The Bookshop (2017)

Powerful

Absolutely Fantastic

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Firstly I've got to say what a great cast this film has, from Bill Nighy as the curmudgeonly old bookworm, to Emily Mortimer as the ever hopeful would-be bookshop owner. The story though, is an absolute letdown. From the moment it begins you know exactly how it's going to end. It's also flat, without tempo or any semblance of cadence. It's like watching Waiting for Godot when somebody has already told you that (spoiler alert) Godot's not coming. It is both unoriginal and uneventful, with an ending that left most of the audience in the cinema murmuring 'oh' and 'is that it?' I really can't recommend it.

If you're into 'action movies" then forget about "The Bookshop" but if you're into dialogue and reading then you'll enjoy this fine movie. The characters are quite unique and enjoyable but it is undeniably slow. For all that, it's most enjoyable - especially for Irish people who will enjoy the shots of Strangford / Portaferry. This movie has lots going for it. Emily Mortimer has lots going for her in the lead role of Florence. Bill Nighy and Patrica Clarkson are excellent in their supporting roles. James Lance (whom I loved on "Alan Partridge") is great as the disreputable local knob. Honor Kneafsey is excellent as the 13-year-old child friend of Florence who was working in her bookshop.I was waiting for the classic happy ending but (beware of spoiler!) it's not here. It is the classic story of the new woman taking on them local, small-town establishment and how it's hard to fight against wealth and high-level networking.Altogether, an enjoyable (if slow-moving) movie. Book Club members will enjoy it.

The veteran actors and picturesque setting were not quite enough to make up for the weak plot in this period drama. Emily Mortimer plays a widow who opens a bookshop in a derelict house in a tranquil English village. She is opposed by an aristocratic snob played by Patricia Clarkson who decides that the town would be better served if the house were to be used as an arts center. Bill Nighy plays the literature-living recluse who comes to Mortimer's aid when the battle lines have been drawn. Mortimer, Nighy, and Clarkson were a joy to watch, but they didn't have much to work with. I left the cinema disappointed that the movie had only scratched the surface of what could have been a meaty portrayal of courage and determination in the face of societal prejudice.

I wanted to like this film, I really did. Its nicely set, the costumes and the feeling of the time and place are quite accurate. The story is ok. Its just so very flat a film. I don't mind slowly paced films, but to make up for the lack of pace they need to be charming, or witty, or nuanced.....or at the very least original. All through this film I thought of Chocolat. Similar premise in both, but Chocolat is better scripted, acted and directed. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with The Bookshop, it just underwhelms. Maybe I should have watched it on a lazy Sunday afternoon, it passes the time harmlessly. A bit like a BBC period drama.