L'Improbable voyage d'Harold Fry

'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.

The story of Harold Fry's 500 mile walk from Devon to the English border with Scotland is well translated to the big screen by director Hettie MacDonald in this low key but very watchable film. When retired Brewery manager Harold (Jim Broadbent) receives a letter from an old work colleague that she is dying in a hospice at the the other end of the country in Berwick-upon-Tweed, he writes a letter. However feeling it is not enough, he cannot bring himself to post it and, after talking to a shopgirl in a petrol station, decides on the spot to walk to see her, leaving his wife Maureen (Penelope Wilton) sick with worry and frantic about being on her own. As Harold makes his way up north his 'Pilgrimage' starts to become public knowledge and he soon attracts a following on both social media and then the headline news. On the journey he meets an assortment of characters, from a well meaning and helpful Slovakian woman, a woman on a farm, a stranger at a railway station, a pill popping confused 18 year old, a stray dog and a small following of people who want to join his pilgrimage. And as Harold makes his journey we start to learn that his life and relationship with Maureen is not as boring as it seems, for beneath the surface he is masking a terrible tragedy and a fractured relationship.

The story might be slight but I found it nonetheless compelling. Both Broadbent and Wilton produce powerful performances and as the film progresses their characters personalities start to make sense. The film is also well made and full of good performances and doesn't feel overlong.

If you've seen the Timothy Spall film 'The Last Bus' (2021), the Robert Redford film 'A Walk in the Woods' (2015) or the Emilio Estevez/Martin Sheen film 'The Way' (2010) then some of this may seem vaguely familiar to you as, like them, this is a gentle road movie that is in part, about using the journey as a way of self discovery and confronting ones own emotional issues that will appeal to older viewers in particular. It is a well acted drama with a ring of truth to it that should appeal to those enjoy gentle drama.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a wonderful, heart warming and at times heart wrenching story of Harold Fry who decides to walk 500 miles to visit an old dying friend, whilst leaving his wife and life behind him.

This story has so many lessons to teach.

The things I took away from it are 1. You can't save everyone. 2. Some people are on their own path and you can't change that. 3. Sometimes people or animals come into our life and leave just as suddenly, but it was with purpose. 4. That life is meant to be lived. I could keep going on, however I just urge you to watch this beautiful film.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a heartwarming and emotional film that tells the story of Harold Fry, an ordinary man who decides to embark on a pilgrimage to deliver a letter to his old friend Queenie. The film is a slow burn, starting as a simple story of a man walking, but it gradually builds into a poignant examination of grief, guilt, and eventual closure.

Jim Broadbent delivers an excellent performance as Harold Fry, capturing the character's quiet desperation and eventual transformation as he walks the 600-mile journey. Penelope Wilton is also good as Harold's wife, Maureen, who is hurt and confused by her husband's sudden departure.

The film's direction by Hettie Macdonald is ok, with the cinematography and production design capturing the beauty of the British countryside. The score also adds to the story's emotional weight.

However, the plot can sometimes be implausible, and some supporting characters feel underdeveloped. The pacing is often ploddingly slow.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is an occasionally touching and poignant film that, while not perfect, may be worth watching for the performances and emotional resonance. But it never really manages to reach its potential.

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.