A Sense of History

Brendan summed it up nicely but it doesn't stress how funny this short really is.

This is a must see short film that you will never forget and be forever quoting.

All I can add is to persevere through the seemingly boring long opening of a documentary on a British aristocrat land owner talking about the values of family tradition, increasing ones land, and finding a fine wife; before you know it you will find that this is no ordinary Earl (or is he!?!?)

Jim Broadbent at his best!

This is a wonderful piece of film. A moving, stirring, tragic and comic short, which is essentially nothing more than a monologue!!!

Jim Broadbent is spectacular and the whole thing is beautifully put together. I saw this in the film tent at Glastonbury a couple of years ago and have just managed to see the streaming available to all on the channel 4 site, I will certainly be spreading the link to as many people as i can. (I believe it is posted on the message board for the film.)

This is a piece of television which I could happily watch over and over. The "spoof" documentary style (although this certainly isn't the best description) works to a tee and as the story unfolds and the life of the Earl unravels it becomes clear that much thought has been put not only into the script but also acting performance and filming. Watch it and love it.

A superb actor at his superb best.

Quite Wonderful!

If you would like to see an unusual, remarkable movie, don't miss "A sense of history" directed by Mike Leigh. This astonishing little piece of work was written and performed by the British actor Jim Broadbent, well known from many other films in Great Britain. The story takes place on a manor somewhere in Scotland. Jim Broadbent, playing a wealthy Earl shows what "a sense of history" also can be. No knights, no battles nor queens, but a "respectable" old man, reflecting on his life, that hides more crimes than you can imagine. The destiny of his first wife, his children? The dramatic fate of his father and - last but not least - the terrible end of his older brother? Have a look, you won't be disappointed by this parody of the old Bristish aristocracy...

The family history of the Earls of Leete, told by the 23rd Earl (Jim Broadbent) is a hypnotic masterpiece. Very funny, very black and very intelligent.

This is virtually a monologue. I tend to find monologues boring, although the British seem to do them quite well. But this was utterly absorbing. Although Jim Broadbent tells the story in the typically relaxed manner of a Brit aristocratic, I was on the edge of my seat wanting to hear the story.

I wish the British aristocracy was really like this.

I got suckered into this film on BravoTV believing I was looking at a documentary, then soon it's real nature began to show itself. Extremely well written, acted, directed, and crafted as well as a BBC documentary. If one only watched the cinematography, this film is remarkably beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and count it with "The Secret Cinema", "Karma Cafe", "The Music Box" and "Duck Amok" as my favorite short films. Needless to say, I didn't rest until I found it's repeat broadcast on Bravo's schedule. This film made me aware of the towering talent of Jim Broadbent. His performances in "Iris", "Little Voice" and "Moulin Rouge" have all been treats and I'll never again miss a Broadbent film.