O Último Ônibus

Timothy Sprall gives an outstanding performance in this bittersweet movie .

The Last Bus is a journey of loss and grieving to a conclusion of sorts.

I suppose for me the most amazing thing about this rather small movie is Timothy Spall, about 63 during filming, effectively playing a 90+ year old man with a number of physical issues. He is Tom, who at 15 managed to enlist and fight in the war in 1944. In 1950 he met the love of his life in Land's End and they were married. After a personal tragedy his wife's request was to "leave here, and go as far away as we can." So they settled in the far NE corner of Scotland, a community called John O'Groats, and lived their lives.

Then after his wife passed on in 2020, after almost 70 years there, he packs up and leaves everything behind to return by bus to Land's End. This movie is mainly about that trip, with his hand written journal to guide him he tries to recreate, backwards, his trip getting up there all those years ago. But of course not much goes as planned and unique adventures result. Along the way we the audience is treated to short flashbacks to fill in the story of his life.

This is a warm and simple movie, I found it on Amazon streaming, Spall's character makes it a very nice viewing.

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.

I never expected "The Last Bus" to be so touching. The story is told bit by bit through flashbacks, and gradually fills in the blanks. This enhances connection with viewers. Towards the final twenty minutes, I really feel for the old man, sand just can't stop the tears. The film is really beautiful, and portrays a plethora of deep emotions effectively.

Any movie that brings tears to my eys is worth watching. It's a simple and harmless film with a wonderful soul at its heart. The story is told through and by virtue of a bus journey which is the vehicle for a source of sadness not revealed unit the final few scenes. The script is sparing and essential and there's no subplot unless you include the many encounters on the journey. Many of these encounters, even the briefest are full of poignancy and charm. A wonderful Feel-Good movie in its own very sweet way.