A Private Function (1985)

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

Don't Believe the Hype

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

This is a film that will stay with you for a long time, the one liners are classic Brit of the era. A collaboration of some of Britains best artists and delightfully done. Maggie Smith and Michael Palin produce some priceless moments as a Nen pecked Husband and his controlling wife. Denholm Elliot who's character oozes slippery snobbishness as only the English can do is superb. This is a movie to own and watch with guests after a great afternoon of eating and drinking together, preferably a roast with lots of good New Zealand wine. A couple of saucy bits mostly in the mind make it racy in an OK way, the mirror scene had mt father in law in stitches for ages after. Films like this make it worthwhile having a film industry and the creative process that produced it can only be applauded. Well Done MikeNZ

Why do I love this movie sooooo much. Because it is one of the most delightful movies ever made. From the opening shots of Dame Maggie Smith and her aged mother (Liz Smith) jostling for space on the Wurlitzer seat to the closing shots of Michael Palin and Richard Griffiths looking sadly at Betty on the platter this is a movie where every scene has something new. The contents of Michael Palin's lunch box, Richard Griffiths popping his little trotter over the edge of the chair to get a chocolate for Betty, Liz Smith checking her nightgown for malodorous fumes, Bill Paterson and his wonderful artistry with green paint ( don't miss this line its great), Michael Palin's overt Pythonesque chiropodist sign, and Liz Smiths startled look watching him clean it, these are just a taste of the subtle visual and aural moments that make this movie magic (moments that obviously went completely over the head of a previous reviewer). Alan Bennetts plot is original and actually believable, as snobbery of all kinds can be found alive and well in any nation in the world at any time, and Denholm Elliot and Dame Maggie Smith would have to be crowned the King and Queen of snobbery for their efforts in this. Many people read some books over and over This is a movie I watch over and over. I have this movie on Video and I shall definitely be buying it on DVD as well

Life after WWII was bleak in England. Rationing was hitting hard, but spirits were lifted by the forthcoming royal marriage of Elizabeth and Philip. This slice of village life takes a poke at stiff England and the trials and tribulations of getting a slap up feast on the table for the local VIPs to celebrate the marriage. Michael Palin is the wimp, and marvellous Maggie Smith is the "trousers" in the relationship. Lots of lovely one-liners to treasure.

This movie is so uninteresting I sincerely doubt it would have made a passable 30-minute sitcom episode. Nothing happens in the whole thing! I didn't find it vulgar, ridiculous, funny, anything- it is simply a waste of time.