Brighton

Steven Berkoff's social satire about two couples reliving their youth from the 1950's on Brighton beach was written back in 1994 when the play may have had more resonance with an audience as society began to be more tolerant and understanding as we climbed out of a more racist and bigoted era, especially in the East End of London where these characters are from, however it doesn't ring true in 2019 when this film version was made because some of the derogatory language seems too forced, outdated and caricatured. The film also bludgeons the audience over the head with the points it makes in showing the older generation the error of their ways.

Being in my late 50's myself I can understand where this film is coming from and what Berkoff was trying to achieve in exposing racism in UK society, the older generation refusing to accept immigrants living amongst them and the consequences of living in the past. A younger audience will certainly not empathise with these characters as they hark back to their perceived simpler times and mourning the loss of the British Empire.

While I enjoyed the performances from the four leads Larry Lamb, Phil Davies, Marion Baily and Lesley Sharp this comedy drama is not for all tastes and it comes too late to make any real impact as society has moved on a great deal however the older generation will get it. Shame they didn't make more use of Brighton as a location because this could really be set anywhere.

This film is 'NOT' for the PC brigade. Reminded me of my Grandads generation. A touch of Alf Garnet about the film. There's irony later in the film. Give it a chance, I wasn't disappointed.

Great cast but not really suited to the movie format. Would be better on the stage.

A day trip to the seaside, with fond memories of Brighton years ago. What could possibly go wrong? Answer...Almost everything, as the main characters try in vain to recapture old memories. Beautifully Directed by Stephen Cookson, who also wrote the story, which goes a full circle for one character and ends unexpectedly happily. I enjoyed this film so much, shown as part of the Cheltenham International Film Festival (2021), that I watched it twice. Superb acting by all four leads: Larry Lamb, Lesley Sharp, Marion Bailey and Phil Davis, plus an excellent supporting cast. Well done cast & crew!

Clearly designed to hit every tick in the box requiring by woke film buyers and distributors. Even the cast look embarrassed by the story. Well worth a miss......