there's more to this than what's put on the screen.