Mr. Love (1986) User Reviews

gentle, quiet, and lovely

[leannamix · 7/10 · 22 December 2005]

I caught this on late night cable, and was pleasantly surprised. Its not out on DVD in most places, but worth finding if you can. The tone is sweet, the characters real, and it seems to celebrate the subtle blossoming of romance beyond the wild passion of youth. The actors are not movie stars, but rather seem like people you might see everyday, and the director and writer show definite respect for the lives they are exposing, although there are some funny moments of human foibles and error. Its also a bit of a Cinderella story for some of the characters, with a few beautiful scenes that show its never to late to discover your talent and uniqueness. Check out the impromptu aria in the public space with great acoustics.

Excellent, undervalued (because understated) British film

[Bill Fleming · 9 May 2000]

Everything about this unusual film militated against the international success it deserved: British understatement, idiosyncratic casting of none-too-well-known players, moderate pace, unsensational location, quietly competent camera work, humorous rather than uproarious script - and these are all things that would have ensured that elusive success if it had appeared in 2000 rather than when it did.

What the British do so well.

[tezhowes · 10/10 · 26 November 2017]

This little British indie from UK TV director Roy Battersby called 'Mr. Love' is a dramedy/character study about a quiet public gardener's search for love in the midst of a long, arid marriage to a shrill. It would sidle in comfortably with much of the lesser UK Handmade Pictures stuff, and includes a charming plot element that falls into the 'film within a film' category. It could hardly be a 'smaller' picture in any sense of the word, but the performances are letter-perfect without being obvious, it wears its heart on its sleeve without being maudlin, and it's slyly comical without being slapstick, yet with that odd comic sense the Brits are renowned for. The leads, Barry Jackson and Maurice Denham, have resumes as long as your arm and deservedly so. And it sports one of the most mood-appropriate and wistfully beautiful theme songs ever written.

Ah, Mr. Love

[jimel98 · 10/10 · 15 November 2012]

I haven't seen this movie in years and only saw it twice but I always smile when I think of it and it's lovely theme song. Not a lot has to be said about this other than, it's a nice movie. That's it, a nice movie. The story is nice, the acting, NICE, everything about this movie is nice. Not nice as in patronizing and bland, nice as in, NICE. You smile. You laugh a little, you feel good, it's NICE. Some may call this review a bit simplistic. I don't care. It's not a 'complicated' movie, though it did leave me with some questions I'll admit that, but to state my questions might potentially ruin the experience of watching the movie and THAT, would NOT be........nice.

Wonderful NICE film!!

[takeawaydave · 10/10 · 23 January 2013]

This should be re-released on DVD, such a low budget gem.

What a joy to see Southport 30 years ago. I was studying at KGV in Southport at the time of filming. One of the houses used in the film was where a friend at the time lived.

The film was shot on location in Southport. The pier before renovation, Hesketh Park, and the Promenade by the Marine Lake and just a few of the memorable locations used.

With a modest budget of less that half a million at the time, this film is proof that you don't need loads of cash to tell a good story in film.

A must viewing who knows this lovely town.

Enjoy if you can find a copy.

slow-paced but entertaining

[keenanchris · 1 April 2001]

This is a well-made British film reminiscent of Mike Leigh and Alan Bennet. There's nothing spectacular about it, from its setting in sedate Southport to its main character - a municipal gardener. However, if you can put up with the slow pace it offers you a veritable slice of life in a northern seaside town. A gentle poetic film about love in latter years.

Also from a personal point of few it captures the spirit of a town I grew up in with fine cinematography that almost makes me nostalgic to go back, but I don't think I could cope with the laid-back pace and if this story is as exciting as you get then I guess I'm better off staying in the city!

Regards

[damienw1927 · 8/10 · 18 August 2005]

I had the greatest of pleasures to be taught film production at college by the editor of this film Alan J. Cumner Price.

He taught me all i know about the industry and made me the budding film maker i am today! Without this man and this film i would not be where i am today and would like to comment on this great film.

Remember the great British films and this will always come to mind! A tale so nostalgic and wonderfully told that it always takes me back to the good old days where i learned my trade.

A pleasure to watch.

Thanks Alan

A brilliant film

[mike-3239 · 8/10 · 1 January 2021]

I've got a VHS copy of this film. Would love to see it on DVD or blu-ray.

Saw it first on television decades ago and watched it twice in one night. Great acting and a good story. I cannot understand why it has not surfaced on Film4 or any of the other channels.