Movie Description
Beloved Brits Colin Firth and Jim Broadbent team up for this moving adaptation of Blake Morrison's novel. As a father (Broadbent, HOT FUZZ) is dying, his son (Firth, BRIDGET JONES: THE EDGE OF REASON) looks back on their relationship over the years.
Celebrated English actors Jim Broadbent and Colin Firth team up for this moving drama about a father and son. Based on Blake Morrison's autobiographical novel, WHEN DID YOU LAST SEE YOUR FATHER? bounces between the 1950s and the 1980s as Blake (Firth, BRIDGET JONES' DIARY) remembers all the good and the bad moments in his relationship with his dad as the man is dying of cancer. Oscar-winner Broadbent (IRIS) is Blake's father, Arthur, who seems to charm everyone but his son. He belittles and embarrasses the boy, and Blake's anger is understandable. But as Arthur begins to fade, an adult Blake struggles with his feelings for the man.
With WHEN DID YOU LAST SEE YOUR FATHER? director Anand Tucker continues his tradition of creating relationship-based dramas after HILARY AND JACKIE and SHOPGIRL. But while those two films centered on the relationship of sisters or romantic entanglements, this movie focuses on the heartbreaking dynamic between father and son. Broadbent's Arthur says some cringe-inducing things to his son, not the least of which is his frequent use of the name "fathead" in reference to Blake. Between Arthur's cruelty and the pain of watching him die, WHEN DID YOU LAST SEE YOUR FATHER? doesn't always make for easy watching. But Broadbent's talent makes Arthur an ultimately sympathetic character; he is a deeply flawed man who truly loves his son, though he is rarely sure of how to show that feeling. Fans of tearjerkers such as TERMS OF ENDEARMENT and BEACHES will certainly want to have a hankie nearby for this emotional film.
| Credits | | Producer: | Elizabeth Karlsen, Stephen Woolley | | Cast: | Colin Firth |
Editorial Reviews
4 stars out of 5 -- "Broadbent is a hoot as the bullish Arthur, while Firth brings a quiet dignity to the adult scenes. A superior British drama."
Empire - Anna Smith (11/01/2007)
"[A]n emotional, often hilarious examination of those convoluted family ties with which most of us can identify in some measure."
Box Office - Richard Mowe (05/01/2008)
"[A] wistful, miniature of a movie....It creates a provocative balance in the viewer..." -- Grade: B+
Entertainment Weekly - Owen Gleiberman (06/13/2008)
"[A] superbly acted, intelligently written and poignant drama....Based on the book by Blake Morrison, it's a tender, heartfelt, occasionally funny story that never strays into maudlin turf."
USA Today - Claudia Puig (06/06/2008)
"A gentle tale gently told, WHEN DID YOU LAST SEE YOUR FATHER is grown-up, civilized fare."
New York Times - Manohla Dargis (06/06/2008)
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