A Sense of History

I got suckered into this film on BravoTV believing I was looking at a documentary, then soon it's real nature began to show itself. Extremely well written, acted, directed, and crafted as well as a BBC documentary. If one only watched the cinematography, this film is remarkably beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and count it with "The Secret Cinema", "Karma Cafe", "The Music Box" and "Duck Amok" as my favorite short films. Needless to say, I didn't rest until I found it's repeat broadcast on Bravo's schedule. This film made me aware of the towering talent of Jim Broadbent. His performances in "Iris", "Little Voice" and "Moulin Rouge" have all been treats and I'll never again miss a Broadbent film.

If you would like to see an unusual, remarkable movie, don't miss "A sense of history" directed by Mike Leigh. This astonishing little piece of work was written and performed by the British actor Jim Broadbent, well known from many other films in Great Britain. The story takes place on a manor somewhere in Scotland. Jim Broadbent, playing a wealthy Earl shows what "a sense of history" also can be. No knights, no battles nor queens, but a "respectable" old man, reflecting on his life, that hides more crimes than you can imagine. The destiny of his first wife, his children? The dramatic fate of his father and - last but not least - the terrible end of his older brother? Have a look, you won't be disappointed by this parody of the old Bristish aristocracy...

Ihave just seen (most) of this on Film Four - missed the first few minutes. I recognised it instantly as a play I heard on Radio 4, 4 or 5 years ago. I was completely suckered into its premise then of a lovable old buffer reminiscing, whose ruthlessness and self-centredness gradually become only too apparent. I thought it was brilliant and funny and a pretty devastating critique of the English ruling class. I have been looking out for it ever since. So I was delighted to come upon the film which I didn't know existed till tonight. And the I found it was written and acted by Jim Broadbent and directed by Mike Leigh! That says a lot. However for some reason I didn't find the film so funny. The radio play was done as a memoir, just the character talking and somehow seemed more intimate, and the character so horrifyingly likable at first. I don't know if it was Jim Broadbent himself. I wonder if anybody else has heard the radio play and seen the film and has any comments. And who was the actor playing the Earl in the play? I would love to know if it was JB. Is the script available I wonder?

Brendan summed it up nicely but it doesn't stress how funny this short really is.

This is a must see short film that you will never forget and be forever quoting.

All I can add is to persevere through the seemingly boring long opening of a documentary on a British aristocrat land owner talking about the values of family tradition, increasing ones land, and finding a fine wife; before you know it you will find that this is no ordinary Earl (or is he!?!?)

Jim Broadbent at his best!

I saw this film several years ago, and since then have been trying to find a way to see it again.

One of the most unforgettable and brilliant pieces of work I have ever seen.

I enjoyed it so much I still tell people about it. I have been trying to find how to get hold of it through several telephone calls and internet investigations only to be told it was unobtainable.

Ingeniously crafted with Jim Broadbent entrapping me perfectly in his web. I kept thinking I was watching a legitimate documentary only to to see it eventually unfold into an incredibly funny and clever comedy. As it started to wind down to the end I could feel myself tensing up as if somehow I could stop it from finishing.

BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO! But please guys, don't withhold this from the world.