Judy & Punch

A really great ride. Such a fantastically well-realised medieval style of world that really sucks you in from the beginning. That may have been the best thing for me - its style and atmosphere was really engrossing and the score and music choices really helped that. Visually the film was very striking too. The main performances were excellent - the two leads, the small girl, the old man and the constable stand out. A really unique and well-thought take on punch and judy - it was clever how all the links to the show were brought in (many of which I didn't realise at the time). There were a couple of issues - a few performances here and there I didn't like that much - but overall it was really great and I look forward to seeing it again.

A well written, scripted and acted film with a brilliant cast who make the events of the movie seem so real ! Lacks direction in some parts but overall a lot of fun and fairly enjoyable, revenge is sweet !

Not knowing what to expect I was absorbed right from the start. I was taken into a type of fantasy world; the colours, the people, the theatre, the atmosphere, its offbeatness. So well written, directed and acted. I found much in it an allegory with our modern world. Congratulations and highly recommended.

Really enjoyed this movie. Great cinematography. Acting and score were engaging. It's violent but an insightful look at existing social norms and how important it is to question and challenge them in order to break down accepted stereotypes. Interesting contrast was how on the one hand alcohol was shown as a clear link to male aggression and violence. But on the other shown as a grease for social cohesion and supportive of fun and community. Unconscious biases are under the spotlight. As is ignorance. Power to Judy. Punch continues the chauvinistic dream albeit divorced from his new reality.

The movie has a vaguely historical setting, but no historical accuracy.

Some aspects seem like fantasy, but are then rooted in real history and geography.

The violence is played for laughs, but is the also meant to be poignant.

Either go full Punch and Judy, like a fantastical Falling Down, or make a gritty piece about the realities of a harsh life in the Early Modern period, but don't vacillate between the two. As released this film doesn't work as either of those things.