The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

In a bid to avoid the rush of people going to see Guardians this weekend I decided to catch up on last weeks new release that I unfortunately missed. The unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry is one of those small British films that we maybe get once or twice a year that are mainly targeted towards the older generation. The film takes next to no time to get going as it opens with Harold played by the always brilliant Jim Broadbent receiving a letter from an old friend. The letter reads that Queenie who Harold used to work with but hasn't seen for a long time has been admitted to a hospice and is in the final stages of cancer. Initially Harold writes a letter back but on his way to the post office he meets someone who changes his mind and he decides to walk from the south of England to the North some just under 500 miles as he believes he can save Queenies life by doing so. This film is very much about people, the good, the bad and the human spirit of being able to make mistakes in life but not having to feel like those mistakes define you. Along his journey we learn a lot about Harold and his life and ultimately the real reason he has embarked on his journey but I won't say any more as not to spoil it. I think the thing this film surprised me the most with was that it's really deep and real and I left the cinema actually feeling quite emotional rather than uplifted as you'd perhaps expect with this type of thing. Yes some of the pacing isn't perfect and heck perhaps you wanted a feel good film but this was different and it gave me something I look for in films which is great writing that accurately represents real human emotion. I thought this film was really thought provoking and despite the somber mood it left me in I also left feeling that as humans we don't have to change the world, sometimes just giving someone a smile on a day when they're really struggling can make the world of difference to them. I can't recommend this film enough, especially if you like thought provoking drama but if you do go and see it perhaps tell your partner where you're going first.

'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.

Lovely movie, with the ever so lovely Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton as the typical retired couple, going about their humdrum lives, until the post arrives from an old friend of Harold's. Life just isn't the same again, as something inside Harold beckons him on a journey, which unfolds the reason of why he must take the journey. Wonderfully captured, but I kept thinking I had watched it before. And I had. The equally excellent Timothy Spall in the Last Bus, travelling the length of the UK with his wife's ashes to the place they met in Lands End. If you like Jim Broadbent as Harold Fry, you will love Timothy Spall in The Last Bus.

Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton. That's all I needed to know to go see this film. Both deliver incredible performances ranging from that unique British wit, the inevitable pulled heartstrings to having it outright ripped out of your chest.

Thematically, the film asks us to let go of the things we think we need - the things that hold us back. Which Maureen (Wilton), wife of Harold for at least a few decades, rightfully takes quite personally. You wonder why Maureen just let's Harold leave, but we discover later she's not completely in the right, either.

Unfortunately, the supporting cast feel forced, two-dimensional and pepper Harold's journey purely to impart information that could be taken or left behind. This isn't helped by the stunted pacing and frequent B-roll cutaways to presumably things Harold wouldn't have seen if hadn't set off on his adventure.

The social media/celebrity element leaves a bad taste in the mouth, and his first follower appears endearing at first but then descends into cult follower territory trying to find meaning from someone else's cause.

Again, I cannot emphasise enough the stellar performances by both leads. I'm tearing up just watching the trailer while writing this. The film is let down by its supporting cast and weird editing.

I didn't know this was based off a book so I can't make any comparisons with the source material.

But if I were to give this a second viewing, I'd only watch the scenes with Harold and Maureen interacting with each other, with one notable exception: when Harold asks for a glass of water in a café. Heartbreaking.

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.