My Boy Jack (2007)

Brilliant

I loved this movie - both for its content and acting.

Would love to see more of Rudyards life on the big screen - particularly some of his experiences in India or perhaps holidays in South Africa. June 13, 2008

Moving and thought provoking

The story of Rudyard Kipling's son John and his short career as a soldier in early World War I is quite a powerful story. The presentation has to compress and eliminate many details so I think it would have better served its purpose if it had been allowed to be a longer production - maybe three hours. I marked it down for this purpose only.

The acting performances were outstanding on all levels - from David Haig's Kipling to the nameless men in young John's (Jack) platoon waiting to go over the top in the mud and muck of Loos. Everyone did their parts to perfection. The attention to detail was outstanding although I could quibble that one man's South Africa War medal ribbons were in the wrong order.

You recieve a great sense of what it was like on the western front in 1915. Not glorious or romantic - rather a quagmire of mud and muck where the biggest concern was trench foot and keeping your rifle in working order when it was caked in mud. About the only creatures that seemed to enjoy the western front were the rats.

Kipling has a very complex role in this film. On the one hand he wants to aid his son achieve his ambition of entering the military. On the other hand he is on the committee that is dealing with releasing war news to the public and the horrific casualty rates - over 11,000 officers and men killed, wounded and missing in one day in one battle. Kipling's feeling that it is best to be upfront with the numbers as that will inspire others to serve to remember those who had gone before them. I'm not sure that was good thinking for later in the war but I can understand his logic at the start. I wonder what he felt after his son became one of the huge number of casualties in that war?

The commentaires by the actors in the afterward of the DVD were also quite impressive and thought provoking. Kim Cattrell's comments are especially important as she talks of her grandfather and her father and the effects that World Wars I and II had on them and what she wanted to achieve for her nephew as the war in Iraq was starting up as this was filmed.

It is a complex story that is well told and acted. I encourage those interested in British history and literature to see this film.

June 6, 2008

"Not with this tide"

This is another example of Masterpiece Theatre at its best. The acting,script, and overall production combine to form a haunting drama of war and sacrifice. The production transcends anti-war cliches, and gratefully, too. Rather, it rises above war's carnage and gore and reminds us, sorrowfully, of the personal price of love and loss. When it concludes, you, too, feel the desolation of war and loss. Too bad American filmmakers cannot produce such little gems. Thank you, Masterpiece Theatre. May 30, 2008

Brilliant story, acting and direction!

It is uncanny how well Haig portrays Rudyard Kipling. It's not just the resemblence but how well he has nailed every aspect of this man. Haig showcases his passion for this particular project that has been years in the making. It is truly a beautiful and poignant film. It has the feel of a big budget release rather than a movie made for television.

You feel the zeal and grandeur of the time. The locations were brilliantly done. The Western Front looked as foreboding as anything I've seen depicted on screen for WWI. It wasn't all glory to fight for King and country. And you feel the fear and anxiety of these young men when they finally do get the trenches. The romanticism of war is quickly washed away. It is as relevant now as it was then.

All of the performances are terrific. Carey Mulligan is quite touching as "Bird", the only surviving of the Kipling children. She is quite an amazing actress and grabs you in every scene. I did worry about Kim Catrall, believing I wouldn't be able to see past her Sex and the City persona, Samantha. Carrie Kipling is a quiet force, and truly the heart of the story.I believe this is Catrall's finest performance.

The same can be said for the impressive Daniel Radcliffe. I was pleasantly surprised at just how good he really is. He couldn't have been more perfectly cast as Kipling's only son, John "Jack". Known primarily for Harry Potter, Radcliffe steps up brilliantly as an adult and seasoned actor. He is heartbreaking in this film. Jack's desire to be his own man, escape from his family and yet his fierce loyalty to his family...mirrors Radcliffe's own life with the Harry Potter family he's grown up with. I wish there could have been more for Radcliffe in this film. The scenes with Haig and Mulligan are so touching. He pulled out a stellar performance in so little screen time convincing me that Harry Potter is a limiting role for this talented young man. I think Daniel Radcliffe is the real deal and will only get better as a serious actor. One of the few child stars that will make the transition and have success like that of a Jodie Foster. Continuing to choose projects such as this and Equus, make me admire him even more. That he isn't just banking on his Potter fame or going to way of many young celebrities. I will watch his rising career with interest.

David Haig deserves a Best Actor Emmy Award for this outstanding performance. Actually, Catrall should at least garner a nomination, for she truly was amazing in this role. And yes, I'll say it, even though he probably wouldn't win, I'd like to see Radcliffe nominated for a supporting role. Just because I feel he deserves recognition for his talent outside of Potter (for which I don't forsee many awards). May 16, 2008

A wonderful movie

This is such a great movie. I saw it on PBS one night, and ordered it on Amazon the following day. Fabulous acting. Every one of the cast is fantastic. So powerful. The only disappointment to me is the language. The "F" word is heard during the various battle scenes. Other than that, I highly recommend it. Little did I know that Rudyard Kipling had so much more to his life than the Jungle Books. Wonderful story! May 13, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...