The Phantom of the Open

Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: June 3, 2022

7.3	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 15 Ratings

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Brent_MarchantJun 12, 2022

When it comes to those who've achieved celebrity cult status for their magnificent failures, the names of filmmaker Ed Wood and British ski jumper Eddie the Eagle readily come to mind. And now, thanks to director Craig Roberts's hilarious newWhen it comes to those who've achieved celebrity cult status for their magnificent failures, the names of filmmaker Ed Wood and British ski jumper Eddie the Eagle readily come to mind. And now, thanks to director Craig Roberts's hilarious new fact-based comedy, we can add golfer Maurice Flitcroft to that list. This story of how a middle-aged crane operator in an English shipyard stumbled his way into competing in the 1976 prestigious British Open Golf Tournament as a rank amateur epitomizes the notion of "Never say die." His record-breaking performance for the highest score ever attained in a qualifying round for the competition earned him a brand of off-hand notoriety that catapulted him to the top of the sports pages at the time and made him a surprise living legend. And, through it all, he managed to hold on to his soft-spoken, unassuming attitude, maintaining always that it's better to try and fail than to never try at all. This sweet, charming, whimsically funny tale delights from start to finish, especially in the picture's second half, in large part thanks to the fine performances of protagonist Mark Rylance and Sally Hawkins as Flitcroft's loving spouse. What's more, there's no need to worry about a lack of knowledge about golf, as this is more of a story about a determined underdog who just happens to be a golfer than one requiring an intimate familiarity with the particulars of the sport. Admittedly, this offering could be a little better paced in the opening hour, the overdone soundtrack could stand to be toned down somewhat, and several fantasy sequences and transition bridges could have been handled more effectively, but those are small criticisms in light of everything else that the picture gets right. Indeed, how refreshing it is for this year's summer movie season to finally produce something truly worth seeing! So tee up and give this one a shot -- you won't regret it.… Expand

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Mauro_LanariSep 20, 2022

(Mauro Lanari)
Pretty cute, although I think a feel-good movie based on a true story is an oxymoron. Reality does not provide happy endings or cheerful journeys, so a crowd-pleasing entertainment can only come from a fiction, a fable or a(Mauro Lanari)
Pretty cute, although I think a feel-good movie based on a true story is an oxymoron. Reality does not provide happy endings or cheerful journeys, so a crowd-pleasing entertainment can only come from a fiction, a fable or a true event but treated in a fairy tale key.… Expand

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DawdlingPoetNov 21, 2022

This is quite an amusing true story. I thought it was, while certainly cheesy, somewhat uplifting and charming. Its got the feel of a Sunday evening film, or Sunday evening viewing about it but not in a bad way. I liked that there were someThis is quite an amusing true story. I thought it was, while certainly cheesy, somewhat uplifting and charming. Its got the feel of a Sunday evening film, or Sunday evening viewing about it but not in a bad way. I liked that there were some surprising plot twists and I liked that the rest of the story, what happened, was explained on screen via library/archive footage and text on screen, shortly before the credits - I always appreciate that. The cast do a good job - Sally Hawkins is as good as ever and I enjoyed seeing Maurice's sons go for their dream as disco dancers.

I would recommend this film, yes - its a nice, easy, relaxing watch. If I had to compare it to another similar film, I'd probably compare it to 'Eddie the Eagle' - also an amusing and heartwarming yet true story thats sports related and British!.… Expand

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liamexeSep 16, 2022

Normally, I attempt to steer readers away from silly movies in my reviews, but this one does the exact opposite! Do not miss this film! It's a fantastic, heartwarming tale with genuine British humour. Take a seat and let this humorous andNormally, I attempt to steer readers away from silly movies in my reviews, but this one does the exact opposite! Do not miss this film! It's a fantastic, heartwarming tale with genuine British humour. Take a seat and let this humorous and comforting treat touch you. With his Northern English accent, Mark Ryland is excellent. We ought to everybody be able to fulfil our dreams with such ease!… Expand

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GDsReviewsJul 8, 2022

Excellent, charming, hilarious, and emotional movie about one of the most ridiculous stories in golfing history.

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alanpotter17Apr 4, 2023

Um filme verdadeiramente inocente que tenta passar uma mensagem de otimismo, usando como pano de fundo a vida de Maurice Flitcroft (Mark Rylance), um inocente senhor que se encanta com o golfe e consegue, dadas aas relações familiares,Um filme verdadeiramente inocente que tenta passar uma mensagem de otimismo, usando como pano de fundo a vida de Maurice Flitcroft (Mark Rylance), um inocente senhor que se encanta com o golfe e consegue, dadas aas relações familiares, participar do Open e entrar para a história com os piores marcos.
Já deixa de ser notória a escolha de provocar um esporte considerado de classe alta, como se fosse um contraponto ao esporte de massa. assim, o roteiro é conduzido pela inocência do homem, e não como uma provocação. Não sei ao certo o que ocorrera de fato, mas pelo menos na tela funciona muito bem, e também há uma dose de lirismo (a cena em que ele sobe uma escada onírica, mostrando sua instantânea paixão pelo esporte é linda demais).
Sua relação com a esposa e com os filhos é dos raros episódios que acrescenta mais do que atrapalha a obra, pois com isso conseguimos sentir a dimensão entre o fazer o que se gosta e o fazer correto engessado.
Depois da primeira parte, o filme decai um pouco o tom no lirismo e vai se tornando um tanto monótono, o lado bom é que, por não ser um filme pretencioso, não cometeu excessos, mas também nada memorável. O discurso final é lindo demais, e a retomada da família não ficou piegas, mesmo com a trilha forçada.
Ainda assim, não é tão subversivo assim. Flitcroft precisou de alguma dose de aprovação social, e em tempos de mídias banalizando os trabalhos mal feitos, não é de se espantar que surja um novo Flitcroft. Ao menos passa uma mensagem irônica quando o roteiro faz questão dele repetir que o segredo está no treino constante, quando na verdade sabemos que não há segredo, é uma dose alta de dedicação e treino, claro, mas também com habilidades, sorte, vontade etc.
O filme está longe de abraçar uma moralidade típica de filmes de esportistas tradicionais, mas como dito, também está longe de soar subversivo. Ele precisou dos holofotes da imprensa para ter validado seu momento, e a áurea clean quase dá um tom natalino à película, carregada de aplausos alheios.
Ainda bem que os personagens foram bem trabalhados, simpáticos o bastante para realçar a inocência (se é mesmo que na vida real foi assim). Mas de todo o modo, uma história muito gostosa de acompanhar que passa o recado correto de que às vezes não precisamos nos levar tão a sério assim.… Expand

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