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A Month In The Country [1987]
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Comments by Michael Calum Jacques, author of '1st Century Radical'.
Review date: 2008-06-17 Rating: 8 out of 10
Taken as a whole, this is a rather splendid, at times haunting, film which is based upon J.L. Carr's (1916-1994) beautiful and delicately crafted novella entitled 'A Month in the Country', 1980.
The main plot is set during the warm Summer of 1919 and tells of how two young men struggle to regain their 'peace of mind' in the tranquil Yorkshire countryside, after having experienced the horrors of 'The Great War' (World War 1).
A lady benefactor has bequeathed a considerable sum of money to a church in Yorkshire; in order for the church to realize the benefit of this gift, a medieval mural must be uncovered from beneath the Victorian paintwork superimposed over it. Simultaneously, the remains of one of the benefactor's predecessors are to be exhumed with rather startling consequences.
It is in these gentle, pastoral environs in and around the village church that the two main protagonists find their paths crossing; both are patently afflicted with nervous and mental disorders, wrought through them having experienced the downright terror and trauma of the Great War. This film is not simply some naive nostalgic nugget; the dark, tragic effects of war torn lives and communities are very evident.
The film reflects the overall ambiance of the novella reasonably well although it does not adhere to the dialogue or plot without aberration; one 'woodland' scene in particular - involving Tom Birkin (the mural restorer), played by Colin Firth and the local parson's wife, Alice Keach, played by Natasha Richardson - is a complete interpolation void of any substantial textual basis within Carr's original story. Nevertheless, the 'spirit' of the story is successfully retained and this is enhanced by a number of convincing performances, not least of all by Kenneth Brannagh who wallows in the rather engaging and multi-dimensional character of James Moon, an archaeologist working around the churchyard, seeking the grave of the aforementioned ancestor.
Apart from the excellent cinematography and Howard Blake's superbly apposite, mellifluous soundtrack, the story allows us something of a glimpse into the life of its author, J.L. Carr. Termed by some, not entirely appropriately, as 'the last Englishman', Carr himself was involved in a bitter and protracted struggle to redeem the fortunes of a deserted midland church earmarked for closure by various authorities. A blow by blow account of this struggle can indeed be found in 'The Last Englishman: The Life of J.L. Carr ' by Byron Rogers.
Howard Blake's wonderful and evocative score can be found on the CD 'Violin Concerto "The Leeds"', superbly performed by the English Northern Philharmonia and conducted by Paul Daniel. Like the novella, the film version is as profound and affecting as the reader or viewer allows it to be.
Michael Calum Jacques, author of '1st Century Radical'
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Reviews
simply beautiful
Review date: 2006-06-11 Rating: 10 out of 10
I have lost count of the times I have seen this film. It is quite simply a masterpiece. It is beautifully shot and acted. One could argue that it is Colin Firth's finest film, and indeed Ken Branegh's. It is for these very reasons that it shall remain a true classic.
A fine but flawed adaptation
Review date: 2006-03-15 Rating: 8 out of 10
A wonderful evocation of how sensitive and intelligent souls cope with impossible demands - the trauma of the Great War, bleak marriage and life, and love which haunts or plays with each of them in different ways. It is, however a great pity that the scene in which Birkin meets ex-sergeant Milburn, which in the book adds a further dimension to our sympathy for Moon, is turned into a particularly nasty incident. I can't understand why the director did this - maybe to add a late 20th century comment on his perception of the view of homosexuality in the early 20's?
A Month in the Country
Review date: 2006-03-10 Rating: 4 out of 10
The movie did not live up to the wonderful book by J.L. Carr. Although the acting was superb, the story would be difficult to follow if one had not read the book. The scenes of the countryside were beautiful.
Gentle & beguiling
Review date: 2005-04-05 Rating: 8 out of 10
There's no need to rush this movie, it's here to be savoured. If Colin Firth & Kenneth Branagh weren't enough of a temptation (both looking disgracefully young), the colour and pace of this film are delightful. Layers of paint are dabbed away showing a beautiful medieval painting, while layers of emotion are oh-so-subtly revealed too. I loved the understated approach to portraying the trauma of attempting to ease back into a 'normal' life after experiencing the 'hell on earth ' of trench warfare. I now want a month in the country! Enjoy this one with a bowl of fresh braeburn apples...
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Patrick Malahide
Colin Firth
Kenneth Branagh
Jim Carter
John Atkinsons
Creators:
Colin Firth (Primary Contributor)
Kenneth Branagh (Primary Contributor)
Kenneth MacMillan (Cinematographer)
Dominic Fulford (Producer)
John Hambly (Producer)
Johnny Goodman (Producer)
Kenith Trodd (Producer)
J.L. Carr (Writer)
Simon Gray (Writer)
Director(s):
Recording label: Cinema Club
Manufacturer: Cinema Club
EAN: 5014138300913
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2004-08-09
Number of discs: 1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 92 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1987
Language: English (Original Language)