In the Bleak Midwinter

Bizarrely, given its small scale, this may be Branagh's best film to date. Shorn of the over-ambition which hampered Frankenstein and Dead Again, this minor masterpiece (which almost looks made for TV) will be a joy to anyone who's ever worked in under-funded theatre (excuse the tautology).

The cast are in fine form, and the photography is suitably glowing - but the film's greatest strength lies in its witty and accurate script. Obviously born of years of painful experience, the dialogue sparkles with insight and humour. Why the hell doesn't Branagh write more of his own material? Subtly directed, cleverly structured and superbly performed, this is recommended to all Branagh followers, all theatre lovers, and all fans of grown-up British humour. 9 out of 10.

PS The connections with Branagh's own version of Hamlet are obvious, but who is Dylan Judd, who gets offered a three-film sci-fi deal? Could it be Liam Neeson or Ewan Macgregor? Answers on a postcard to Shepperton Studios...

It seems Director Kenneth Branagh has the immortal Dane on the brain. The video even comes with the trailer for Kenneth Branagh's bigscreen "Hamlet". This minor canon Bard is a tale of a motley troupe recruited by Joe (Michael Maloney subbing for Kenneth Branagh) to save an ancient church in obviously-named hamlet of Hope. Troupe features nice performances from Richard Briars (veteran of big budget "Hamlet"), Nick Farrell (same; and was Horatio to Kenneth Branagh's Laertes in 85) and mum & daughter Julia Sawalha and Jennifer Saunders (affecting a gawdawful Southern accent) to assure comic impact. The black and white lensing gives a nice indy feel, but the lovingly shot stained glass looks lacking. Joan Collins does a nice turn as Joe's agent.

A perfect little movie, this tale of provincial actors struggling to deliver a production of Hamlet is one that will cheer your Bleak Midwinter if you have any heart whatsoever. Definitely under-rated and one of Branagh's best, it is simply and effectively photographed in black and white, and features a witty, amusing, and at times, hilarious script performed by a stand-out ensemble cast. Although its tale of backstage trials and tribulations will not appeal to all tastes, there is a lot of subtlety and truthfulness to the gentle, genuine sentiment on offer here. Among very few false notes, only Jennifer Saunder's dire caricature as a Hollywood producer really disappoints. The rest of the cast are just terrific. Almost as good a Christmas movie as It's a Wonderful Life, I recommend it.

This was a film that I wanted to see from the very second that I heard about it. Unfortunately (for one reason and another) I missed it at the cinema and was forced to trawl the depths of video stores to find it. It is a beautifully shot, subtly hilarious piece of cinematic history. Anyone who has ever worked in theatres or have met "theatre types" will empathise with the characters immediately...and anyone who has never experienced the backstage "goings on" of theatres should watch this film to experience the endearing qualities of theatre in its extreme.

Quite simply this film is wonderful and has made me a huge fan of Kenneth Branagh's writing and direction.

My only complaint about this film is that it is impossible to find!! Why can't we buy it on DVD yet??!

I selected this movie from the video shelf because the title seemed consonant with my mood. My girlfriend had just dumped me, my best friend had just broken off with me, and it was raining. The realisation that it was black and white throughout seemed to be perfect. Yet the story, of a struggling actor's frantic attempts to mount a benefit showing of Hamlet to save a church, along with Branagh's comedic editing, begins as a farce, sails along with Coward-like snippets of conversation (along with the use of Coward's song "The Show Must Go On") and develops facilely and elegantly into a moving portrait of the camaraderie of an acting company without one noticing. I didn't realise I wasn't unhappy and in love with all these people until the movie was over and I was beaming quite sunnily (who needs friends and girlfriends anyway when you've got movies?). Julie Sawalha's reading of the line "Let's face it, we're all depressed" may very well have saved my life.