Glorious 39 [DVD] [2010]

This film in some ways compliments Joe's Palace (BBC) [DVD ] in that it is a study of the reactions of some of the upper classes to Nazi Germany and the possibility of appeasement and profiteering as an alternative to war. (For those in any doubt Guilty Men and Five Days in London: May 1940 (Unabridged) provide background). The plot is allegorical and to me, if not to many newspaper reviewer the powerful imagery of the vet, Glorious being filmed behind the gate, subsequent scenes, was shocking reference to the death camps. Prior to that, the way the "authorities" revealed the adopted daughter's actual nationality was redolent of the racial purifications. Poliakoff drops in little clues that built up nicely, the new vicar's aside, aunt aunt Elizabeth with her slightly sinister reactions to the adopted daughter was brillant, the weird Walter, others. Great cast, great perfomances though Bill Nighy was slightly going through the motions. A much darker film than it might seem, seemingly dismissable as whimsical if you are not paying enough attention. Great cinema.

This is a very good-looking film with handsome costumes and a strong feel for the period. I bought it because I heard it described as "an enjoyable conspiracy thriller" and I suppose that's broadly true, but it is let down by the plot, which is sufficiently fantastical to make suspension of disbelief very difficult after the first thirty minutes or so. The standard of acting is very high, as one would expect from such a starry cast, but the script makes the characters behave implausibly and it is hard to feel empathy for them. Romola Garai in particular does a wonderful job, the director in his interview alludes to the fact that she is just waiting for that "killer" part, but I don't think Mr Poliakoff is going to be the one who provides it for her. Bill Nighy can do nothing with his role and is almost painful to watch, which says something for the characterisation. If you like the cast or are an admirer of the director's TV work, buy it by all means, but I don't think you'll be able to watch it without feeling disappointed - it could have been so much more. The DVD also features interviews and the option to watch the film again with a voice-over by Stephen Poliakoff and Romola Garai.

I thought that this was a very well acted film, with a superb cast to play such intriguing characters. Some have comment that it isn't an accurate depiction of history. I have to say, if I wanted a depiction of history, I would watch a documentary rather than a film. This is an excellent bit of scripting, and so well acted. I was thoroughly impressed. Romola Garai is beautiful and striking throughout and her array of emotion staggering. I really enjoyed it, and couldn't believe my luck when I spotted it so cheap on amazon!! I had missed it in the cinema, and I was gutted! So pleased that I got it. Would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who loves a bit of mystery and intrigue.

I wish I'd paid more notice to the negative reviews than the "Brilliant", "Superb" and "Sumptuous". Two stars because it has a brilliant gloriously-wasted-on-this-film caste, glorious settings and my other half liked the glorious dresses. Beyond that there isn't much to make your two hours worthwhile. The conspiracy theory is feeble and probably feels downright insulting to anyone who lived through this era. The historical accuracy is very debatable but what makes it so very poor is how superficial it all is. Don't expect anything profound in the plot and the emotional content that is supposed to keep you thrilled misses the mark too. I have no idea why reviewers have said that the plot is convuluted or difficult to follow as it seemed simple to the point of being almost puerile in places. The ending is so cliched it is unbelievable anyone had the gall to trot it out once again. We were very disappointed as there are so many actors we like in this film and it is a shame to see their talents wasted on such poor material. Plot hole spoiler below(you have been warned - stop reading now if you've not seen the film and don't want to know!) You do not kill someone and leave them in an unlocked shed for anyone to walk into unless you are dafter than this film is. On top of that you don't leave the corpse upside-down in a bodybag with their head conveniently showing no matter how much of a rush you are in.

This review is for the MOMENTUM DVD issued 2010. An excellent transfer, widescreen (bars top and bottom), good sound, lovely colour (excellent locations), and very good subtitles. Extras are a commentary, and a documentary, plus more (not seen by me). I saw this on it's release in the cinema and enjoyed it and fancied it on DVD. I am still a bit surprised at the negative reviews, tho I know we can't all agree, but I thoroughly enjoyed this conspiracy/thriller. An intriguing plot, which, tho complicated, I followed perfectly. Beautifully written, directed, and acted by a wonderful cast of young actors and elder statesmen with a special mention for Romola Garai who holds the film together with a glowing performence. Negatives? Well Jenny Agutter is completely wasted. As my wife said, towards the end - "Oh, so she does have some dialogue"...Also - whatever happened to one of my favourite actresses, Julie Christie - Unrecognisable! But very good as "Aunt Elizabeth". I do recomend this if you enjoy a bit of mystery, political intrigue, with a dash of violence, and Eddie Redmayne in a good early role!!

Glorious 1939.... the end of glorious days and the beginning of a nightmare called the"world war-2"... the movie is a precursor to that very nightmare that shows the supporters of Hitler's Germany...the sort of encouragement he received that led him to be what we know of him today... well narrated script... an excellent performances by Ramola Garai... as well Bill nighy.. and a cameo by the original count Dracula himself.. Christopher lee... all in all an absorbing movie and worth a watch...(P.S. I watched AUSCHWITZ just before i watched this movie which is a docu-drama by the BBC which tells you all about the Nazi prison camp famous for eliminating polish & Russian prisoners of war & later the Jewish civilians from all over by gassing and burning them alive. Hence i felt Gloriuos 39 was like a precursor to the atrocities of the war that had to follow...)

This is a marvellous film that sets you thinking and talking. I was expecting more in the way of a regular "late period drama" with a formulaic theme. I'd forgotten about Poliakoff's flair and gift for amazing twists and hidden shadows. The performances are superb - and hardly surprising really. Romola Garai is excellent in the lead role as Anne - but with the likes of Bill Nighy, Christopher Lee, David Tennant, Jenny Agutter, Julie Christie et al; she is never alone! The film sits on a bed of sinister intrigue and weaves a tangled web of curious agendas as Britain moves towards war. I am in no doubt that it is a film that demands more than one viewing - it leaves more questions than answers. Highly recommended; a truly thought provoking film.

Misleading title. The weather in the summer of 1939 may have been glorious, but that was all. According to this film human behaviour was far from glorious. It's about an upper class English family with dark secrets surrounding their relationship with Nazi Germany who plot to kill one of their number - an adopted daughter (played by Romuli Garai) - because she has discovered their nasty secret. A dark piece of work. Well directed & acted.

Moyenne qualité du scenario et de l interprétation un peu mou décevant pour une série BBC même si on le regarde avec un certain plaisir

If you are in search of a standard synopsis, THIS is NOT quite THAT. But here's what I can offer & contribute as an American viewer... 'Glorious 39' develops somewhat slowly. It also may have potential to grow on U if given the chance. I will point towards a couple (unfortunate) flaws nagging in this well crafted film. But first... ***** STRENGTHS : There are many plenty of positive elements to highlight: its subject matter, underlying texts, exceptional cast & performances, scenic' locations, mindful Hitchcockian flavors, wonderful costume, AND profound moments in dialogue. ~ Yet, there are 2 MORE 'coinciding' reasons that garner an 'Anomalous 5' star rating: ~ First, the performance of Romola Garai throughout. She is & has deservedly been widely recognized and acclaimed. No exception here. (In all fairness, I try and remain objective but I openly admit; THIS IS my favourite lead billing of my VERY favourite actress.) Nonetheless, her captivating film presence & portrayal is reason enough for one to consider a VISIT or REVISIT of this film & just appreciate it... :) As Anne Keyes, Romola Garai carries the lead role & interprets her character in rhythmic stride. From the privileged world as the eldest (and adopted) daughter of a British Member of Parliament, she leads us through her psychological downfall. A victim of betrayal & treachery, her journey into a darkness remains in a perfect motion. Even a certain physical wear & tear is (eventually) displayed in part with subtle body language and 'guttural achings'. Second and realizing it takes a team to succeed more so than ever here, the 'confinement' of Anne Keyes is Glorious 39's towering apex in story & presentation. We are presented with correlating sequences & a series of dramatic character scenes. And as an outcome of circumstances during her 'confinement' continues, it climbs even a RUNG HIGHER. Take special note of the eye/door crevice scene about halfway through the 'confinement'. You'll soon find Anne engaged in anger, confrontation, desperation, frustration, sadness, helplessness and (possibly) a private surrender. It is a true struggle delivered in an effortless flow. Subsequently, Writer/Director Poliakoff superbly captures Anne's 'LOOK of RESOLVE.' 'THE APEX'. THE MOMENT when all she's encountered CULMINATES perfectly in Romola Garai's face. With a few minor adjustments in tying in the story line ,Glorious 39 could have ended right there... (sigh...) For those approximate 18 minutes, regardless of any shortcomings elsewhere, it stands as one of my absolute favourite slices of film drama. In some ways, they just may be... ***** WEAKNESSES: Aside from the POSSIBILITY of an acquired taste (what genre of art actually isn't?) or its somewhat slower pace, this film does suffer some drawback on more than one occasion from awkward attempts in believability. There are spot holes in script and at times its characters come across as over-directed or forced. ***** OVERALL: You can do much worse in experiencing a 2 hour + feature film. You can't do much better than a stellar Romola Garai.....accompanied with the supporting & basis elements around her, on all cylinders and in unison. I find Glorious 39 as engaging & entertaining as a movie can be. I still & will always luv this movie, any flaws (if @ all !), like NO OTHER. - An Anomalous 5.

er war wie erwartet, einfach toll, spannend und großartig. es hat viel spaß gemacht diesen film zu schauen Danke dafür

キャスティングから、いったいどのような映画になっているのか興味深々でしたが、さすがロモラ・ガライ、見事に難しい役柄を演じ切っていました。第二次戦争時代の英国内での内部裏切り者による行動が、主演のロモラ演じるアンの運命を変えていく・・・。 奇想天外な裏切り者たちの正体。そしてエンディング。とてもスリリングで興味深い内容の映画でした。観る価値ありです。

J'ai bien aimé le film. Glorious 39 c'était la guerre...