Borgarkeri A bit overrated, but still an amazing film

Chirphymium It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

filippaberry84 I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Phillipa Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

simontlarsen I am clearly missing this great comedy that all the other reviewers have seen. I was quite looking forward to this movie and normally enjoy the quirky British comedies but this is a huge disappointment. The basic idea of a movie about the food rationing times in the period after World War 2 is good but it is steeply downhill from thereon. The movie has no real story going for it and it is simply not funny at all. The performances all round are pretty average. The only bright side I can think of about this movie is the mother in law. She is a brilliant character and very well played. But that doesn't make up for one of the most boring and pointless movies I have seen for a long time. How could this be nominated for a BAFTA for best movie??

taita Why do I love this movie sooooo much. Because it is one of the most delightful movies ever made. From the opening shots of Dame Maggie Smith and her aged mother (Liz Smith) jostling for space on the Wurlitzer seat to the closing shots of Michael Palin and Richard Griffiths looking sadly at Betty on the platter this is a movie where every scene has something new. The contents of Michael Palin's lunch box, Richard Griffiths popping his little trotter over the edge of the chair to get a chocolate for Betty, Liz Smith checking her nightgown for malodorous fumes, Bill Paterson and his wonderful artistry with green paint ( don't miss this line its great), Michael Palin's overt Pythonesque chiropodist sign, and Liz Smiths startled look watching him clean it, these are just a taste of the subtle visual and aural moments that make this movie magic (moments that obviously went completely over the head of a previous reviewer). Alan Bennetts plot is original and actually believable, as snobbery of all kinds can be found alive and well in any nation in the world at any time, and Denholm Elliot and Dame Maggie Smith would have to be crowned the King and Queen of snobbery for their efforts in this. Many people read some books over and over This is a movie I watch over and over. I have this movie on Video and I shall definitely be buying it on DVD as well

spompermayer A very amusing tale (or tail) about a man, a woman and a pig! Great portrayals by Dame Maggie Smith, Michael Palin, and Denholm Elliot as the snooty doctor. Maggie's best lines are in reference to her senile mother: "...She's 74 and it's past her bedtime!"

Howard (howard-45) Life after WWII was bleak in England. Rationing was hitting hard, but spirits were lifted by the forthcoming royal marriage of Elizabeth and Philip. This slice of village life takes a poke at stiff England and the trials and tribulations of getting a slap up feast on the table for the local VIPs to celebrate the marriage. Michael Palin is the wimp, and marvellous Maggie Smith is the "trousers" in the relationship. Lots of lovely one-liners to treasure.