Had heard a lot of great things about 'Went the Day Well?', nothing but great things in fact, and it was highly recommended to me. Settled down to watch it with family friends who love the film, after expressing interest in seeing it. Even now, can remember and will never forget the surprise on their faces when they heard me say about not yet seeing the film and set about putting it right. Am so glad they did.
Found myself blown away by 'Went the Day Well?' after seeing it. It chilled me, it inspired me, it shocked me, it moved me, kept me riveted and had me provoking thought, during and long after. Not many films recently or in a long time have done all of that to such an extent and so brilliantly. Have heard people say that they consider 'Went the Day Well?' the best Home Front picture made during World War II. To me, it is an extremely strong contender for that high-praise distinction and wouldn't even hesitate recommending it to anybody else interested into seeing it, one of the best films seen recently and that is no joke. Deserves to be much better known, am a very subjective person but how it isn't is a mystery.
What stood out to me was how truly real and plausible it was. Really did feel the full impact of the drama and emotion, was really moved to tears and like many contemporary viewers are likely to be (and even more so viewers at the time) the film left me chilled to the bone. Not many World War II/Home Front films had me believing everything happening from start to finish, and never questioning its plausibility. Very on the nose, very real and very honest, with surprising viciousness and bleakness at times, which for back then must have been very daring.
Yet 'Went the Day Well?' doesn't make the mistake of being heavy-handed or preachy, having seen films (and cartoons) during the wartime that did do, was actually surprised at the restraint the subject is handled in numerous places which was not usually found in other similarly themed films. Another striking asset is the portrayal of the villagers and the very English atmosphere, there is charm but also a steely quality which wasn't expected by me. What the film had to say and what one gets out of it was inspiring.
Also, 'Went the Day Well?' is vividly filmed and lit, directed in a way that is restrained in some places and hard-hitting in others, stirringly scored by William Walton and thoughtfully and potently scripted. It is never dull and cannot fault the cast, with a particularly excellent performance from Leslie Banks.
Concluding, a fantastic film. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Found myself blown away by 'Went the Day Well?' after seeing it. It chilled me, it inspired me, it shocked me, it moved me, kept me riveted and had me provoking thought, during and long after. Not many films recently or in a long time have done all of that to such an extent and so brilliantly. Have heard people say that they consider 'Went the Day Well?' the best Home Front picture made during World War II. To me, it is an extremely strong contender for that high-praise distinction and wouldn't even hesitate recommending it to anybody else interested into seeing it, one of the best films seen recently and that is no joke. Deserves to be much better known, am a very subjective person but how it isn't is a mystery.
What stood out to me was how truly real and plausible it was. Really did feel the full impact of the drama and emotion, was really moved to tears and like many contemporary viewers are likely to be (and even more so viewers at the time) the film left me chilled to the bone. Not many World War II/Home Front films had me believing everything happening from start to finish, and never questioning its plausibility. Very on the nose, very real and very honest, with surprising viciousness and bleakness at times, which for back then must have been very daring.
Yet 'Went the Day Well?' doesn't make the mistake of being heavy-handed or preachy, having seen films (and cartoons) during the wartime that did do, was actually surprised at the restraint the subject is handled in numerous places which was not usually found in other similarly themed films. Another striking asset is the portrayal of the villagers and the very English atmosphere, there is charm but also a steely quality which wasn't expected by me. What the film had to say and what one gets out of it was inspiring.
Also, 'Went the Day Well?' is vividly filmed and lit, directed in a way that is restrained in some places and hard-hitting in others, stirringly scored by William Walton and thoughtfully and potently scripted. It is never dull and cannot fault the cast, with a particularly excellent performance from Leslie Banks.
Concluding, a fantastic film. 10/10 Bethany Cox