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The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

(27 Posts)
Witzend Sat 15-Apr-23 18:27:37

According to the poster at the bus stop, it won’t be released until 28th April, but since the main characters are played by Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton, it’s going to be a must-see for me.

granfromafar Sat 15-Apr-23 18:34:47

I'm looking forward to seeing it too, having enjoyed the book. Love all Rachel Joyce books in fact.

TerriBull Sat 15-Apr-23 19:36:49

I read the book quite a while ago, I think Jim Broadbent will do justice to the role. Should be worth watching.

silverlining48 Sat 15-Apr-23 19:37:47

Enjoyed the book too,

BlueSapphire Sat 15-Apr-23 20:03:09

Read the book a few years back and have booked to see the film in a couple of weeks.

Forestflame Sun 30-Apr-23 00:22:46

Saw it on Friday. I found parts of it very poignant

downtoearth Sun 30-Apr-23 07:32:52

I enjoyed the book and also the sequel of Queenie Hennesy waiting for Harold before she died lovely books.
Not sure if film here at the moment,might have to wait for netflix as I am 5 days post THR and not keen on public transport at the moment.

Bridie22 Sun 30-Apr-23 07:48:27

I enjoyed the book, looking forward to seeing it on Thursday.

Riverwalk Sun 30-Apr-23 08:15:18

I'm going to see this tomorrow! I haven't read the book.

dte good luck with the new hip - I hope your recovery is going well smile 🏃🏽‍♀️

Primrose53 Sun 30-Apr-23 09:37:34

I’m a bit confused …… I saw a very similar film a while back about a man who travelled by bus from John O Groats to Lands End. I enjoyed that but this seems rather alike.

Primrose53 Sun 30-Apr-23 09:39:15

The Last Bus starring Timothy Spall. Very good.

Shelflife Sun 30-Apr-23 10:15:42

A must to read ! Looking forward to seeing the film .

DamaskRose Sun 30-Apr-23 10:22:36

I read the book some time ago and enjoyed it. I think Jim Broadbent will be great (as always) in the role even if he isn’t how I pictured Harold!
I hadn’t heard of The Last Bus, Primrose53, so thanks for that. I love Timothy Spall.

Primrose53 Mon 01-May-23 20:35:25

Just back from seeing The Unlikely Pilgrimage and I so wanted to like it but it isn’t a patch on The Last Bus. In fact I would go as far as saying it is a direct copy right down to the main character meeting someone who takes his photo and shares it on social media making him a star!!

Not quite sure why Harold doesn’t just go by train, bus or coach to Berwick Upon Tweed from Devon if his friend Queenie is at death’s door in a hospice. Surely you would want to get there asap rather than spending months tramping through the country.

Sadly only 2/10 from me.

Doodledog Mon 01-May-23 20:45:38

We've got tickets for Wednesday.

CanadianGran Mon 01-May-23 21:14:38

I just watched the trailer and had tears in my eyes. It seems well casted. I think I would like to read the book again just before seeing the movie to refresh my memory.

NanaDana Tue 02-May-23 06:39:38

Thoroughly enjoyed the book, and as the film has two of my favourite actors in it, I shall definitely be watching.

Calendargirl Tue 02-May-23 06:42:01

I’m afraid the title puts me off either the film or the book.

Riverwalk Tue 02-May-23 07:24:21

I went yesterday and really enjoyed it - it's a typical feel good, nostalgic, funny, poignant film, along the lines of The Duke, A Man Called Otto, etc. Of course Broadbent and Wilton are brilliant and it's beautifully filmed and atmospheric.

Primrose the reason he walks is because after speaking to the girl in the petrol station he gets it into his head that all that's needed is faith (faith with a small f) and all will be well... if he has faith that he can walk all that way although he never walks anywhere other than to his car, and Queenie can survive if she has faith that she can do it. I didn't read the book but that's how I understood it.

So it's a thumbs-up from me smile

Iam64 Tue 02-May-23 07:53:23

I heard Jim Broadbent interviewed about the film. He sounds a lovely man as well as being a great actor. Read the book and enjoyed it. Looking forward to seeing the film.

Freya5 Tue 02-May-23 08:37:39

Definitely one for me.

Gingerrice Tue 02-May-23 09:07:19

Interestingly the book that this film was made from was published in 2012 and the film the Last Bus came out in 2021 I think so it seems unlikely to be a " copy" - just coincidental that themes are similar . And as the title proclaims its "Unlikely " but a beautifully poignant film nonetheless.Though perhaps not for everyone....

Doodledog Thu 04-May-23 18:44:04

I saw it yesterday. I quite enjoyed it, but thought that the religious symbolism was massively overdone, and the basic premise was flawed. Had I been Queen, I wouldn't want to be 'kept alive' in pain and in a very austere room for an extra 62 days, or whatever it was.

The relationship between Harold and David was never explained, which was a shame - I don't think there is a need for complete resolution of things like guilt, but there could have been more of a clue as to what went wrong.

It was well acted, and I liked the low-key treatment of English towns. It passed an afternoon, but I wouldn't rush to see it again.

Bridie22 Thu 04-May-23 19:27:58

Loved the book, found the film today quite emotional, I enjoyed it , brilliant acting...take tissues 👍

Dottynan Fri 05-May-23 12:39:16

My husband and I both thoroughly enjoyed it