Goodbye, Mr. Chips (2002)

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Blistering performances.

Considering how brilliant, regardless of how sentimental it is, the 1939 Robert Donat film was, this 2002 TV adaptation had a lot to live up to. What a wonderful surprise! I loved this version from beginning to end, it isn't as good as the Donat version, but as a TV drama it is almost perfect. The production values are excellent, elegant in style and gorgeous to look at. The music had a lovely sense of whimsy about it, and gave a gentle and relaxing feel. There were parts that made me laugh, such as the classroom scenes, but others that were very poignant, the ending especially. The scripting was mature and subtle and also I loved the simplicity of the story. The acting was exceptional from all involved. Martin Clunes is brilliant as Chips, maybe just lacking Donat's superiority, but it was still a performance of subtlety and made me smile and cry. Not to mention that his transition from an idealistic 20-something year old teacher to a wiser and gentler headmaster was very believable. Victoria Hamilton is positively luminous as Kathie, Patrick Malahide is excellent as Ralston and the boy actors also give surprisingly good performances if careful not to overshadow Clunes in what I consider one of his better performances. Of course the drama doesn't quite explore what made Chips such a great and inspirational teacher, yet it has a greater emphasis on the progressive aspects of education, that I found most appreciative. Overall, I loved it, just a joy to watch in general. 9/10 Bethany Cox

This is a modern adaptation of a much-loved and revered story - it will understandably be compared by some to the classic 1939 film and found wanting on the basis of sentimentality and familiarity etc. However time has moved on and when I first saw this new production advertised I looked forward to seeing the story dramatised in a fresh new light, combined with the trepidation that the producers might really stuff up and ruin the whole thing as sometimes happens with classic tales (we all know that feeling, don't we?). Hooray, no disappointment here: Martin Clunes was a wonderful, believable Mr Chips; all other acting was superb; and this film was deeply moving and incredibly uplifting in age-old Mr Chips fashion. My only complaint is that it was all over too quickly but even so the difficulties of portraying an eventful lifetime in under two hours were handled well. If the epic tale of Mr Chipping is one you've revered since childhood, don't be afraid to watch this film: you won't be disappointed.

While this TV version of the classic film was good, nothing is as good as the film with Robert Donat.I felt Martin Clunes was a good choice for the role and the acting was good, but far and away the best part was the story....something that can never be bettered.

This is one of the most interesting and touching dramas I have ever seen with stunning performances from all of the cast, especially Martin Clunes and Victoria Hamilton. I loved this drama to bits. I watched this on ITV a few nights ago and have to say that all of their dramas are spot on! Thankfully there were no Americans in the cast who could tone down this wonderful British programme!Absolutely excellent! 10/10 !