Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

an ambitious but ultimately ineffective debut endeavor.

'Glorious 39' entertains you well throughout. Not in the least by its mood, reflecting a last peace-summer in the English countryside before the catastrophe of World War II broke loose.By mentioning this we have dealt with the strongest parts of this film. Unfortunately its story does not convince completely, not in the least by its somewhat cheap setting in a flash-back. And 'Glorious 39's acting is only adequate -- in spite of being polished up with a few past glory-names like Christopher Lee and Julie Christie. And young Juno Temple's repressed spontaneity makes her acting wooden -- thus delivering the weakest performance of all the main stars. Another missed chance is Glorious 39's shooting. This really is a pity, for the beautiful English countryside could have come out much better than shown here.I purchased my DVD for around five English pounds. A reasonable price for a modest film like this.

The only reason that I can summon to explain why this movie bombed in the UK, is that there are either too many that are ignorant of history or they are ashamed.While the characters may have been fictional, the political facts are very real. Chamberlain and many citizens were too short-sighted to see that Hitler would stop his desire to rule the world because of a "deal" with England. Churchill knew he would not.This movie reminds us that while we may not want war, there are times when it is necessary to preserve ourselves and our country.Well written, well acted, brutally honest. I recommend, but only if you can understand reality!

It seems to me that many of the reviewers do no appreciate the subtleties in this movie. The apparently close family has little stresses and strains like any family, but what if some of these stresses are tweaked in unsuspected ways? Is the pull of family greater than political pulls? Will history be with you or against you? The movie is slow and does not invite you in so much, but that is part of its British charm. Still there are a few amazing moments in this film that even by themselves make it worth watching. Some did not like the beginning and ending, which both zoomed to the future, but I found it satisfying to see how things can be viewed so differently in a different era. Also, it was great to see Christopher Lee. I also liked seeing David Tennant (the best Doctor Who) in a supporting role.

What a tragic waste of a fantastic cast. A great idea (aristocratic pro-appeasement in the lead up to and early days of WWII) completely butchered. Half of it made no sense, there were obviously hidden meanings but they were very well hidden. Spoilers everywhere... Who were the undertakers digging up/burying sacks in the ruined abbey? And what were they burying/digging up? A strange man wearing a bowler hat cycling around the Norfolk countryside, why? If they were going to kill Ann anyway, why not do it after they have drugged her? The final revelation - she's still alive, wow! Christopher Lee's character was all of 12 during the main story and his brother was a baby, what was the point of any of it. I can't think of anything else to fill out this review, other than to say, if you are tempted to rent or buy this movie, don't bother, there are way better films out there. Atonement, for one which is vastly superior in every respect.