Wish You Were Here (1987)

Too much of everything

The greatest movie ever!

Memorable, crazy movie

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

Like most of the above reviewers say, this movie is a good film for a laugh and plenty of outrageous behaviour from the protagonist, Lynda. A terrific reproduction of 50s Britain - right down to the dressing gown patterns and minor consumer products. But what is it she really wants and what does she learn from her foolish behaviour? 'Nothing' seems to be the answer. And this 'nothing' seems to be the major theme. It is a film about folly.In many ways Lynda's path is boringly predictable: She has no understanding of the man who manipulates her, nor of the future consequences of her rudeness and impulsive behaviour. One wonders what amount of social realism is represented here for an unmarried mother of the period. Poorly paid jobs, lack of support, a low income to further disable somebody with little patience and understanding of the situation she has largely created for herself. A fun attitude, temporary prettiness and her fast-disappearing youth will not go that far.

Sassy and defiant 16-year-old nonconformist Lynda Mansell (a wonderfully brash and vibrant performance by the adorable Emily Lloyd) lives her life defying the norm and gleefully shocking the uptight locals in the staid seaside hamlet she resides in. Her long-suffering conservative father Hubert (well played by Geoffrey Hutchings) disapproves of Emily's outrageous antics. Moreover, Emily is forced to deal with the potentially harmful consequences of her mischievous behavior after she's impregnated by seedy older fellow oddball Eric (a superbly intense portrayal by Tom Bell). Writer/director David Leland expertly crafts a perfectly pitched blend of touching drama and uproariously brazen comedy that benefits tremendously from a flavorsome evocation of the 1950's period setting, an equally astute depiction of the repressive mores of said stuffy era, and a wealth of hilariously racy lines ("Up your bum!"). Moreover, Leland wisely keeps mawkish sentiment at bay and refuses to pass judgment on any of the characters. Best of all, the radiant and appealing Lloyd simply shines as lovable free spirit Lynda, whose tart veneer masks a scared inner vulnerability and rebellious nature stems from the death of her mother when she was eleven as well as a fierce disdain of the status quo and a deep-seated need to assert one's own individuality in a drab world of stifling conformity. Kudos are also in order for Ian Wilson's postcard pretty cinematography and Stanley Myers' stately score. A lovely, moving, and frequently funny gem.

I went to see this movie because Siskal and Ebert recommended it and made it seem like a sweet delightful film. What it was really was a very young girl living with a really disgusting man who was cast as her father but he seemed too old. After losing her Mother to a fatal illness she was bereft and taken advantage of by her fathers equally disgusting old geezer friend in the falling down old garden shed behind the house. They set up housekeeping in this old shed but I was just depressed and sickened that no one seemed to see this as just plain molestation. This girl wasn't looking for sex at all she was looking for emotional comfort, in her grief. The acting may be quite good but I had a difficult time getting past my annoyance to appreciate it.Possibly men don't recognize molestation when they see it.

This is one of my alltime favorites. Emily Lloyd is my favorite actress and I've seen this film 8 times. It is funny, it is poignant and it is a classic movie.