Our film for discussion this month was The Duke.
The Duke stars Jim Broadbent as Kempton Bunton and Helen Mirren as Dorothy Bunton. In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60 year old taxi driver, steals Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. He is on a mission to remove BBC television licences for aged pensioners and returned servicemen. What happened next became the stuff of legend, with an interesting twist towards the end.
Performances were excellent. Many people who have seen the film did not realise Dorothy Bunton was played by Helen Mirren – a indication of a great actor. There were several smaller parts, all going to show Kempton’s character as he tried to help the underprivileged. The cinematography incorporated some split screen work that showed Kempton’s visit to parts of London to attempt to have some writing published and to lobby the government on his cause. There were some court scenes that were particularly noteworthy and humorous.
An uplifting true story about a good man who set out to change the world and managed to save his marriage. This was enjoyable, funny and heart-warming. Ratings of the film varied from 4/5 to 5/5.
Other films screened at BPACC during April/May were predominantly animated films as the period included school holidays. These films are fun to watch and have valuable messages for both the children and adults. For example:
Sonic the Hedgehog 2: theme – you will find your time to use your talents
Rabbit Academy: theme – trust; not just “I”
The Bad Guys: theme – there is some good in everyone (perhaps)
The Duke stars Jim Broadbent as Kempton Bunton and Helen Mirren as Dorothy Bunton. In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60 year old taxi driver, steals Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. He is on a mission to remove BBC television licences for aged pensioners and returned servicemen. What happened next became the stuff of legend, with an interesting twist towards the end.
Performances were excellent. Many people who have seen the film did not realise Dorothy Bunton was played by Helen Mirren – a indication of a great actor. There were several smaller parts, all going to show Kempton’s character as he tried to help the underprivileged. The cinematography incorporated some split screen work that showed Kempton’s visit to parts of London to attempt to have some writing published and to lobby the government on his cause. There were some court scenes that were particularly noteworthy and humorous.
An uplifting true story about a good man who set out to change the world and managed to save his marriage. This was enjoyable, funny and heart-warming. Ratings of the film varied from 4/5 to 5/5.
Other films screened at BPACC during April/May were predominantly animated films as the period included school holidays. These films are fun to watch and have valuable messages for both the children and adults. For example:
Sonic the Hedgehog 2: theme – you will find your time to use your talents
Rabbit Academy: theme – trust; not just “I”
The Bad Guys: theme – there is some good in everyone (perhaps)
Our next film is on 8 June. For those who have been hanging out for the next Downton Abbey film, Downton Abbey: A New Era is screening from 26 May and will be our film for discussion at the class.
Joy Shirley
Joy Shirley
