The Winslow Boy (1999)

Sadly Over-hyped

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

This film has been one of my favorites for years. However, as mainstream films such as the "Indiana Jones" sequels continue to propagate, "The Winslow Boy" seems more and more special.The members of the Winslow family love, respect, and trust each other. These people have integrity. They are complete human beings with fears and doubts. They make sacrifices and they do the right thing.The last half hour of this movie contains so many scenes that are just right...perfectly written and perfectly acted. Dickie visiting the house and telling his father that he has enlisted in the army. Kate informing her father that her ex-fiancé is engaged to another. Desmond proposing to Kate, saying "The facts are these. You don't love me and never can. I love you and always will. These are facts I am willing to accept." Kate and Mr. Winslow learning of the outcome of the case from Violet, their faces reflecting the pain and fear of possibly losing the case, then the joy of hearing that they've won. (No, they're not jumping for joy, but the joy and relief is on their faces, nevertheless.) Sir Robert reading the Admiralty's final words absolving Ronnie, then collapsing in the chair from exhaustion. Kate apologizing for having misjudged him. And of course, the final scene between Kate and Sir Robert. RN: Miss Winslow, I hope I shall see you again. One day, perhaps, in the House of Commons, up in the gallery. KW: Yes, Sir Robert, in the House of Commons one day, but not up in the gallery. Across the floor, one day. RN: You still pursue your feminist activities? KW: Oh, yes. RN: Pity. It's a lost cause. KW: Oh, do you really think so, Sir Robert? How little you know about women. Good-bye. I doubt that we shall meet again. RN: Oh, do you really think so, Miss Winslow? How little you know about men.What a great ending to a great film.

This outstanding film focusing on issues of justice in England, is both very well written and extremely well acted. It is taken from a Terrance Rattigan play of the same name (if you are not familiar with him, watch The Browning Version, especially the older black and white). It is 1911 and the middle class is expanding it clout in the final days before the Great War (after which all was lost for decades in wars, depression and loss of empire). Thirteen year old Ronnie is accused of being dishonest and scrubbed from an elite boys school operated by the British Navy. His family is quick to defend his right to a trial, etc., although, oddly and unfortunately, the boy, so central to the plot, has little say in all the events that happen to him or the political and legal battles fought for him. While really a play in movie form, the quick paced witty dialog, the well crafted shots and the excitement of the outcome allows this story to more than holds its own, making the film a pleasure to watch. The older black and white version is regarded as a classic as well. Interestingly, the actor who played Ronnie in the 1948 version plays the head of the Admiralty in this one.

During the Edwardian period in England, a family is newly in turmoil. The youngest and very dear son has been accused of theft at his school and expelled. The boy swears his innocence to his father & family so the patriarch begins a court proceeding to clear his son of any wrong doing. A rising young attorney (Jeremy Northam) is found willing to accept the defense of the boy. The publicity is intense, making the older sister's wedding engagement in jeopardy. Will the family continue to try and prove their son's case or will circumstances make them give up the fight?This is a beautiful movie, in many ways. The cast is stellar, but, especially, the handsome and intelligent Jeremy Northam excels in his role as the attorney. The sister's role is also portrayed very well and her feisty yet genteel character is extremely attractive. The sets are lovely, the minor characters deft, and the costumes are superb. Mostly, though, the script and direction are of the highest caliber, showcasing what is good and noble in a family with exceptionally high morals. Do you want good character building films without any objectionable scenes, which are also highly enjoyable? This one should make the top ten list every time.

Pigeon and Jones are the emotional hub of this cinematic wheel. The female actors triumph in this English period piece. Mr. Mamet and Mr. Rattigan did an excellent job in their adaptation of the stage play. I enjoyed the story. It was very 'English' in that its passion was both exposed and repressed as the authors saw fit. A volcano rumbling, simmering, until the climax. Jeremy Northam is an exquisite actor. He has shown time and time again that he can handle himself in front of a camera. Ms. Pigeon is by far the best female actor of her age group. For all those out there that think that she gets work because she's married to Mamet should see her in Heist, The Spanish Prisoner and Homicide. the rest of the cast did admirable jobs. I recommend this movie.