A modern take on Charles Dickens's classic tale of a young orphan who is able to triumph over many obstacles.A modern take on Charles Dickens's classic tale of a young orphan who is able to triumph over many obstacles.A modern take on Charles Dickens's classic tale of a young orphan who is able to triumph over many obstacles.
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- Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
- 19 wins & 32 nominations total
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Featured reviews
Dev Patel carries the role of David Copperfield gracefully and naturally. He meets many characters along the way that vividly come to life on screen in ways that make you feel as though you are reading the descriptions as they unfolded on the page. They are almost caricatures in a very whimsical and delightful way. The rollercoaster that takes David from being the only son of a widow to the discarded baggage of a new marriage also makes him the guest in an overwhelmingly loving (yet constantly indebted) family. The ride continues as he becomes a young man on the run and on his fresh start as a gentleman with a past and then finally landing as a man in love with a girl who is out of place in his story.
Though we are introduced to a wonderful array of supporting characters who help David on his long and winding journey, we do not get to spend enough time getting to know them because of the fast pace of the film. We feel his connection to them based on all of the great performances, however, it is tough to stay connected to them on the other side of the lens as the pace through situations races ahead. The third act of the film is where it is felt the most. As all of the characters come together for a very satisfying ending, it would have been nice to have more time with the characters as they enjoy the spoils of ride they took together.
In the end, this is a redemption story about a very interesting character and his extraordinarily interesting life. David and his engaging journey have every element needed to go from whimsical to scary to revenge filled and eventually a satisfying conclusion. I would definitely recommend it. There are brilliant performances all around and the film is a welcome escape from the current lack of whimsy in the world.
Though we are introduced to a wonderful array of supporting characters who help David on his long and winding journey, we do not get to spend enough time getting to know them because of the fast pace of the film. We feel his connection to them based on all of the great performances, however, it is tough to stay connected to them on the other side of the lens as the pace through situations races ahead. The third act of the film is where it is felt the most. As all of the characters come together for a very satisfying ending, it would have been nice to have more time with the characters as they enjoy the spoils of ride they took together.
In the end, this is a redemption story about a very interesting character and his extraordinarily interesting life. David and his engaging journey have every element needed to go from whimsical to scary to revenge filled and eventually a satisfying conclusion. I would definitely recommend it. There are brilliant performances all around and the film is a welcome escape from the current lack of whimsy in the world.
Scottish director Armando Iannucci isn't the first name that springs to mind when one thinks of a director of Charles Dickens novels but the famed comedic filmmaker makes for a refreshing behind camera master of this more modern take on Dicken's semi-autobiographical tale.
Renowned for some of the modern era's greatest politically astute comedies in the form of In the Loop and The Death of Stalin, as well as extensive work on hit TV show Veep, Iannucci dials things back quite a bit here without ever losing sight of the oddball humor that has made his career so enjoyable, as we follow Dev Patel's kind hearted David Copperfield across a multi-year journey of trials and tribulations as he tries to find his way in a world that seems intent on knocking him down.
Not following any particular one plot thread, the film takes on board Copperfield's experience's being raised by Peter Capaldi's money waster Mr Micawber, his teenage years education and most importantly his life-defining relationship with Tilda Swinton's oddball aunt Betsey Trotwood and her mentally unhinged friend Mr. Dick, played wonderfully by Hugh Laurie.
There's a lot to cram into History's two hour run-time, one that Iannucci at times struggles to balance out, with the films later stages in particular feeling as though they could've had more time to breath but overall the film remains an entertaining and enthusiastic rendition of a story that has stood the test of time.
Front and centre throughout are some fantastic production values to this independent film, duly noted in the films large collection of nominations at last years British Independent Film Awards and another great lead performance from Dev Patel, who much like his fellow Skins graduate Nicholas Hoult has proven time and time again that his one of the most assured performers working today.
Patel's infectiously enjoyable performance is a genuine example of a film that is having a lot of fun with its narrative and one were the cast and crew clearly had a ball bringing it to life, while its likely to divide die-hard Dicken's fans, its great to see a director of Iannucci's skill-set tackle such a task.
Final Say -
It may not be quite up to the high-standards of the best Dicken's features but The Personal History of David Copperfield is a joyous little film with a lot of heart and a killer on-song cast to boot.
3 1/2 heavy cakes out of 5
Renowned for some of the modern era's greatest politically astute comedies in the form of In the Loop and The Death of Stalin, as well as extensive work on hit TV show Veep, Iannucci dials things back quite a bit here without ever losing sight of the oddball humor that has made his career so enjoyable, as we follow Dev Patel's kind hearted David Copperfield across a multi-year journey of trials and tribulations as he tries to find his way in a world that seems intent on knocking him down.
Not following any particular one plot thread, the film takes on board Copperfield's experience's being raised by Peter Capaldi's money waster Mr Micawber, his teenage years education and most importantly his life-defining relationship with Tilda Swinton's oddball aunt Betsey Trotwood and her mentally unhinged friend Mr. Dick, played wonderfully by Hugh Laurie.
There's a lot to cram into History's two hour run-time, one that Iannucci at times struggles to balance out, with the films later stages in particular feeling as though they could've had more time to breath but overall the film remains an entertaining and enthusiastic rendition of a story that has stood the test of time.
Front and centre throughout are some fantastic production values to this independent film, duly noted in the films large collection of nominations at last years British Independent Film Awards and another great lead performance from Dev Patel, who much like his fellow Skins graduate Nicholas Hoult has proven time and time again that his one of the most assured performers working today.
Patel's infectiously enjoyable performance is a genuine example of a film that is having a lot of fun with its narrative and one were the cast and crew clearly had a ball bringing it to life, while its likely to divide die-hard Dicken's fans, its great to see a director of Iannucci's skill-set tackle such a task.
Final Say -
It may not be quite up to the high-standards of the best Dicken's features but The Personal History of David Copperfield is a joyous little film with a lot of heart and a killer on-song cast to boot.
3 1/2 heavy cakes out of 5
Some profoundly eccentric characters but the performances seemed a little forced and the connection you need to carry them over the line was missing for the most part.
This is a fun and enjoyable movie. The weird comments by people who can't comprehend a non-white cast are baffling. If you can't enjoy a film because of the colour of actor's skin, that's your problem, not the film's.
I finally finished the novel today, after months of hiding from the trailer for this film, and I was thrilled to watch. I understand that a lot of things are going to be changed and condensed from a 900 page novel into a 2 hour movie but boy, they made nearly all of the opposite decisions I would've made on what to keep and what to throw away. Mr. Dick must've gotten 10 times the screen time as Peggotty and Mr. Peggotty who were two of my favourite characters in the novel. In the beginning, I really enjoyed the whimsical nature, however, the whimsy seems to have disappeared after the first half, leaving me to wonder why it was added at all? I loved the diversity in the cast, and what a cast it was, but wow.. just a really disappointing adaptation of a beautiful novel.
Did you know
- TriviaMorfydd Clark plays two characters in the film - Clara Copperfield (David's mother) and Dora Spenlow - the protagonist's love.
- GoofsWhen David's mother is giving birth to him, she lifts her right foot to the stool and her sneaker is briefly visible.
- Quotes
[last lines, to his younger self]
David Copperfield: Don't worry. You'll make it through. And you'll have quite the ride on the way.
- Crazy creditsThe end credits are supposed to be listed in alphabetical order, however, Paul Whitehouse is billed above Ben Whishaw whereas they should be the other way around.
- SoundtracksAuld Lang Syne
Traditional
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Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
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- Also known as
- Історія Девіда Копперфілда
- Filming locations
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Box office
- Budget
- $15,600,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $1,876,298
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $475,800
- Aug 30, 2020
- Gross worldwide
- $14,399,270
- Runtime1 hour 59 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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What is the streaming release date of The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019) in Canada?
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