My Life So Far (1999) User Reviews

Good story marred by useless subplots

[FlickJunkie-2 · 7/10 · 11 February 2000]

This film had great potential, but it was too ambitious and tried to be too inclusive in telling the story. There are really two main story lines here: (1)Young Fraser's (Robbie Norman) coming of age and (2) His father Edward's (Colin Firth) misadventures.

Fraser's story (which the title implies is the point of the film) is fabulous. It is a whimsical and witty look at the coming of age of a ten year old boy in 1920's Scotland. He learns about sex by furtively studying his grandfather's books and pictures of unclad women. Put in the context of a completely naive ten year old mind, he develops some funny interpretations of the subject that are routinely and innocently blurted out in the presence of adults, usually to the mortification of his parents. This was a wonderful story and his journey to manhood should have been the subject of the entire movie.

The second story line was dull, and encumbered the film. This is the story of Fraser's father Edward. It centers around two key subplots. The first is his kooky childlike lifestyle, including crazy inventions and ineffective businesses. The second is his obsession with his Uncle Morris's (Malcolm McDowell) fiancée. Other subplots in this story line include a rivalry between Edward and Morris for the inheritance of the castle. This overly dramatic subplot bogs down the film ruins the comedic and mirthful elements provided in Fraser's story.

The cinematography was splendid, helped greatly by the beauty of the Scottish countryside and the magnificence of the Castle the family called home. Fortunately, there was a character with an airplane that gave director Hugh Hudson a convenient excuse to show aerial views of the castle and the countryside which were simply breathtaking. The photography in this film is reason enough to see it.

The acting was excellent. Though I wish the character had less emphasis, Colin Firth was excellent as Edward, the quirky father figure. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio gave a fine performance in a minor role as Moira, Edward's wife and the mother of his ten children. Once again, she had an opportunity to showcase her beautiful singing voice (see "Limbo" if you want to really hear her sing). Malcolm McDowell and Irene Jacob were also excellent as the uncle and aunt.

The best performance by far was that of Robbie Norman as young Fraser. He was full of innocent mischief and gave a convincing portrayal of the curiosity and nescience of youth.

I gave this film a 7/10. If you enjoy interesting character studies, slice of life films, beautiful scenery and comedy spawned of innocence, you will love this film. Had they stayed with the main story line, I probably would have given it a 10.

Delightful movie

[yjgeja · 7/10 · 19 July 2005]

I thought this movie was overall delightful. It really captured the innocence of the narrator and the passage that we all must go through as we mature.

I loved Colin Firth in this movie and his interactions with his son, the narrator, was well done. There were parts that made me laugh out loud and others that made me cringe because the awkwardness of the moment was so well portrayed and it made me feel as if I was there experiencing the moment with the characters.

It is a bit of an odd movie if you do not like this genre, a bit slow and not quite so mainstream. However, it is nonetheless worth seeing, especially if you think Colin Firth is a great actor!

A highly uneven and vaguely dissatisfying memoir.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 25 August 2013]

"My Life So Far" is a memoir where a man looks back at his life in Scotland when he was a child. In some ways, it's quite reminiscent of Marcel Pagnol's wonderful films about his childhood ("My Father's Glory" and "My Mother's Castle"), though Pagnol's life is much more satisfying to watch (or read about)--mostly because the mood is so much more consistent. With "My Life So Far", it begins with humor and for a while you assume the film is a comedy. You really like the family and the way the child views life. Later, however, the film turns much darker and the characters, who you liked, act rather vile. Because of this, it feels a bit unsatisfying because the abrupt changes in mood really took me out of the story. I know life IS sometimes this way, but I really wish the film had made up its mind and chosen a single course. Not a bad time passer but not a film I heartily recommend either.

A nice, entertaining little "gem" of a movie, and great scenery.

[TxMike · 4 April 2000]

"My Life So Far" is based on a true account of life in a Scottish family between WWI and WWII. It was filmed around Argyll, Scotland, and is certainly a beautiful movie to watch.

The story is told from a 10-year-old boy's point of view. His rather large family (8 or 10 children) live on the estate of his mother's mother. His dad is a bright man but is a somewhat impractical inventor. The single, rich uncle is threatening to evict them all when the matriarch dies.

The story unfolds nicely, the father comes to grips with some of his faults, relationships are examined. Music is well-integrated throughout the movie. It ends in a very satisfactory manner.

This basically "slice of life" movie holds your interest and is overall very entertaining. Not an earth-shaker, I give it a strong "7" of "10", meaning for me that it is better than 70% of the movies out there.

an innocent little piece which might charm or amuse

[khatcher-2 · 6/10 · 22 May 2004]

From the bonnie banks of Loch Fyne, Hugh Hudson brings us a far cry from his `Chariots of Fire' to serve up an endearing, even charming, little piece, not lacking in comedy, purportedly a biography of the young Fraser Pettigrew. The story is a disconnected series of episodes in the young boy's life as seen by him as he clambers through life in a pool of innocence.

Some good interpretations, especially the boy and his father, Colin Firth, and some excellent scenes with the servants. Expected more from Ms. Mastrantonio, but got it from Irène Jacob.

Otherwise, the film meanders through from scene to scene, gloriously photographed in the beautiful Scottish countryside below Stub an Eas (732m) right at the top end of Loch Fyne.

The film is simply that: an entertaining `divertimento' without much to suggest greater ideas; a kind of family portrait of yesteryear, of times remembered as romantic; but nothing serious to go on. For that, see `Gosford Park' (qv).

The `divertimento' impression is heightened not so much by the original music, but by the inclusion of pieces by Beethoven on the piano, and `The Swan' by Camille Saint-Saëns, not too brilliantly played I should add: which, is just the correct thing, as amateurs at home are hardly likely to produce awesome professional playing.

Watch it with this attitude and you will be amused or entertained, but without expecting anything more from it. The best scene is at the dinner table, well into the film...........

When a child's drama is not taken seriously

[cathy-39 · 6/10 · 10 August 1999]

I think I would never have been to see this movie if it hadn't been for Colin Firth. I don't love family dramas, mostly because it's always based on the parents point of view, even if the central hero is a child. As I am always on the side of the child, it seemed to me, while I was watching the movie, that I was the only one who truly see how much this child was abused.

In "My life so far", the young Fraser is caught between an irresponsible father who beats him and a mother who doesn't protect him. And even if the camera shows us his suffering and his fear, it always pushes us to to forgive and forget what has just happened. Mostly because at the same time we are expected to be bewitched by his father's desire for a French cellist. Of course he is gorgeous, and the desire we see in his eyes is breathtaking, but clearly the script wants us to love and forgive this child-like father at any cost, even at the cost of his own son. The last scene is pretty clear on that subject: the film doesn't end on Fraser but on his father, who is now so"good" to let him drink, smoke and watch pornographic photos. What is the moral of this? The father stays irresponsible and his last smile wants us to believe that he is changed and that he is a good father.

As I love Colin Firth's acting so much, I must say I am very puzzled by this movie. He plays very well indeed, that is not the problem, he has all the subtleties the character demands, but the film just doesn't amount to anything. No one really seems to care enough for Fraser and it seems that it is the only reason why the father takes up so much place in the movie. This idealized father that even Fraser calls a genius. But how could he ever say the contrary since nobody ever tells him that what he feels when he suffers is true?

Subtle, smart, amusing coming-of-age film in Scotland

[Wuchakk · 7/10 · 10 February 2015]

Fraser, who's around 10-11 years-old, lives on one of those huge British manors in 1930 with a strong matriarch, Gammy (Rosemary Harris), and a household staff. Elderly Uncle Morris (Malcolm McDowell) visits with his young French fiancé, Heloise (Irène Jacob), who incites the fascination of both Fraser and his dad, Edward (Colin Firth). Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio plays Edward's wife.

Based on a true story, "My Life So Far" (1999) is essentially a coming-of-age tale set in rural Scotland almost a dozen years after WW1 and just as the Great Depression was starting. While the story is told from the perspective of the boy, don't mistake this for a kid's movie. Sure, it starts with a fun, innocent spirit, but there's a lot of adult-oriented material to appreciate.

One reviewer described it as "not plot-driven," which is true, but you'll catch a grip by the second half where the various story elements came together. It immediately brings to mind the excellent "The Secret Garden" (1993) due to the fact that both take place on British country estates in the early 1900s. I suppose "The Secret Garden" is the superior film, yet "My Life So Far" won me over despite my initial apprehension.

Fraser's coming-of-age parallels his father's maturing as an adult well into his 30s. Edward (Firth) is a likable inventor who runs the sphagnum moss business. He's fun, likable and preaches at his church, but he's resistant to change and refers to jazz as the devil's music. His spirituality is tested by the arrival of Heloise and is found wanting; worse, he can't hide his childish infatuation from his wife.

It wasn't until after watching "My Life So Far" that I realized how smart it is. It makes its points simply through showing the day-to-day life of the Pettigrew family one season in 1930. For instance, although Edward is right about the brilliance of Beethoven, he's wrong about jazz. And although his good side shines brightly, his glaring hypocrisy cannot be condoned. This isn't just testimony to the power of a beautiful woman; it's testimony to the necessity of character and faithfulness.

These are just a couple examples. This is one of those films that likely gets better on repeat viewings due to the potential gems to mine and its all-around entertainment value.

The film runs 1 hour, 38 minutes, and was shot in Argyll and Bute, Scotland.

GRADE: B+

SPOILER ALERT (Do not read further unless you've seen the film).

Did Edward have "carnal knowledge" of Heloise? No. Edward comes on to Heloise in the moss loft and she clearly rejects him, albeit respectfully. Later, during the big blow-up, he informs his brother-in-law, Morris, that he had sex with her because Morris was his rival for the estate, but it's A LIE. We know this because Heloise plainly declined his advances. So why did Edward lie? Evidently to stick-it-to his rival and cause the ensuing marriage problems. It was also his way of getting back at Heloise for rejected him.

Bear in mind that on no occasion was Heloise guilty of improper conduct; she's almost godly and even rebukes Edward's hypocrisy at the dinner table, albeit subtly. Edward's lie was a very ignoble thing to do and it made me lose respect for him, but it was the result of his pent-up frustrations. Thankfully, he later humbly repents, to which his wife forgives and they go on to blissful matrimony.

I hope he apologized to Morris and, especially, Heloise as well.

Boredom for the many. Amusement for the few.

[=G= · 7/10 · 16 August 2003]

"My Life So Far" is a light hearted and somewhat stuffy coming of age film about a boy (Norman) and his father (Firth) living on a Scottish estate with sundry family members, servants, visitors, etc. in the years following WWI. A nicely laid out period piece, this film ventures into the busy-ness of the manor as we watch the inquisitive boy and his crack-pot inventor and smitten father grow up together to the accompaniment of curling tournaments, visitations from a pilot, a hairy man skulking in the woods, etc., and, of course, the sometimes unseemly family matters. "My Life So Far" is not one of the better period film as it spreads itself too thinly over numerous inconsequential matters of little interest beyond the characters. However, for those into British period films, this one may prove mildly amusing and entertaining. (B)

A boy's bittersweet memory of his father

[MetaLark · 8/10 · 4 January 2003]

This is a delightful movie. It's based on a man's nostalgic look backward at a slice of his childhood spent on a Scottish country estate in the 1920s. Narrated by the author as a ten-year-old boy, it recounts a period in which both he and his capricious father learn some important lessons about themselves and about each other.

There is little plot to speak of--just life unfolding variously in its sweetness and pain, often tinged with a delicious whimsy. Be warned, though, that much as you may be disposed to like the father, he is a flawed man; his pathetic and childish attitudes are often painfully embarrassing to the viewer. Also, sexual references permeate this film, and there is a strong suggestion that youthful sexual curiosity ought to be given free reign. Parents with a contrary view might wish to give it a look before showing it to their children.

The cinematography is excellent, deftly making the most of the fine Scottish landscape.

But the music--ah! The music is wonderful, from the first folk-tinged strain, through Beethoven and Saint-Saëns, to the Louis Armstrong ending. Few films are so musically satisfying.

The role of the childish and inarticulate father, Edward Pettigrew, is nicely developed by Colin Firth. Rosemary Harris is his aristocratic, but good-natured mother-in-law, who actually owns the estate inhabited by her daughter and Edward and their progeny; Harris handles her part with great understanding and humour. The children are natural and believable, and the servants are well-picked and quirky--their kitchen conversations add much warmth to this work.

For me, the ending credits revealed a lovely surprise: that the reflections of the boy, Fraser Pettigrew, actually come from a memoir written by Sir Denis Forman. I know that name well; Forman is also the author of my favorite opera guide, a cleverly designed, but funny and irreverent book appropriately titled, "The Good Opera Guide." (But don't be put off by the U.S. title, "A Night at the Opera"; it's a wonderful book by any name.)

Small wonder, then, that this movie has such a fine soundtrack.

Rating: 8 for the movie, 10 for the opera book.

A child's memories are always bigger than life.

[mark.waltz · 7/10 · 25 April 2022]

Between the two World Wars, a Scottish family deals with financial issues and conflict over an estate, and a young member of the family (Robert Norman) recalls with humor and pathos those who surrounded his young life. Based on the early years of future British TV executive Denis Forman, they mainly deal with his memories of his father, Colin Firth, his firm but often humorous grandmother, Rosemary Harris, and his uncle Malcolm McDowell who hope that he would inherit the estate. Norman has a vivid imagination, and many of the things that he asks about (many of them sexual in nature) gets him into trouble and provides a little bit of humor although it is a bit exaggerated. He checks to see if his "gamma" (Harris) is still alive by sneaking into her bedroom and putting a mirror under her nose, getting into a bit of trouble which results in a further bond between the young boy and the old lady.

There are also issues between Firth and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, torn between her brother and her husband, and dealing with Firth's infidelities. The beautiful Scottish countryside where the estate is certainly is breathtaking, leaving Young Norman to lots of adventures. When you have a cast like this, the acting is going to be excellent, and Harris certainly is a commanding matriarch just as she has been for several decades. Firth is a handsome and charming rogue, and young Norman is delightfully cute. A jazzy version of "On the Sunny Side of the Street" provides a great background. The direction by Hugh Hudson is solid and production values excellent. Fans of the epic saga, "Downton Abbey", will certainly enjoy the slice of life stories of this family. Harris certainly is as formidable as Maggie Smith in that show, getting many witty moments, but a shocking finale.

Just another British rich people movie

[matchett79 · 4/10 · 23 April 2006]

Another lottery-funded, over-produced yet well-acted film about rich British people doing nothing apart from slightly eccentric episodes set to an over bearing score. Imagine Kenneth Brannagh doing 1920s Scotland. Does contain some slightly amusing plot devices but nothing of any significance happens. The fact that this was based on a true story about a boy who grew up to be sort of important didn't help me at least. It's not a bad film but it says nothing and does nothing new. Could have been made for much-much less money for TV but apparently some charities didn't want their lottery money. A bit more content, heart and soul would have made the difference.

A kind family & precocious child in a gentle setting

[MissRosa · 9/10 · 19 December 1999]

Many summaries have described this film's plot as a love triangle that occurs in turn-of-the-century Scotland. Nonsense. What is this tendency to pigeonhole films by the time and place

in which they occurred? Maybe its because of Hollow-wood's tendency to create shallow "costume dramas." If a film has any merit at all, it is because it TRANSCENDS its setting, and speaks to its audience, whoever and wherever they are.

"My Life So Far" is a story of the intellectual development of a very bright child. His piecing together and puzzling out of the complex emotions of the people around him, in addition to his own feelings and experiences, and the information he receives via overheard conversations, books, music and so forth are interesting and original and seem totally spontaneous. It is a joy to experience what he experiences.

The ensemble acting is effortless, especially the child actor, who is so spontaneous and self-absorbed, you feel you are a member of the family, not an onlooker. Production values are sterling. The shots of the huge Scottish castle and its beautiful lands are somehow comforting. (This is neither a child's film, nor an adult's film. "My Life So Far" doesn't really have a niche, and that may be why it has not been widely distributed).

It is a film to see to renew your memories of being a child and to cause you to meditate on what daily life can be like for a child who is alert, intelligent, and surrounded by love and a good home.

One long, lovely, Scottish fizzle

[tblewis · 3/10 · 3 September 2000]

A wonderful example of what happens when a movie has been infused with a drastically insufficient supply of dramatic tension. The characters wander with apparent aimlessness through most of this visually lovely film, commenting on nothing in particular that we care about. None of the actors gives the slightest indication of being involved in the non-existent story; the child actors are particularly bland and read their lines as if from a cue card. Events transpire, but because of the dearth of tension, the film leaves the overwhelming impression that *nothing has happened.* And, indeed, nothing of importance has.

Delightful family comedy like they "used to make"

[Arty-4 · 9/10 · 17 July 1999]

I saw My Life So Far at a preview screening and loved it. It's a small, modest movie; don't go expecting "Saving Pvt Ryan." But for what it is it's wonderful--like escaping from a fetid city and diving into a clear cool lake.

It's one of those comedies of family life that both adults and (older) children can enjoy--the kind "they used to make." The ten-year-old narrator doesn't understand a lot of what he sees going on around him (mainly sex), but the audience does. Set in the Scottish highlands in the mid-thirties, it evokes the kind of idyllic life that vanished after the War--a large extended family living in a big ramshackle house on old family property with dogs, servants, neighbors and occasionally an unexpected visitor or two. There's not much story to the film; it's mainly about the rather eccentric characters who inhabit it, and the way they relate to each other.

The ensemble cast of British, French and American actors is perfect. Especially fine is Colin Firth, who plays the narrator's boyish, sexy and definitely oddball father. Every time I see this actor I marvel at how he manages to display so many conflicting emotions and thoughts while seeming never to move a muscle. And he's gorgeous to look upon, too. Rosemary Harris gives one of her typically fine performances as the boy's grandma, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio manages to do a great deal with rather little as the boy's mother. Malcolm McDowell is the wealthy uncle with the child bride (Irene Jacob) who is everything that Firth isn't. The tension between them is almost palpable and erupts into a fistfight before the film's end. My only reservation about the acting is with Robbie Norman as the kid; he is cute in a freckle-faced way but not very expressive (especially set beside Firth).

All in all, I give this film a 9. There's still something to be said for modesty, humor and charm. I wish there were more films like it.

Comments on the Film from a Colin Firth Fan

[moviefan-3 · 24 July 1999]

Beautiful music fills the theater, and a view of a lovely castle, the light all brown and gold, then a children's room, curtains drawn for nap time, or "rest time, " a Gamma calls it. Fraser hates rest time. He pulls his bed over to the window, parts the curtains, climbs out the window and starts out on his housetop journey - the journey that brings his father, resplendent in tennis white and cream bounding up the stairs, long legs moving fast. And ends with Dad barking like a dog, and little son barking back until he is safely swept up into Edward's arms and hoisted high on the roof for all to see.

It is a wonderful beginning to a family saga. It manages to tell us almost everything about the kind of child Fraser is, and the kind of father he has -- Almost everything, but not all.

In the course of the film we see that Edward Pettigrew is many things, an inventor of hair brained gadgets, an exuberant dad to his children, a lover to his wife, a trial to his mother-in-law, a fool to his brother-in-law, a kind employer to the house staff. But most of all, he is a man with the heart of a child. There are times when the child Fraser is more mature than Edward the dad.

I never felt the film was fragmented, because the central theme, Edward's lust for Heloise, held the movie together, and gave it shape. And he DID lust for her, did something to her in the sphagnum moss storage room, something unwanted, and aggressive enough to take her choker from her neck, leave them both with moss clinging to their hair -- something to cause us to hear one wild scream from Heliose.

Edward's jealousy of Fraser's friendship with the beautiful Frenchwoman is a child's jealousy. Edward tries to push Fraser to the side; he vies with his son for Heloise's attention, and by his boorish, childlike actions, he opens himself to her public ridicule of him at table.

Colin Firth has one of his best roles here. He allows us to see a man with so many warring degrees of character - kindness and cruelty, foolishness and intelligence. And the man is funny too. There is a scene where he attempts to tell the facts of life to Fraser that is priceless. A perfect place for the stammer.

For the Firth fans of us, he is rugged of face and the liquid brown eyes have never been more expressive. There is one particular scene where you could drown in them! He is trim of body, walks the walk all over the heather, wears clothes to die for. There is one suit that he wore for hunting that I loved - dark brown with knickers, and with the most fetching brown slouch hat. And that Scottish accent! Divine!

Best of all, is a scene in pajamas, alone by the fire, the light playing on his face, his head back, a bit of suprasternal notch showing. Sighs were heard all up and down our row.

Yes, I liked it. Everyone was excellent in it. I particularly loved Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio's sweet expressive face, and her singing voice is lovely. Robert Burns never sounded more haunting or romantic. McDowell was hard edged, not a likeable man, but one that loved his mother very much -- and his young wife. You could especially see that when Edward taunts him in the climatic scene. Young Fraser is a natural, and I thought his discoveries in his grandfather's attic, and his obsession with "sins of the flesh," very real for a bright ten year old in 1920 who was never told any of the things he really wanted to know. The Louie Armstrong/jazz/cigar/brandy snifter scene shown in the trailer becomes much sweeter and sadder when you see the film. There is an extra ingredient that makes it so.

I wanted to be a guest in that house where smokes billows from the lawn, the master rides around in tiny inflatable boats, or tank like vehicles, where lovers waltz in their nightclothes in the rain. Where eccentricity is treated with forbearance -- until Eve enters the scene and changes the family forever.

*************

Sex education is BORING!!!

[anthonycamilleri · 5/10 · 8 September 2000]

This movie leaves me at a loss for words...its contents are fit for a 30-minute TV soap rather than for a full-length movie.

It describes the summer of a boy living in a strange family...it has all the ingredients for a good movie but fails to develop them. A brief affair between the brother's wife and the other brother ought to have developed into a good movie but instead the movie focuses on the child's obsession with knowing 'everything about naked women'. The end result is a pathetic attempt at a quaint movie which is a waste of time and money to watch anywhere but on TV.

Utterly Charming

[ruthgee · 8/10 · 6 December 2003]

My husband and I just watched this beautifully performed movie. It is an old fashioned movie with wonderful scenery of the Highlands of Scotland. Of a life that is no more. Robert Norman as Fraser the little boy is perfect for the part. He is very curious and causes no end of trouble. This movie takes place after World War I and is based on the novel "Son of Adam" by Sir Denis Forman. It is a gentle movie and I highly recommend it to those people who want spend an hour and a half in a time that will not come back. Rosemary Harris as Gamma, as always, is perfect. ColinFirth as Edward the dreamer, inventor and father plays the part to perfection. Both Irene Jacob and May Elizabeth Mastrantonio are beautiful and a pleasure to watch. Do see it.

The true story of one of the founders of BBC/TV and Chairman of The Royal Opera House, when he was a child growing up in Scotland in 1920

[countryway_48864 · 10/10 · 25 April 2002]

This is one of the least know, but most charming films I have ever scene.seen.

Every child deserves to have a father like Edward Pettigrew (Firth). As Frazier describes his father, " Father is an inventer and a genius!!!"

The film begins with a toddler Frazier, disliking his rest time, decides to have an adventure by crawling around the roof of the family castle in Argyll, Scotland. Father climbs down the steep roof with a rope attached to his waist and rescues wee Frazier, all the while barking like a dog. Frazier, (who makes comments throughout the film), observes that at that time in his life, he and his father ONLY communicated in DOG, the language they both spoke best.

Naturally the film has a romantic and potentially explosively moment between Father and his brother-in-law's fiance- a 24 year old French muscian who is quite beautiful and charming. She is also very wise for her years and managed to defuse the situation before it blows up. Never-the-less, the wife, played beautifully by Mary Elizabeth Mastreontonio, finds out at a crucial moment in the film and those rock-solid marriage nearly ends at a most tragic time in young Frazier's life.

But father, being a genius, finds a way to heal the wounds caused by his split-second decision to give in to his baser instincts. The WAY he gets his wife to forgive him and laugh again is pure magic.

Colin Firth never looked so handsome. Not even his glorious Mr. Darcy is so appealing. This role gives him the opportunity to show all his sides. His glorious, looney sense of humor as well as his gift for drama without words. Here he is active, leaping into a freezing cold Locke, running up and down stairs, inventing things, saving his son, dancing with his wife. He gets to laugh and cry and be HUMAN.

For those who discovered Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, My Life So Far is the glorious update!

My Life So Far in DVD has a place on honor in my collection of over 500 DVD's and VHS' One of my favorites, and, I hope soon to be yours.

A gem

[spinbunny · 8/10 · 9 October 2004]

It is rare to see a sweet and lovely movie but this is one ... a great way to spend the afternoon. A nice family story, although with really young kids you might have to explain some of the things "Wee Fraser" discovers up in his Grampa's attic. (Should you find your attention wandering and this not being your kind of movie, just fast-forward to the dinner scene and the very final scene: those two scenes should go down in movie history as the most adorable ever made!

(A Family Dinners will never be the same when you consider a little bit of knowledge gets a little out of hand --- and maybe dad does know best!)

Enchantment in the Scottish Highlands

[jeand · 10/10 · 13 August 1999]

My Life So Far is a charming film, sweet without being syrupy, endearing but not bland, pointed yet not preachy. It is a gently meandering memoir of an idyllic age and place which probably never really was, but which we wish to believe existed once upon a time, populated by people we would be happy to know. Mostly, it is the joyous celebration of a devoted, loving, though imperfect, family, which not only survives its crises, but is, one feels, strengthened by them.

The cinematography is breathtaking, making the most of the lush landscape, the opulent sets and the expressive actors. The screenplay is filled with poignant moments, both humorous and dramatic, while the acting is quietly beautiful and detailed, from Rosemary Harris' superb Gamma to Robert Norman's refreshing 10-year old Fraser. Colin Firth's stunningly rich, yet understated, performance as Edward, the complex father, by turns madcap inventor, loving husband, hypocrite, fool and life-embracing dreamer is a wonder.

My Life So Far provides a delightfully rewarding escape from our rude, crude world to a paradise which, if not perfect, is perfectly enchanting.

Jazz is the work of the devil-"Edward Pettigrew"

[mimacdon4 · 26 December 2001]

I loved this period piece set in Scotland during the 40's. It is a coming of age story of Fraser Pettigrew.

Most of the story was told through Fraser's precocious eyes. Both he, and his father Edward, develop an infatuation with Malcolm McDowell's "exotic child bride"(Irene Jacobs). Fraser and his aunt share a sweet friendship;she turns him onto jazz, Louie Armstrong and the like.

His father Edward's (Colin Firth) love is unrequited and misplaced. He is a sympathetic character in the story until he develops this wandering eye. He is a hypocrite in that he wants to be pious and he wants & takes his sister-in-law and becomes the devil he warns Fraser of.

Edward Pettigrew's foolish fantasy is revealed at Gamma's funeral for all to see. His only redemption is the true love of Moira played by Mary Elizabeth Mastrianni, who forgives him for all his foibles.

Wonderful, dreamy story

[tango1 · 9/10 · 23 July 1999]

Caught this movie by accident at the local art theatre, the show I wanted to see was sold out. I really like Irene Jakob (she is so beautiful!) and decided to take a chance. Glad I did!

This is a dreamy, out of sequence kind of film.. you have to be patient to finally "get it", the truth not being really revealed fully until the end. Redgrave is amazing as a bohemian, artsy type, and the cinematography is quite beautiful (Dover especially).... intriguing story line. Definitely a good Sat eve rental!

It's a breath of fresh air!

[Casey-56 · 3 August 1999]

I hardly heard a word about this movie before I saw it. That's a shame because it certainly has much to offer. If you're into high budget, heavily-hyped, glitzy movies loaded with Julia Roberts, space aliens, laser swords, computerized sharks, haunted houses or naked Nicole, this one is not for you. It's classy, charming, understated and you have to be in the right frame of mind in order to enjoy it properly.

The story is told through the eyes of a ten year-old. Bearing this in mind, the plot disconnects and occasional odd characters suddenly make sense--about as much sense as anything can make when you're ten.

The film has in evidence, even to an amatuer, very high production values. The cinematography is stunning--the Scottish countryside is the perfect antidote to urban heat and humidity. The script is witty and downright hilarious at times. However, the film's best feature is its actors, particularly Colin Firth. He portrays a father figure you can hate one moment and love the next with astonishing realism. A less talented actor might have overdone Edward's eccentric nature, rendering the character unbelievable in serious moments. There is great chemistry between Firth and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Both communicate more with their eyes than with words.

A less talented cast would have turned this movie into just another coming-of-age story. If you're interested in a polished, well-acted memoir with the right blend of comedy and serious moments, this movie is for you. You'll leave the theater satisfied instead of wondering why you wasted your money on yet another overpromoted, overdone Hollywood product.

Low key charm

[footzie · 9/10 · 1 August 1999]

My Life So Far, is a very gentle film and a likeable one.

Its story comes from a time that will never again be seen. Set in pre-WW II Scotland, it tells of a large family's relationship with each other and with the beloved estate upon which they live. It moves leisurely from scene to scene, spinning a story that is propelled by a logical flow of occurrences. There are no wrenching emotional peaks. There is conflict, but civilized behavior wins the day.

The actors are without flaw. Every role is cast as it should be. Seeing it, is as comforting as a delicious cup of hot chocolate on a 10 degree day.

The last scene is worth watching the entire movie

[arizonapeanut · 8/10 · 12 August 2003]

I thought this was a very sweet, subtle, good movie. There were a few scenes that had me laughing my arse off. I usually like Colin Firth in movies, and this was no exception. I liked how they really told the story from Fraser's POV, but that it still conveyed the complexity of the adults around him. How the father and son communicate by barking was adorable, and the last scene is worth watching this movie.