Have not seen enough of Lone Scherfig's work to share my opinion of her as a director, but of the little seen 'An Education' is an excellent film. The premise for 'Their Finest' also fascinated, perhaps not the most original of ones but very clever and that it was set during one of Britain's toughest periods in history added to the intrigue. And then there was the cast, filled with immensely talented actors with Bill Nighy being the biggest attraction in a role that sounded on paper perfect for him.
While it is not my definition of a great film, or one devoid of flaws, 'Their Finest' still managed to be a pleasant diversion with much to like. The pace and a couple of aspects of the story don't always work and one performance and some of the chemistry didn't do much for me, but mostly it's well made, acted and has gentle amusement and heart. It won't work for all tastebuds, but it is easy to see why people have found and will find appeal in it.
Beginning with what 'Their Finest' doesn't quite work in, Sam Claflin is for my tastes rather bland and looked a bit awkward. He doesn't have much chemistry with Gemma Arterton, or at least one that feels natural or compelling.
The romantic element felt underdeveloped and shoehorned, not much to it really. Some of the film drags, particularly towards the end.
However, there is a lot good. 'Their Finest' is beautifully and atmospherically shot and the recreation of the period is elegant while not too glossy (one does get a sense that it was a cruel time for Britain), true to it too. Rachel Portman brings her usual sumptuous orchestration and romantic yet never syrupy style to a music score that matches the pleasant tone of the story well. The script is gently amusing and charming and while the story execution is less than perfect it doesn't waste the film within a film premise, which is cleverly, entertainingly and affectionately handled.
Ending did leave me very misty-eyed, while the justice and sacrifice themes add depth and didn't feel tacked on. The performances mostly are fine, with the top honours going to the absolute joy that is Nighy and true to what it sounded on paper the character fitted him like a glove. Arterton is bewitching in the lead role too, and Rachel Stirling is a delight. There is even a deliciously theatrical Secretary of War courtesy from Jeremy Irons.
In conclusion, not great but pleasant. 7/10
While it is not my definition of a great film, or one devoid of flaws, 'Their Finest' still managed to be a pleasant diversion with much to like. The pace and a couple of aspects of the story don't always work and one performance and some of the chemistry didn't do much for me, but mostly it's well made, acted and has gentle amusement and heart. It won't work for all tastebuds, but it is easy to see why people have found and will find appeal in it.
Beginning with what 'Their Finest' doesn't quite work in, Sam Claflin is for my tastes rather bland and looked a bit awkward. He doesn't have much chemistry with Gemma Arterton, or at least one that feels natural or compelling.
The romantic element felt underdeveloped and shoehorned, not much to it really. Some of the film drags, particularly towards the end.
However, there is a lot good. 'Their Finest' is beautifully and atmospherically shot and the recreation of the period is elegant while not too glossy (one does get a sense that it was a cruel time for Britain), true to it too. Rachel Portman brings her usual sumptuous orchestration and romantic yet never syrupy style to a music score that matches the pleasant tone of the story well. The script is gently amusing and charming and while the story execution is less than perfect it doesn't waste the film within a film premise, which is cleverly, entertainingly and affectionately handled.
Ending did leave me very misty-eyed, while the justice and sacrifice themes add depth and didn't feel tacked on. The performances mostly are fine, with the top honours going to the absolute joy that is Nighy and true to what it sounded on paper the character fitted him like a glove. Arterton is bewitching in the lead role too, and Rachel Stirling is a delight. There is even a deliciously theatrical Secretary of War courtesy from Jeremy Irons.
In conclusion, not great but pleasant. 7/10