From an eccentric road movie and a powerful sports biopic, to a British-Asian family comedy, these films showcase the resilience of the human spirit, says Michelle Wood
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Directed by Hettie Macdonald, starring Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton.
Harold Fry is an unremarkable man who has lived a life without purpose. Recently retired, he is well into his 60s and content to fade quietly into the background of life. His marriage to his wife, Maureen, has soured, owing to a conflict surrounding the absence of their son. Then, one day, everything changes.
Harold learns his old friend, Queenie, is dying. He sets out for the post office to send her a letter, but then decides to keep walking all the way across England to her hospice, 450 miles away. He believes that somehow, his journey can keep her alive. Of course, this adventure happens much to the chagrin of his wife, Maureen.
The film, shot sequentially on locations across the UK, mirrors Harold’s own pilgrimage beautifully. Based on Rachel Joyce’s 2012 award-winning bestseller of the same name, with a screenplay written by Joyce herself, this original take on the ‘life-stage crisis’ narrative will resonate with audiences of all ages.
As a story of rediscovery and transformation, this film is a reminder that you are never too old to take a chance and that kindness still prevails.
The heartfelt narrative is anchored by poignant performances from Academy Award-winner Jim Broadbent as Harold, beautifully supported by Penelope Wilton.
The film is a magnificent directorial debut from Hettie Macdonald and was developed with the support of The British Film Institute, Film4 and National Lottery funding.
Big George Foreman
Directed by George Tillman Jr, starring Khris Davis, Forest Whitaker, Jasmine Matthews and Sullivan Jones.
This uplifting sports biopic focuses on the life of world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman.
Overcoming a childhood marked by poverty to become one of the most promising young boxers in the world, George Foreman suffers a near-death experience in the ring and vows never to fight again after deciding to become a Baptist minister and preacher. Years later, with bankruptcy looming over his struggling gym, he gets back in touch with his former trainer and sets out to become the oldest boxer in history to win the heavyweight championship.
Polite Society
Directed by Nida Manzoor, starring Priya Kansara, Ritu Arya, Nimra Bucha, Akshaye Khanna, Seraphina Beh, Ella Bruccoleri, Shona Babayemi, Shobu Kapoor, and Jeff Mirza.
Polite Society is an action comedy-drama that premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim.
London-based Pakistani teenager Ria Khan aspires to become a movie stuntwoman, just like her idol, Eunice Huthart. Under her alter-ego, ‘The Fury’, Ria creates martial arts movies, aided by her older sister, Lena. When she finds out her sister is destined for an arranged marriage, Ria is determined to ‘save’ her.
This fun film offers a mash-up of action, comedy and family drama, as it follows Ria’s attempts to rescue Lena from her impending marriage. With the help of her friends, she attempts to pull off the most daring wedding heist – all in the name of independence and sisterhood.
All films reviewed are showing at the Odeon Tunbridge Wells
