84 Charing Cross Road (1986)

84 Charing the Best

84 Charing Cross Road is a wonderful movie. Set in time when people actually wrote letters and developed relationships, with out "hooking up"! Delightful to see the characters younger than now, but yet very talented. Worth watching many times... - Donna September 18, 2008

A Memorable Classic

We begin with a true story that's compelling exactly as it is, let the screenplay tell it in the best way possible, and bring in some top-notch acting talent to bring it to life. This is the result, a film that you will love, remember long after it's over, and be thrilled that you own on DVD so you can watch it again and again. And you will. Get it! August 4, 2008

About People

This is a charming account of a long distance relationship built up over a number of years generated by a love of books. I love books and movies about people who are 4 dimensional, not just characters. The actors are also favorites of mine. Anne Bancroft, Sir Anthony Hopkins, and Dame Judi Dench as well as the supporting cast make the characters very real and the viewer cares about them. I wonder how many of us when we're involved in conducting some kind of business through the mail, over the phone or the Internet think about the person at the other end of the line or connection. That person may have a wife/husband, children, may be caring for elderly parents or suffering from some chronic disability. They, too, are human beings deserving of respect and concern. They are not just voices or dictators of a piece of mail. July 9, 2008

A charming story to warm the cockles of any bibliophile's or Anglophile's heart!

I had never heard of Helene Hanff until about two years ago when I chanced upon this little gem of a movie that has stayed with me ever since. I have watched this movie often since then, and find delight in it every single time. Also, I have read Helene Hanff's book of the same title, and it makes for a wonderful read indeed.

84 Charing Cross Road is a love story of sorts - of two people brought together [though they live on separate continents] by their love of books, it is also a love of the old-fashioned way of correspondence, through letters, and a love of the written word. It also heavily alludes to a strong affection felt by the two leads for each other - Helene Hanff as portrayed by the wonderful Anne Bancroft [aka Mrs Robinson of The Graduate], and Frank Doel, the manager of the London bookstore at 84 Charing Cross Road [played by well-known thespian Sir Anthony Hopkins, a much younger Hopkins at that].

The story focuses on these two characters who lead different lives on different continents - one in NY and the other in London, yet who share a mutual love for books and the written word. Ms Hanff, a struggling writer finds it difficult to obtain obscure works of English literature in New York ['doesn't anyone read English Literature in New York?] and decides to send out a plea for help to an English bookstore, Marks and Co.. Frank Doel, the manager of the store seems delighted by the request and obliges Ms Hanff with a few volumes as requested, and thus begins a wonderful friendship that lasts almost 20 years.

What I loved about this movie was the contrast between the two leads - the New Yorker with an acerbic wit who is always very vocal, and the mild-mannered English gentleman. This is done with such finesse that you don't feel like its a cliche at all - thanks in large part to the wonderful 'chemistry' between the two leads, and their acting prowess.

A story of true soulmates, brought together by a mutual love of books. This is a movie that will appeal to all bibliophiles and Anglophiles [and Ms Hanff is certainly both] as well as those who have a penchant for literary movies. Though the quality of the DVD leaves much to be desired [the picture quality, lack of features], the story itself is worth viewing and I can't recommend it highly enough! April 18, 2008

Wonderful acting, wonderful movie!

This is a great heart-warming film powered by two terrific actors. While this is a wonderful film regardless, if you are a book lover (as I am) this is even more of a treat. The basic story is about a New York woman who, irritated with the lack of quality books in her area, seeks out a bookseller in London to provide what she is looking for. While her personality and the personality of the bookseller are about as opposite as you can get, they become long distance friends.

Hopkins and Bancroft are both very good, and this truly is a feel good movie. While the premise may seem a bit boring, if you like movies that study human nature instead of just providing excitement and action, this is for you. You really start to get into the characters to the point that you feel the anticipation of meeting them yourself. To me, that is the definition of a well-done movie and good acting.

Get yourself a bowl of popcorn for this one!
April 15, 2008

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