Overrated and overhyped

It is a performances centric movie

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

Like most of the above reviewers say, this movie is a good film for a laugh and plenty of outrageous behaviour from the protagonist, Lynda. A terrific reproduction of 50s Britain - right down to the dressing gown patterns and minor consumer products. But what is it she really wants and what does she learn from her foolish behaviour? 'Nothing' seems to be the answer. And this 'nothing' seems to be the major theme. It is a film about folly.In many ways Lynda's path is boringly predictable: She has no understanding of the man who manipulates her, nor of the future consequences of her rudeness and impulsive behaviour. One wonders what amount of social realism is represented here for an unmarried mother of the period. Poorly paid jobs, lack of support, a low income to further disable somebody with little patience and understanding of the situation she has largely created for herself. A fun attitude, temporary prettiness and her fast-disappearing youth will not go that far.

I watched half last night and couldn't wait to finish it today. Emily Lloyd was absolutely phenomenal and I want to get more movies with her in it. All of the actors were excellent, from her aunt, to the Dad, to his friend.Lynda was quite a character in this movie and you can understand why some kids act out like they do. I can relate to Lynda and make sense of some of the things I did as a kid after watching this. It was often hilarious and sometimes painful to watch. The acting is so incredible, you really could feel the emotion. And you feel for the father who can't control her, no matter what he tries to do.British films are always so different from the norm. I love their artistic approach where everything is not spelled out for you and you have to make some inferences on your own. As such, every person's perspective is a little bit different. And the situations are always such real, every day type of situations from which they can spin a great story. I highly recommend this film.It is not for children as there are many adult situations. Although I'm usually pretty loose with an R rating, I won't allow my tween children to watch this. Frankly, I don't think that kids would necessarily enjoy it anyway - as it's more of an adult drama with some funny and awkward moments.

Wish You Were Here is a delightful, moving and exceptional film for many reasons, but the most unusual is that it is one of two films written by David Leland (Mona Lisa) about a real person, the famous British madame, Cynthia Payne, which were both released in the same year--1987. (Both films claim to be fiction) Wish chronicles her youthful scandals; the other film,Terry Jones', Personal Services (1987) chronicles her adult scandals. The two films are very different in style (this film being the more conventional of the two) but the character of Payne remains refreshingly the same. In Wish You Were Here the desperate pleading of a lonely young girl for love and affection takes a bizarre path helped by her rebellious and outspoken candid observations. It is her impatience with hypocrisy coupled with her desperate need that make this teenager so sympathetic. That, and her great sense of humor.The colorful sex scenes filled with surprises keep the viewer disarmed, but mainly it is the main character's shining virtues of honesty, non-conformity, and defiance that makes this film a special one for young people. The scene with the therapist, matching dirty words, is one of the funniest on film, especially watching the marvelous way Emily Lloyd molds her reactions and then goes in for the kill. Emily Lloyd's career never lived up to this early brilliant performance, but her work here is so dazzling, it gives her a place in film history. Highly recommended for all teenagers who feel out of place and for adults who do, too.Why hasn't this film moved to DVD? (only in England and Germany!) It's a rare find, and you may be both surprised and delighted!.

This is one of my alltime favorites. Emily Lloyd is my favorite actress and I've seen this film 8 times. It is funny, it is poignant and it is a classic movie.