Arthur's Hallowed Ground is as straight forward as its no – nonsense protagonist. For forty five years Arthur has been the groundsman to the local cricket ground, despite this being an impressive feat Arthur is on the wrong end of some of the cricket ground's committee. So begins the conflict between them regarding how the cricket ground should be kept.
This may sound like an unsatisfying storyline but Arthur's Hallowed Ground redeems itself though its strength in characterisation. Particularly in the interactions between Arthur and antagonistic committee member Len, respectively symbolising the clash between sincerity and greed. Both being headstrong characters, its brilliant to witness their exchange of words with such brutal honestly heightening the drama, kudos to Jimmy Jewel and Michael Elphick for their passionate performances. Its a great shame they share little screen time together. Though the downside of Arthur's characterisation is the extent of his behaviour, at times it was uncalled for. Spending most of his time berating assistant Henry and undermining him felt unjustified only serving to please Arthur's ego, making me somewhat wonder why should we be on his side?
Yet in the sections with Arthur and Henry, Arthur's sincerity and the wisdom of his ways does prevail. He the experienced elder, Henry the clueless youngster who gradually improves under Arthur's guidance in a series of comical and heart - felt moments making it easier to gloss over Arthur's faults. Same goes for Arthur's light hearted banter with his wife Betty, whose stern yet kind words usually sets Arthur on the right path. A sense of closeness is formed during Arthur's scenes with Henry and Betty which is the essence of the film's enchantment seeing the storyline though, without this Arthur's Hallowed Ground would be dryly dull.
What Arthur's Hallowed Ground lacks within a completely fulfilling storyline it makes up with sincerity and characters whose genuine qualities creates pleasant moments.
This may sound like an unsatisfying storyline but Arthur's Hallowed Ground redeems itself though its strength in characterisation. Particularly in the interactions between Arthur and antagonistic committee member Len, respectively symbolising the clash between sincerity and greed. Both being headstrong characters, its brilliant to witness their exchange of words with such brutal honestly heightening the drama, kudos to Jimmy Jewel and Michael Elphick for their passionate performances. Its a great shame they share little screen time together. Though the downside of Arthur's characterisation is the extent of his behaviour, at times it was uncalled for. Spending most of his time berating assistant Henry and undermining him felt unjustified only serving to please Arthur's ego, making me somewhat wonder why should we be on his side?
Yet in the sections with Arthur and Henry, Arthur's sincerity and the wisdom of his ways does prevail. He the experienced elder, Henry the clueless youngster who gradually improves under Arthur's guidance in a series of comical and heart - felt moments making it easier to gloss over Arthur's faults. Same goes for Arthur's light hearted banter with his wife Betty, whose stern yet kind words usually sets Arthur on the right path. A sense of closeness is formed during Arthur's scenes with Henry and Betty which is the essence of the film's enchantment seeing the storyline though, without this Arthur's Hallowed Ground would be dryly dull.
What Arthur's Hallowed Ground lacks within a completely fulfilling storyline it makes up with sincerity and characters whose genuine qualities creates pleasant moments.