L'as du golf

Much more heartfelt than expected - pleasingly so!

'The Phantom of the Open' is a very sweet film, with Mark Rylance being the absolutely perfect lead for it - great performance from him! I also enjoyed the humour, with many lines amusing me - including one that was lost in translation...

It's a great (based on a true) story, one I had somehow never heard of even as a sports (golf much less so, admittedly) fan; I did slightly recognise the name Maurice Flitcroft though. Even if you don't follow golf, it definitely works as a standalone thing and it doesn't heavily focus on the sport anyway; much more to it.

Pretty neat to see Craig Roberts direct (his third, but first I've seen) this - I remember watching him act in TV's 'The Story of Tracy Beaker' when I was a kid. Well in, Rio Wellard!

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.

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.

Such a charming film which I thoroughly enjoyed. The plot is so unbelievable and light-hearted it's amazing it's a true story. It's a wonderful message of following your dreams and the barriers that follow and family.

You really feel so connected to Morris and want him to succeed and follow the path he's carved out for himself. Rylance plays the role perfectly as his aloof and lovable character really shine across the film. The visual effects in some existential scenes was a really nice artistic choice and helps to hit home the passion Morris carries.

The comedy in this film never falls flat and I laughed out loud numerous times but this film also tugs on your heart strings as Morris' family life collides with his dream.

It's definitely worth a watch I know you will enjoy it.

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.