Albert's Memorial (2009)
One-off comedy drama that follows the story of three World War II veterans: Harry, Frank and Albert. It is October 2000 and, at the age of 76, Albert's dying wish is to be buried on the little hill outside Hinderburg in Germany where he watched the Russians take position in the closing stages of the Battle for Berlin. The notion of Harry and Frank transporting Albert's body after his death is a crazy one, but life is short, friendship precious and, after all, the trio have known each other for more than half a century.
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It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional
It is not only a funny movie, but it allows a great amount of joy for anyone who watches it.
The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.
There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.
Very clearly modelled on 'Last Orders', it embodies the same formula of old men carrying out the deathbed wishes of a wartime comrade, who entrusts them to dispose of his mortal remains according to his particular direction. This sends them on a "heroes' journey" during which long held suspicions and antagonisms get ultimately laid to rest, enabling them to emerge more healthy in mind. It similarly casts some of the finest British actors of their generation, substituting Davids Jason and Warner for Bob Hoskins, Tom Courtenay and David Hemmings as the 'undertakers' of the mission, and Michael Jayston for Michael Caine as the deceased party. It even makes an oblique reference to Margate in clear homage to 'Last Orders'.However, it delves even deeper into the human psyche with an even blacker memory that they have all been suppressing for 55 years, all about just trying to do their jobs as soldiers at a time when death was all around, and innocent non-combatants were far from exempt. The story deliberately follows a path of increasing improbability as it develops an ever more pointed trail of clues about their mystery hitchhiker, who becomes so crucial to them completing their mission.'Last of the Summer Wine' set the stage for what is hopefully now a succession of comedic drama productions, such as 'Last Orders' and 'Albert's Memorial', in which old men find that their age suddenly allows them to open up and discard their inhibitions about feelings which their upbringing in a distant era had told them a man should never reveal. As a man in my 60s I view this as a strong parallel to all the messages we are getting these days about "men's health", as our mental health is of equal importance. In the modern buzzword, it's "empowering" to receive a message that things which need to be talked about should no longer be suppressed.Like the other contributors here, I saw it on Australian ABC TV last night, and I'm still thinking about it. Thoroughly recommended, and fuller details (including the casting of Michael Jayston) would be welcome on IMDb.
This was just shown on ABC in Australia, and it was an unexpected pleasure.David Warner and David Jason mesh well as two tired, old men, trying to fulfill a deceased friend's dying wish. On the way they meet a lovely, if mysterious, girl called Vicki, and they have adventures as they journey across Europe at their friend's behest.Warner and Jason mesh well, both at their best, Warner as a complete curmudgeon, Jason as slightly bewildered. Both still at the top of their game and pulling off some very good comedy timing.It's that comedy that makes the movie, overlaying the sombre tone of two men coping with losing a good friend.I certainly recommend giving it a shot, you may be surprised. 7/10
Broadcast on 12/12/09 in Australia it's a familiar story of two old men looking after their old friend and finding that getting old is not all that good.Performances are good: Jason does is old lag routine - though quietened from Only Fools... and Warner is curmudgeonly but caring. Locations look just nice but the addition of the girl is a good idea,a although it stretches credibility.Even so, it offers a reasonable time in the company of the two main characters and reflections on war and getting old and being human. Not so bad after all.
Albert (deceased) is one of 3 British WWII vets, whose 2 remaining friends honour his wish to be buried at the site of their shared wartime experience, in Germany.It's classification as a comedy is inadequate. It's gently mocking tone evokes smiles rather than laughter, and it's sentimentality gradually builds to show troubling memories shared by the 2 aged vets, which their bemused hitchhiker tries to soothe.The use of artifice is restrained, cinematography and soundtrack are plain but effective, and the downbeat dialogue and acting suits the story.The languid pace of this film may deter some, but it richly rewards those viewers who watch it in full: this is a film of rare beauty and power.