The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry movie review

MOVIE TITLE:     The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry 

This lovely film is now streaming on Amazon Prime in the U.K. with international release dates in Australia.

RATING:    R

LENGTH:      1 hour 48 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE:     A

IN A NUTSHELL:

The lovely tale is based on the beloved book by Rachel Joyce.  It was directed by Hettie Macdonald.

When Harold learns that an old friend is dying, he takes a pilgrimage to give her hope and save her.

THINGS I LIKED:

• Jim Broadbent is a national treasure. He’s perfect in this.  He also narrated the audiobook of this story.
• Fans of the popular TV show Downtown Abbey will be delighted to see Penelope Wilton.
• We get to see a lot of the countryside and culture of British life. One of the things I thought was especially charming was seeing how people leave their home-grown fruits and vegetables in cardboard boxes outside their fences with a sign letting passersby take whatever they needed.
• The film does a great job illustrating how most people want to be a part of something bigger than themselves and to do good in this world somehow by participating in a cause they can believe in.
• Together, the director and cinematographer (Kate McCullough) paint a touching picture.
• The melancholy music perfectly underscored what we saw happening on the screen.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

• I enjoyed every minute of it.
• Some people may get bored, waiting for something to “happen.”  Have patience and appreciate the storytelling technique that is a character study.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:    

• Kids will be bored.
• Some profanity and some F-bombs
• We see a quick shot of a young man who hung himself

THEMES:

• Making a difference in people’s lives
• Life
• Hope
• Friendship
• Marriage
• Memories
• Grief
• Guilt
• Jealousy
• Aging
• Regret
• Suicide
• Faith
• Closure
• The kindness of strangers
• How our lives touch others
• Second Chances

FUNNY LINES:

• There are some light moments, but otherwise, it’s a gentle drama.

INTERESTING LINES:

• “I had no idea water was so nice.” – Harold Fry   (Jim Broadbent)
• “Even when she doubts, she must not give in.” – Harold Fry  (Jim Broadbent)
• “That’s what we need: a little less sense and a little more faith.” – Hospice care nurse
• “I’ve spent my life doing nothing, and now I am.” – Harold Fry (Jim Broadbent)
• “You have to let go of the things you think you need.” – Harold Fry (Jim Broadbent)
• “On the whole, people are kind.” – Maureen   (Penelope)

OTHER MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

• 45 Years:  https://amzn.to/3OBGidA
• The Straight Story:  https://amzn.to/3rS50NT
• Barefoot: The Mark Baumer Story: https://moviereviewmom.com/barefoot-the-mark-baumer-story-movie-review/

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