42 votes rated this 7.5 when I watched, but it's worth at least 8 or 8.5. The very few tropes and minor cliches are forgivable - the overwhelming focus is Thomas and his beautiful, sad, heartfelt, enduring, hilarious, eventful, human journey. You feel like you already know him - a man that all young men should aspire to become. Kind, moral and able to access and act upon core emotions.
Talking of Thomas, the actor Timothy Spall is cast perfectly. The characters you meet along the way also perform extremely well to the point you feel you're there with them, dancing, laughing, worrying and so on. Subtle directing excels. Eye glances and tone of reply say more than anything. A film for the emotionally capable. Try not to learn too much before viewing, it's a joy finding out as you go.
It seemed most of the 50 or so others and I teared up by films end. If you enjoy stories that portray humanity, emotions and life and want to be part of such a journey, I'd certainly not miss The Last Bus.
