Hope and Glory (1987)

Just perfect...

Absolutely Fantastic

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

With tons of warmth and tenderness, English writer-director John Boorman delivers a charming portrayal of childhood and family life in wartime. Without getting too saccharine, the film manages to engage, entertain and even make you laugh.

It's 1939 and war is declared against Germany. Billy Rohan lives with his parents, sisters Sue and rebellious teen Dawn in a working class London suburb. His father is a veteran and rejoins the army. His mother Grace changes her mind about evacuating Sue and Billy. The family stays together to face the London blitz. Billy befriends other boys and finds adventure with them. Dawn gets pregnant by a Canadian soldier. Their house burns down and they move in with Grace's parents.This is filled with memories of the war on the homefront from the point of view of a kid. There is the bomb damage, googly, the German downed pilot, collecting shrapnel, Pauline who losed her mom, German jam, runaway barrage balloon, and finally celebrating the school getting bombed. The movie is actually quite funny. The characters are compelling. It has the truth of recollection. This is the understanding of a kid who doesn't see the whole ugliness of war but mostly the adventure of the battle. It is the beauty of cinema that the audience can see both his view but also with the knowledge of the truth that he doesn't completely comprehend. It's a great coming-of-age film.

Hits lots of good notes. One of my favourites. Gramps is a classic pompous legend in his own mind. Billy is wonderfully played. The balloon scene is simple but memorable. The Canadian Corporal is perfect to the stereotype and well cast. The teenage daughter is suitably incorrigible. The family relationships are honest. The reality of domestic existence during the blitz comes to life. Clive is, well, who you would expect Clive the dad to be. A time without TV, many cars, cellphones or much wealth for the British middle class. It is an uplifting film which leaves you feeling good. The mom has not entirely accepted her lot, but abides it sufficiently well. All in all, time well spent.

When I saw the poster of the film I thought : "waow ! it is going to be a romantic film, we will take out our hardkerchieves". But it is not. I have found the film unbelievable, wonderful. I have been touched by all characters. The acting is perfect. The little boy who plays the role of Bill is magnificent and the elder daughter is playing beautifully. The film is seen through the eye of a British boy, we can say that the film is autobiographical. John Boorman shows own experience during world war II with a lot of sentiments, emotion, a mixture of fun moments and sad moments. I think it is the best film I have seen in years. I give it an 8 and I will always be thankful to my teacher for seeing the film. It is a film for you if you want to be touched, to be flabbergasted and please if you are touched by the film like me, pass on the message that this film is wonderful.