Last Orders (2001)

A group of old friends reminisce about their lives over the years after the death of one of their crew.

Director:

Fred Schepisi

Writers:

Graham Swift (novel), Fred Schepisi

Stars:

Michael Caine, Bob Hoskins, Tom Courtenay

2 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Caine	...	Jack
Tom Courtenay	...	Vic
David Hemmings	...	Lenny
Bob Hoskins	...	Ray
Helen Mirren	...	Amy
Ray Winstone	...	Vince
JJ Feild	...	Young Jack
Cameron Fitch	...	Young Vic
Nolan Hemmings	...	Young Lenny
Anatol Yusef	...	Young Ray
Kelly Reilly	...	Young Amy
Stephen McCole	...	Young Vince
George Innes	...	Bernie
Laura Morelli	...	June
Sally Hurst	...	Mandy

Storyline

Jack Dodd (Sir Michael Caine) was a London butcher who enjoyed a pint with his mates for over fifty years. When he died, he died as he lived, with a smile on his face watching a horse race on which he had bet, with borrowed money. But before he died, he had a final request, "Last Orders", that his ashes be scattered in the sea at Margate. This movie follows his mates, Ray (Bob Hoskins), Lenny (David Hemmings), and Vic (Sir Tom Courtenay), and his son Vince (Ray Winstone) as they journey to the sea with the ashes. Along the way, the threads of their lives, their loves and their disappointments are woven together in their memories of Jack and his wife Amy (Dame Helen Mirren).

---

Plot Keywords:

ashes | friend | friendship | death | grief | 

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexuality and some language

Did You Know?

Trivia

One of six movies that featured both Bob Hoskins and Sir Michael Caine. The others being Blue Ice (1992), Mona Lisa (1986), Sweet Liberty (1986), Beyond the Limit (1983), and for television, World War II: When Lions Roared (1994).

---

Goofs

When the chaps make a stop for lunch in a pub on the way down to Margate, Vince tells Lenny'it's a quarter to two'. Later, once they reach Margate, they drive past a municipal clock, with the hands set at five-and-twenty to two (13:35).

---

Quotes

Jack: If y... if you ever get the chance... Raysy. I... if, if you ever get the option - you go first. It's the carrying on that's hard.

---

Connections

References Yellow Submarine (1968)

---

Soundtracks

Pink Dally Rue
(1962)
Written by Don Gant and Norris Wilson
Recorded by Jimmy Elledge
(p) 1965 Hickory Records, Inc
Published © 1962 Acuff-Rose Music Ltd
Licensed by Acuff-Rose Music Ltd

User Reviews

Great cast. Fine film.

This is a wonderfully warm and human film, perhaps a "guy's movie" as opposed to the many "girls' movies." How can you miss with such a great cast? Helen Mirren. Bob Hoskins. Michael Caine. They do a wonderful job on the story of old friends devastated by the loss of one of their group. If I have one criticism it is the overuse of flashbacks. There even are flashbacks within flashbacks. It's followed easily enough yet the total effect is one of choppiness. But the story is warm, the performances solid and a bonus is the many scenes in and around London. The Brits, unlike Hollywood, do not demand that everything be pretty and that the sun always shine. Helen Mirren is excellent again as a woman past the prime of life. Hollywood would have tarted her up. And there are plenty of grey skies and rainshowers. (Hey, this is England after all} A very fine film that obviously was a labour of love.

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Classics [United States]

Country:

UK Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 January 2002 (UK)

Also Known As:

Las últimas órdenes

Filming Locations:

St. Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$12,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$111,676, 3 March 2002

Gross USA:

$2,329,631

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$6,873,892

Company Credits

Production Co:

Future Films, MBP (Germany), Scala Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1