Tumbledown (1988)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

When the BBC want to be daring and be uncompromising and have the nerve to do it they do it very very well.I last saw this in 1988 and remembered aspects of it, it was shown on BBC4 (27092012) I had the pleasure of again viewing this docudrama of Robert Laurence's time in the Falklands campaign and the consequences of the aftermath.It shows in my view how hard it was in the Falklands, as Laurence's says it wasn't all about yomping, there were some hard battles fought, his descriptions of killing made me think about things, Robert is a hard man, he is a soldier and he loves his job, he is uncompromising in his recovery, with pure determination he shows that despite the sniper injury he isn't beaten, in a film with few laughs there is a "humourous" scene on the Uganda when he has his BO since tumbledown, but it shows that despite these men doing the jobs the polictians send them too they were soon forgotten, what do we do with them, what are my next moves now I'm battle injured, it asks the questions that are relevant today as they were in over 30 years ago.... I don't know of any other films that has dealt with the Falklands like this has, the Falklands was wet, cold and was a hard fight, Tumbledown shows this, as Laurence himself says there is some artistic dramatic licence , "he never shouted isn't this fun". For a unique insight in to one mans actual view of his battle on and off the battlefields Tumbledown is a superb narrative and i would recommend it watched for its modern history aspect, and as it was politically the thatcher eras finest hour !!

"Tumbledown" is yet another film in the list of some of Colin Firth's early works that needs to be made available for viewing in the US, in some fashion, now. I was able to get a copy and it was a revelation to me. Various reviewers here have given excellent account of the entire film and its historical context, so I would like to zero in on the acting of Firth, as Robert Lawrence. Anyone who has an image of Firth only as Mr. Darcy, both "Pride and Prejudice" and "Bridget Jones" versions, being the essence of his acting really needs to try to see this amazing early work of this actor. There are plenty of other examples of the great potential that led to the pinnacle of his success as an actor in "A Single Man" and "The King's Speech", but in this film, he is simply a force of nature. You forget completely that he was not actually a partially paralyzed man. The viewers also need to have conveyed to them the emotions and feelings that can only be done so through the eyes and facial expressions of the actor, and not every actor is as accomplished as Mr. Firth in this regard. He showed, even in his twenties, that not just a great actor was in the making, but was already fully formed.There are wonderful supporting performances in this as well, particularly the Lawrence parents, played by David Calder and Barbara Leigh-Hunt. Their love for their son, mixed with the emotions of needing to let him be in his life, along with the frustration at his circumstances, is beautifully and poignantly portrayed. Note must also be made of a fine performance by Paul Rhys as the good friend of Lawrence, often helpless in the hurricane of emotions that make up his blustery, gung-ho, and eventually badly damaged friend and fellow officer.If one is any sort of fan of Colin Firth, "Tumbledown" is a must-see. Simple as that.I believe this film is still available in the UK on DVD, and US Region copies exist. This viewer is wishing this, along with several of Firth's other films, could be made available in the US. The deeper talents of this actor need to be on equal display with to the lighter fare that originally brought him success in the US.

This film is a 'must' to watch. I felt so emotionally overwhelmed and stunned after watching Colin Firths portrayal of Robert Lawrence that I felt the need to put down some of my thoughts and to thoroughly recommend this film to others. Tumbledown was totally absorbing, gripping and a poignant reminder to us all of just how our Soldiers suffered and what they sacrificed during and after the Falklands War. Its brought home to me the realities of the battle and the truth about how the Soldiers and their families coped with the aftermath of Battle and their own 'personal'struggles to recover from and cope with their physical and mental injuries during and after the War.Colin Firths portrayal of Robert Lawrence's was totally captivating and electrifying that one could really relate to and feel the struggle that Robert had gone through to recover from his injuries and his experiences and nightmares of the battle, also it was chilling to watch just how insensitive and distant the Nurses, Doctors,some Senior Officers and people in general were towards our great hero's, their experiences and sufferings in battle and the mental and physical scars they were left with.After watching Tumbledown it just confirms my beliefs further still that Colin Firth is such a natural highly talented, fantastic Character actor and he deserves far more recognition and credit when he plays such roles. It shone through that Colin Firth had thoroughly researched this role and whilst spending time with Robert during filming had got to know and understand the very essence of Roberts character,his sufferings and anger. Colin conveyed all of this to the audience with a natural honesty and sensitivity that was gripping, refreshing and emotive to watch. Also credit must go to David Calder (John Lawrence) and Barbara Leigh-Hunt (Jean Lawrence), they were perfect in their roles as Roberts shocked and distraught Parents upon learning of their sons serious injuries, their love and devotion,hope and despair was very touching and distressing to watch during Roberts recovery and their feelings of outrage, helplessness and disbelief at how Robert was treated by some Medical Staff,some of the Army and members of the Public. This film should be a lesson to us all of how to relate to those of us who are in great need, to treat them with respect, honesty and above all as an equal.Thanks first and foremost to Robert Lawrence for allowing his story to be told, to the writer for such an excellent script and of course thank you to Colin Firth for vividly, emotionally and honestly depicting Robert Lawrences story and character in an unforgettable emotionally moving, thought provoking film. The feelings of this film will stay with me always.

An outstanding study of one man's personal commitment and sacrifice to winning a meaningless war on a rain sodden rock 8000 miles away from home.Charles Woods storytelling is first class and gives Colin Firth an opportunity to totally convince us that he really is an officer in the Scots Guards.The production, given the BBC's lack of money is superb. Remember too, that this was produce despite political opposition from the very government which ordered the war in the first place and was then too embarrassed to recognise and honor the cripples who returned.