The Phantom of the Open

An extraordinary film, about a quite extraordinary bloke, who lived out his dreams, through countless excessive golf strokes, teed it up from the off, hole in one all the way, bunkered blinkered traditions, hats off, and fair play.

Crane driver Maurice Flitcroft (Mark Rylance), decides to follow his dream of playing golf at the British Open, which he achieves, hitting the highest score ever. Opinion on him is divided between the rather pompous golf community represented by a bespectacled Rhys Ifans and those that admire his spirit, in this unlikely true story.

This is a very sweet, almost Ealingesque comedy combining the fun on the golf course with the drama of the problems his and his family's dreams cause. Rylance is fun albeit quite twee, with Sally Hawkins providing solid support. It all builds to a charming climax before real footage of the real Flitcroft shows how much this is all apparently spot in.

Whilst the narrative is nothing new, The Phantom of the Open is still a truly delightful comedy drama that's extremely heartwarming, really funny and genuinely emotional.

Mark Rylance gives a terrific lead performance, super likeable and adorably naive. Sally Hawkins is reliably perfect as his wife who's equally likeable and the heart of the film, also having strong chemistry with Rylance.

Craig Roberts' direction is excellent, full of quirky and fantastical moments that fit the film really well. Both the soundtrack and the music by Isobel Waller-Bridge are both as joyful and fun as the film requires.

I never write reviews.... So I'll keep it brief:

Funny - tick Heartwarming - tick Fantastic Story - tick Wonderful Performances - tick

Go and watch it, it really is a great film.

A comedic dramatization that takes liberties with the real story. Still glad I watched it since it made me search out the real story. Go see it anyways.