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6

jeremypApr 26, 2017

As a transplanted Brit I grew up on WW2 films where the English defeated the Nazis. This film goes inside the making of one such film (albeit fictional) and I'm afraid I found it all quite underwhelming. Bill Nighy can't save this one andAs a transplanted Brit I grew up on WW2 films where the English defeated the Nazis. This film goes inside the making of one such film (albeit fictional) and I'm afraid I found it all quite underwhelming. Bill Nighy can't save this one and neither can the supporting cast. Make it for TV but don't put this kind of tepid fare on the big screen. It's good to see an attempt to look inside the making of a film but I'm afraid the film they are looking at isn't really worth looking inside of. Add to this our heroine gets knocked down to her knees one to many times, and in the end her final disaster seems too contrived and comes so quickly it doesn't really come across as life changing.… Expand

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6

TVJerryMay 4, 2017

The British film industry continued during World War II with a focus was on boosting morale and promoting the war effort. Gemma Arterton plays an eager young woman who falls into a scriptwriting job. We follow her experience, including theThe British film industry continued during World War II with a focus was on boosting morale and promoting the war effort. Gemma Arterton plays an eager young woman who falls into a scriptwriting job. We follow her experience, including the uncertain relationship with another young writer (Sam Claflin). At one point, the American producing partners suggest the picture needs more punch. The creators of THIS film could have profited from that advice. The pace never varies…even the dramatic moments and bombings are happen with an underplayed approach. Ultimately, this often makes it rather dull. There are interesting glimpses at period movie production, Bill Nighy's arrogant actor provides some humorous moments and it's a sweet story. A bit more drama and variety would have given it more appeal.… Expand

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8

BHBarryApr 13, 2017

“Their Finest” is a film about life in wartime England and how the country’s Ministry of War sought to produce a film for its audiences at home and overseas in order to draw reluctant allies into World War II. Beautifully acted by Gemma“Their Finest” is a film about life in wartime England and how the country’s Ministry of War sought to produce a film for its audiences at home and overseas in order to draw reluctant allies into World War II. Beautifully acted by Gemma Arterton and Sam Clafin and ably supported by the ever loveable Bill Nighy, the film was adapted for the screen by Gabby Chiappe from the novel by Lissa Evans. Nicely directed by Lone Scherfig (“An Education”, “Italian for Beginners”), the production values in the film are modest to say the least but nevertheless portray the efforts of the filmmakers within the film to achieve their propaganda goal and in the course of it, bring humor and sadness in unique combination as the umbrella of the blitz looms over every scene and occurrence. This is not a great film by any means but it does communicate the British grit as Londoners seek to persevere and survive a difficult time in the mid 1940’s and beyond. I give the film an 8 with special recognition to Ms. Arterton and Mr Nighy who, each in his and her own way, gave it “their finest”.… Expand

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3

GreatMartinApr 19, 2017

Sitting and watching “Their Finest” I wondered if it worth 120 minutes of your time to go behind the scenes to see how propaganda films were made in Britain during WW2? What about seeing a consummate performance by Bill Nighy as a previouslySitting and watching “Their Finest” I wondered if it worth 120 minutes of your time to go behind the scenes to see how propaganda films were made in Britain during WW2? What about seeing a consummate performance by Bill Nighy as a previously lead actor now older and made to play supporting roles? What about a supporting cast of top rate British actors whose name you might not know or even possibly their faces? Or would you be interested in seeing how women were treated in the 1940s even when the country were short of men who were off to war?

On the other hand are you willing to spend 100 minutes of those 120 sitting through a very slow moving movie where nothing really happens except for a scene now and then between Nighy and Eddie Marsan, the latter playing his agent, which is almost stolen from the latter’s dog? Is it worth trying to decipher very heavy British accents just to get a look on Nighy’s face when he discovers he will be playing a man way past his prime? (A definite yes to that scene!)

There is a somewhat love story that offers little interest, between Gemma Arterton and Jack Huston that becomes a triangle when Sam Claflin, as her co-worker, enters the picture. Also Rachael Stirling as a sort of Ann Southern/EveArden type of second banana offers some humor, and questions, as a member of the Ministry of Information division. Jeremy Irons has a cameo and Jack Lacy plays an American war hero who has to be, I hope on purpose, one of the worst actors ever!

Is it worth sitting through 120 minutes of “Their Finest” to see Bill Nighy? No, just look at the trailer and get an idea of how he elevates the movie just from his quick scenes here.… Expand

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8

DanibernsApr 25, 2020

I laughed and I cried. Good acting all around! Bill Nighy and Gemma Arterton are fantastic. Also nice music score!

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6

DirigiblePulpSep 28, 2017

A nice movie, with a few laughs provided by the always welcome Bill Nighy, that fits in as a nice companion piece to 2017's Year of the Dunkirk Remembrance. This film suffers from what amounts to a cop out - it's a feel good piece of cakeA nice movie, with a few laughs provided by the always welcome Bill Nighy, that fits in as a nice companion piece to 2017's Year of the Dunkirk Remembrance. This film suffers from what amounts to a cop out - it's a feel good piece of cake that then decides it doesn't want to be that and spits in your face for what amounts to no discernible reason.… Expand

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7

SpangleApr 22, 2017

Their Finest is British comedy at its finest, even if its mostly British cast is directed by Danish director Lone Scherfig. Set in 1940, Their Finest focuses on the efforts of the British Ministry of Information to make a film about the warTheir Finest is British comedy at its finest, even if its mostly British cast is directed by Danish director Lone Scherfig. Set in 1940, Their Finest focuses on the efforts of the British Ministry of Information to make a film about the war that is both authentic and optimistic. They did not want to beat around the bush of how horrible things could be, but wanted to show that their boys could overcome these challenges, thereby creating confidence and support for the war. In the midst of this production process, Scherfig's film often mirrors the effort to be "authentic and optimistic", but not just for the war. Rather, about women's roles in society and their ability to be everything a man can be and possibly even do it better than their male counterparts. Featuring an excellent cast, Their Finest is an terribly funny film that is not afraid to show the carnage of 1940s London during the air raids and the problems faced by women in workforce.

Focused on Catrin Cole (Gemma Arterton), Their Finest shows her various problems. Her boyfriend/husband Ellis (Jack Huston) does not respect her and takes it as a personal affront when she gets a job as the writer of female lines for that aforementioned war film. The government pays her less than men because there is no way they could pay her as much as a man. Main writer Tom Buckley (Sam Claflin) admits they need a female writer to write the "slop" aka female dialogue. As with many men of the time period, he clearly does not value what a woman could bring, also denigrating Phyl Moore (Rachael Stirling) for being, what he thinks, a "Ministry spy" who reports on the ongoing writing process. Actor Ambrose Hilliard (Bill Nighy) thinks she is an adoring fan when she first tries to give him notes on a scene. Yet, by the end of the film, everybody recognizes something: she has a unique voice and must be heard. She is a woman, yes, but she is capable of writing a great film just like any man could. Her tireless efforts are what turned their film, "The Nancy Starling" into not just great propaganda, but a film that captured what the war meant. From showing older people lose their grandsons after losing sons in the first war to men trying to be heroes and to women trying to help any way they reasonably can despite the obstacles put in their way, her film is an embodiment of the British spirit at the time and showcases her skills as a screenwriter.

While its feminist themes may be a little on-the-nose, Scherfig nimbly weaves them into this wartime tale with a plot that often follows the same beats as the one that Catlin is writing for the government. As a result, however, her film touches on the same themes. In depicting the struggles of women throughout history and of a wartorn Britain, Their Finest spares no punches. We see men get blown up. People lose loved ones constantly in this film. Yet, together, it is possible to rise above. It is tragic and you can of course grieve their loss, but it does not define you and it can be something to grow and overcome down the line. No matter the obstacles before you, through unity and individual strength, everything can be overcome. In essence, the film is "authentic and optimistic."

To accent these moments of heavy-hitting drama, Scherfig capably inserts plenty of comedy that hits all the right notes. Never forced and always naturally introduced, the film relies upon the charisma of its actors to make its quick jokes really come off, especially Bill Nighy. Turning in a masterful performance as a self-absorbed veteran actor who sees it as his duty to act in the place of the young men who are at war, Nighy is not just a master of the dramatic moments, but makes the comedy really click due to great delivery. While the film does not always meet its aspirations of being a modern screwball comedy, Nighy is one character who really demonstrates a capability in screwball comedy with zippy dialogue that finds comedy in otherwise mundane comments.

Perhaps one of the film's more divisive moments could be its insistence on including elements of production and writing the movie the film is about, which could be seen as too manipulative at trying to get movie lovers interested in the film. Yet, while a bit manipulative, it works entirely. Their Finest is practically porn for movie lovers. Showing the writing process between Catlin and Tom, the on-location sequences at Dunkirk with some great jokes and dramatic moments for Nighy during the shooting, and the studio sequences, Their Finest walks you from conception to release and it is always captivating. The changes the film takes, how it willfully plays with reality to tell a better story, and how it all comes together in the end after heavy editing to pander to various audiences, Their Finest is a modern day take on Hollywood and the production process that really hits all the right notes. I love films about Hollywood and making movies with Their Finest being no exception.… Expand

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6

LeZeeSep 26, 2017

The war and the cinema!

The film was based on the book and about filmmaking, particularly screen writing. Fictional comedy-drama that is set in London in 1940. While the war tearing apart the nation, some people are not disturbed by it. TheyThe war and the cinema!

The film was based on the book and about filmmaking, particularly screen writing. Fictional comedy-drama that is set in London in 1940. While the war tearing apart the nation, some people are not disturbed by it. They are going ahead with their film projects, especially war themed to boost the people's confidence. That's when the new arrival, Mrs. Cole, begins her career as a writer. So her experience working with the scripts, meeting the real people whose story are getting adapted and her gloomy romance, everything lets us know.

A nice film and a little different than the majority of the film that came this year. The focus was good. I mean while bombs falling from the sky, all this tale concentrated was film business. Something like 'Argo', but given less preference to the war, except its consequences which diverted their plan in some scenario. So there were many small-small twist and turns. It also gets emotional at one stage. A well written and directed film similar to what the film characters did their best in the story.

Gemma was good, but Claflin was totally different, in a good way. As much as I enjoyed, I also thought it should have been even better. Because thematically it was not for everyone. I mean the world war was a good idea, but the filmmaking was not like you are usually familiar with. Besides, it was not a laughing out loud comedy. Between the seriousness of war and fun around making films, the combination was rare and well worked out. Those who love pre 50s, 40s settings in a film would enjoy it for sure. Especially if they like films about films.

6/10… Expand

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7

GinaKMay 2, 2017

Short-sighted and uneven, Their Finest is still a fun film. It is beautifully acted and the plot twists and turns, although sometimes predictable, are enough to keep you interested. The feminist message gets lost and ends up asShort-sighted and uneven, Their Finest is still a fun film. It is beautifully acted and the plot twists and turns, although sometimes predictable, are enough to keep you interested. The feminist message gets lost and ends up as good-old-British spunk, but I tended to forgive what my head objected to since the film was so enjoyable. This is not the kind of film that wins awards, but you can spend a pleasant afternoon or evening watching it.… Expand

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7

Brent_MarchantApr 23, 2017

While somewhat episodic, somewhat formulaic and somewhat melodramatic, this depiction of an unlikely screenwriter recruited to work in the film division of the British Ministry of Information during World War II nevertheless presents aWhile somewhat episodic, somewhat formulaic and somewhat melodramatic, this depiction of an unlikely screenwriter recruited to work in the film division of the British Ministry of Information during World War II nevertheless presents a modestly entertaining and informative look at how the movies were called into service to bolster the country's pro-combat propaganda efforts both at home and abroad during the early days of the conflict. The picture capably captures the look and feel of the period, especially in its graphic (but not gratuitous) portrayal of the London bombings and just how devastating they were to life and property. Far from perfect to be sure but a good way to spend a few hours at the cinema nonetheless.… Expand

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4

qJul 28, 2017

"Their Finest" plods along, often hampered greatly by the fact that so much of the dialogue is lost because of either British accents or inarticulate delivery by the actors. I learned more about the plot from reading movie reviews than I did"Their Finest" plods along, often hampered greatly by the fact that so much of the dialogue is lost because of either British accents or inarticulate delivery by the actors. I learned more about the plot from reading movie reviews than I did from watching the movie itself. Even without being able to understand many of the lines in the screenplay, I was able to predict rather early on in the movie that the initially cranky scriptwriter would eventually fall in love with the female colleague he initially rejected. Once again, I am mystified by the evaluations of this movie made by professional movie critics. Many seemed to regard this movie as a triumph. I regarded this movie as a mildly interesting period piece that began to seem interminable as it lumbered on toward its conclusion.… Expand

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