The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

This, for me, is a "companion piece" to last year's LIVING, since it again has an elderly gent in the central role. Like other "road movies", the film alternates between motivation and meetings. Harold crosses paths with a few fairly ordinary people who each have a tale to tell. At one stage he becomes a kind of Messiah figure, leading a flock of followers, but he arrives in Berwick on his own to resolve the issue of the dying woman's role in his life.

I got a slight sense of "wokeness" being applied to both the characters and the actors, and there are a few scenes that don't really ring true. The best element is the seesaw on which Harold's marriage is quietly riding.

Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton are two fine actors on top form here. This is another small movie with a big heart which it wears on its sleeve.

In a bid to avoid the rush of people going to see Guardians this weekend I decided to catch up on last weeks new release that I unfortunately missed. The unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry is one of those small British films that we maybe get once or twice a year that are mainly targeted towards the older generation. The film takes next to no time to get going as it opens with Harold played by the always brilliant Jim Broadbent receiving a letter from an old friend. The letter reads that Queenie who Harold used to work with but hasn't seen for a long time has been admitted to a hospice and is in the final stages of cancer. Initially Harold writes a letter back but on his way to the post office he meets someone who changes his mind and he decides to walk from the south of England to the North some just under 500 miles as he believes he can save Queenies life by doing so. This film is very much about people, the good, the bad and the human spirit of being able to make mistakes in life but not having to feel like those mistakes define you. Along his journey we learn a lot about Harold and his life and ultimately the real reason he has embarked on his journey but I won't say any more as not to spoil it. I think the thing this film surprised me the most with was that it's really deep and real and I left the cinema actually feeling quite emotional rather than uplifted as you'd perhaps expect with this type of thing. Yes some of the pacing isn't perfect and heck perhaps you wanted a feel good film but this was different and it gave me something I look for in films which is great writing that accurately represents real human emotion. I thought this film was really thought provoking and despite the somber mood it left me in I also left feeling that as humans we don't have to change the world, sometimes just giving someone a smile on a day when they're really struggling can make the world of difference to them. I can't recommend this film enough, especially if you like thought provoking drama but if you do go and see it perhaps tell your partner where you're going first.

'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry' (2023)

Opening thoughts: For me, there is always at least one reason for seeing any, show, production etc. The most common reasons being good concepts, liking actors and/or directors involved and completest sake. There were a lot of reasons for watching 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry'. Being a lover of inspirational true story-like films. Being someone who loves Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton. Being someone who loves many British films, being a Brit myself. That it was reviewed relatively positively. And as someone who is trying to see more recent films lately.

Seeing it as part of a belated birthday present, to me and my sister 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry' was very, very good if not quite masterpiece level. Being moved and/or inspired by something is always an absolutely wonderful thing, and 'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry' did both of those for both of us. It is one of those films that deserves a wider audience, but it is alas not one of the types of films film goers typically see.

Bad things: It isn't perfect. It is unlikely at times with a few too many coincidental, convenient encounters. Most of the supporting characters are on the sketchy side.

Also found the ending a little too pat, with it making Harold somewhat too forgiving.

Good things: Broadbent however is absolutely first rate, very charming but he is also very affecting. Really liked Harold as a character, found him very inspiring and relatable, despite making bad mistakes in the past (having had bad mistakes in the past myself that still couldn't make me judge him negatively) the film does a great job showing his regret and determination in putting things right and making a positive difference. Which pretty much is what the film is all about.

Wilton is also very commanding in a difficult role, as a character really does hate at times with some pretty cold decision making (while also understanding her point of view at other times), with grace. Even when apart most of the time, the chemistry between them scintillates. The support is solid, though never on the two leads' level, and the direction is sympathetic and no nonsense.

Furthermore, the scenery is absolutely exquisite (with a healthy dose of Devon) shot beautifully. The music fits the gentle tone very well and never felt overused or intrusive. The script provokes a lot of thought and pulls punches when needed without going too far, the flashbacks in particular. The pacing is very gentle bit never dull and the story is touching and inspirational. Complete with an uplifting message, one that was so easy to identify with and wasn't laid on too thick.

Closing thoughts: Overall, very good.

8/10.

Harold Fry (Jim Broadbent) is getting on in life. He doesn't feel it though, drifting through it as he has. Until one day he receives an unexpected letter. Setting off to the postbox with his reply, Harold finds himself reluctant to take the easy option, a choice that rewards him with a series of life lessons that will warm your heart... or roll your eyes depending on your level of cynicism. It's called The Unlikely Pilgrimage of... and it certainly is. Harold setting out to walk from his home in Devon to see his dying friend Queenie (Linda Bassett), who lives in Berwick-upon-Tweed. Bonkers right? His wife Maureen (Penelope Wilton) certainly thinks so. He's not exactly prepared and there's no plan, but he learns as he goes. As do we. It's got an air of fantasy, but remains oddly anchored through his somewhat predicable rather British adventures, although it does valiantly attempt to throw the odd curveball. Essentially it's one big visual metaphor as we learn that Harold hasn't always been in touch with his feelings or those of others, but for all its blunt plot points, it is quaintly inspirational. It's nicely shot too and achieves the feeling of Harold's journey across the country, showing England off in a rather beautiful light. Broadbent is brilliant. Simple delivery, understated, that warmth in his face filling the screen. The supporting cast too, from a brief cameo with Claire Rushbrook, all too brief glimpses of Earl Cave as Harold's remembered son and his somewhat adopted one Daniel Frogson, who as Wilf is the first of many to tag along. It's as much about Harold though, as it is about Maureen left at home. Their relationship, what it's been missing. What they need as people, maybe what we all need. Despite all this loftiness, it's not a great film, but regardless I really enjoyed it. Understanding what drives Harold, there's more to this than what's put on the screen.

This might not win many awards or get critical acclaim, but it will probably make you cry and certainly make you think about life.

A poignant film, which Broadbent shines as much as he ever has. From the people he meets along the way to the affect his decisions have on those he leaves behind. It's a beautiful story of a simple act that one man made to try to bring some meaning and importance to a life that was just originate but full of regret.

A very good way to spend a few hours, especially if you have someone in your life who is struggling with an illness. There's probably a lot more you could do for them.