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.

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.

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.

The Phantom of the Open is a very enjoyable and uplifting watch.

It boasts a great performance from Mark Rylance as Maurice Flitcroft, a lovable character that you can't help but root for. Supporting performances from Sally Hawkins and Rhys Ifans are great too.

The story is one of those that is full of charm and has a nice little message in there too. We follow Flitcroft as he attempts to crack the British Open despite never having struck a golf ball in his life. It makes for lots of comic potential and as a result we get a decently funny film. The attempts to inject emotion into the film weren't as successful but still had a certain resonance.

My only real criticism is with the direction and the way the story was told. It maybe relied a little too much on narrative exposition and montage for my liking, and lost its way in the final third a touch, but for the most part was a solidly entertaining experience.

The Phantom of the Open is a light and breezy watch, with good comedy and a nice uplifting and heartwarming message. Most definitely worth a watch.