Sadly Over-hyped

Better Late Then Never

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

Gorgeous. A really easy movie to relate to, and especially if you watched someone you love die - it is more than just a little sad. When I first saw this I watched it in the cinema, and would have preferred to screen at home as it was too much of a tear-jerker for my preference and so I found myself grabbing at my popcorn more to pull out of the film, than I probably would have, were I to watch this at home. The acting was engaging and at times even provoking.Cinematically, the stylized contrasts b/w past and present worked nicely where the rich saturated memories; though at times not favourable; certainly held the vivacity of life, contrasting with the darker days of the present. Worth checking out. Makes me want to read the memoir.

Jim Broadbent and Colin Firth are exceptionally well-cast (and excellent as usual) portraying a father and son in the latter portion of their days together. The blustery old father has been diagnosed with cancer and only a short time left to live, causing his son--who was always embarrassed of his cheating, gad-about parent--to reflect on their times together. No new insights or observations into the eternal tug-of-war that goes on between son and father, though it is well accomplished and finely tuned. The flashbacks are a bit of a nuisance after a time, as one longs for more insight into the present. Firth, who always seems to be photographed from behind a piece of furniture or a banister, is controlled and subdued while Broadbent gets the juicier part of his showboating elder, the kind of man who expects applause for his rampant storytelling and joshing, stinging criticism. Incisive at times with uncomfortable truths, and undoubtedly moving by the finish; not a big night at the movies, but very watchable. **1/2 from ****

"And When Did You Last See Your Father?" (2007) is an English film directed by Anand Tucker. It reminded me of the U.S. film, "The Savages," because the central plot of both movies involves a dying father who has not lived an exemplary life. Jim Broadbent is superb as Arthur, an obviously wealthy man who nevertheless goes through life cheating and manipulating people in small ways. He has a bluff, hearty, hail-fellow-well-met personality that charms people who meet him for the first time. In reality, he bullies his son and cheats on his wife. (Juliet Stevenson is excellent in the supporting role of wife and mother, as is Matthew Beard who plays Blake as a teenager.) Colin Firth is equally convincing as Arthur's son, Blake. He's a successful award-winning writer, who nonetheless sees himself as perpetually in his father's shadow. Both men must come to grips with the situation when Arthur develops terminal cancer.Broadbent and Firth look like each other, so it's easy to accept them as father and son. The film unfolds in an intelligent and interesting fashion. It's both artistically satisfying and philosophically challenging. I think the movie has been underrated by IMDb viewers. It's low key and thoughtful, but that's what it's supposed to be. There's nothing about it that struck me as artificially artistic. It's an honest and effective film, and worth seeking out and seeing.

Reel Inspiration Review: When Did You Last See Your Father.When Did You Last See Your Father ignores standard Hollywood wisdom: Keep the title short and catchy. Avoid flashbacks. The action should be external, not internal. Make films that appeal to teenage boys. And most of all, don't do stories about old, dying people.In an article about what sells in Hollywood, an agent moans that she just can't read one more story about coping with aging, dying parents. The market was glutted with them. I couldn't help but think that this must be a very timely and heartfelt theme since it was popping up in so many scripts. Is it possible that there's an adult audience hungry for stories that help them deal with the hard issues in their lives? When Did You Last See Your Father is based on Blake Morrison's heart wrenchingly honest autobiographical bestseller. It is the story of the forty year old writer's attempts to resolve his troubled relationship with his father as he deals with his immanent death. Collin Firth courageously portrays the estranged son's sometimes unlikable sentiments of resentment, frustration, confusion, and disappointment tinged with compassion for his fading father. Being home brings back memories of coming of age in his charismatic father's shadow and discovering some hard realities about the man. Thanks to Jim Broadbent's dynamic performance, we can see why the son was once proud of him - even though he never felt his father's approval. Blake goes on an internal journey where he finds that he has some of his father's weaknesses. He must decide what kind of man he is to become. At first, the film's lengthy title seems to accuse the grown son of neglecting his father. But by the end, we discover that the title actually asks, "When was the last time you really saw your father - without your own feelings of inadequacy and resentment getting in the picture? When was the last time you saw love?"Movie Blessings! Jana Segal reelinspiration dot blogspot dot com