The Baker

Assassin Milo (Damian Lewis) is having second thoughts about his latest target when rival Bjorn (Nikolaj Coaster-Waldau) takes the shot. Their organization assigns his termination to Bjorn. Milo escapes into the Welsh countryside to property owned by his mentor Leo (Michael Gambon). He's burying his gun case when he is hit by an exploding sheep head. After cared for by Rhiannon (Kate Ashfield), he is mistaken for a baker taking on the alias Milo Shakespeare. Eggs is a local youth who blew up the sheep and stolen his guns. Soon, rumors of Milo as a hired assassin spread and some people actually have jobs for him.

The town folks are dark and wacky but not necessarily funny. They are not that appealing. This is a dark comedy which needs more comedy. Damian Lewis has great dead-pan mannerisms. He's able to inject some quirkiness but he needs a comedic partner. This has potential for something outrageously funny but it never really gets there.

This film is absolutely hilarious!!! I hope this film gets released in the US (I've seen it via a Hungarian DVD). Those of you in the UK, take note: The DVD is released in the UK on March 3, 2008. For anyone (anywhere in the world) seeking something to make them laugh and smile, this is an excellent choice! If this film is within your reach, by cinema or DVD, seek it out.

Writer-director Gareth Lewis provides a great story, excellently told with lots of refreshing originality, tons of laughs, and perfect casting throughout. Damian Lewis is absolutely wonderful in the lead role, displaying the perfect blend of comedy, action and romance. Hats off, bravo and well done to everyone involved in this immensely enjoyable and entertaining film! APPLAUSE APPLAUSE APPLAUSE! :-)

Damian Lewis, later of Black Sails and Band of Brothers fame stars in this quirky English film as the affable lead who is an assassin searching for love. He makes his way to Gwynfyd where he decides to try his hand at baking. The townspeople of Gwynfyd themselves are an odd bunch and Milo, our would be assassin tries to fit in.

A movie that is reminiscent of A Knights Tale, in that it does not take itself seriously, pokes fun at itself, the main leads back then are next to nobodys when the movie was made and overall, a light-hearted silly film that you can enjoy once. It certainly wont win any awards but is worth a watch on a night in when you dont want anything too serious or intense.

"The Baker", or The "Assassin in Love" as it is called in the U.S., is an awesomely delightful and twisted black dramedy from the UK. No one does these better than they. Most of this movie is shot in the lovely and surprisingly sunny Welsh countryside which keeps the tone light and upbeat. And, this is the paradox - a light/black comedy/drama presented as easily as two happy children skipping down the sidewalk.

Italia provides the cadence through the joyful 'que sera' of songs like "Volare" sung by the cast (miss you DeanO), "Jump the Line" crooned by Belefonte, and the "Gopher Mambo". The rhythm and pace of the whole package simply envelopes the watcher.

I love Damien Lewis, but the entire cast was a joyous surprise. When all was done, I was reminded (in a tiny, wee twisty sort of way) of the movie "Chocolat". Gareth Lewis, brother of Damien, wrote and directed this sublime piece of pleasure and if you can't enjoy it, you probably don't have a sense of humor. ;^) 10/28/2010

I finally got to see this movie after trying to track it down for years. My problem was I searched on the film's UK name ("The Baker") and only just learned it was renamed for its US release. A quick search found that Amazon had it for rent, so I downloaded it for a plane ride home.

OK, maybe I had higher expectations after waiting all that time but I can only say this was a good movie and not a great one. It has several "issues" that I won't elaborate on as I still think it's worth watching.

The characters are interesting and the plot moves along, plus it had a lot of moments that made me smile but I will admit I never really laughed outright. It's that kind of film, enjoyable especially for Damian Lewis fans (I've always liked him since "Band of Brothers"). Kate Ashfiel does a good job, it took a little while to recognize her as Liz from "Shaun of the Dead" (she looks better with her short brunette hair) and Steve Speirs is great as Bryn. Several others put in outstanding performances that make it worth watching.

So, while not a "10," it's definitely a strong "8" and worth the time if you like movies of this genre.