The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (2023) User Reviews

Pleasant adaptation of Rachel Joyce's 2012 best seller

[trevorwomble · 7/10 · 30 April 2023]

The story of Harold Fry's 500 mile walk from Devon to the English border with Scotland is well translated to the big screen by director Hettie MacDonald in this low key but very watchable film. When retired Brewery manager Harold (Jim Broadbent) receives a letter from an old work colleague that she is dying in a hospice at the the other end of the country in Berwick-upon-Tweed, he writes a letter. However feeling it is not enough, he cannot bring himself to post it and, after talking to a shopgirl in a petrol station, decides on the spot to walk to see her, leaving his wife Maureen (Penelope Wilton) sick with worry and frantic about being on her own. As Harold makes his way up north his 'Pilgrimage' starts to become public knowledge and he soon attracts a following on both social media and then the headline news. On the journey he meets an assortment of characters, from a well meaning and helpful Slovakian woman, a woman on a farm, a stranger at a railway station, a pill popping confused 18 year old, a stray dog and a small following of people who want to join his pilgrimage. And as Harold makes his journey we start to learn that his life and relationship with Maureen is not as boring as it seems, for beneath the surface he is masking a terrible tragedy and a fractured relationship.

The story might be slight but I found it nonetheless compelling. Both Broadbent and Wilton produce powerful performances and as the film progresses their characters personalities start to make sense. The film is also well made and full of good performances and doesn't feel overlong.

If you've seen the Timothy Spall film 'The Last Bus' (2021), the Robert Redford film 'A Walk in the Woods' (2015) or the Emilio Estevez/Martin Sheen film 'The Way' (2010) then some of this may seem vaguely familiar to you as, like them, this is a gentle road movie that is in part, about using the journey as a way of self discovery and confronting ones own emotional issues that will appeal to older viewers in particular. It is a well acted drama with a ring of truth to it that should appeal to those enjoy gentle drama.

Jim Broadbent gives me hope

[TomTalksFilms · 8/10 · 5 May 2023]

In a bid to avoid the rush of people going to see Guardians this weekend I decided to catch up on last weeks new release that I unfortunately missed. The unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry is one of those small British films that we maybe get once or twice a year that are mainly targeted towards the older generation. The film takes next to no time to get going as it opens with Harold played by the always brilliant Jim Broadbent receiving a letter from an old friend. The letter reads that Queenie who Harold used to work with but hasn't seen for a long time has been admitted to a hospice and is in the final stages of cancer. Initially Harold writes a letter back but on his way to the post office he meets someone who changes his mind and he decides to walk from the south of England to the North some just under 500 miles as he believes he can save Queenies life by doing so. This film is very much about people, the good, the bad and the human spirit of being able to make mistakes in life but not having to feel like those mistakes define you. Along his journey we learn a lot about Harold and his life and ultimately the real reason he has embarked on his journey but I won't say any more as not to spoil it. I think the thing this film surprised me the most with was that it's really deep and real and I left the cinema actually feeling quite emotional rather than uplifted as you'd perhaps expect with this type of thing. Yes some of the pacing isn't perfect and heck perhaps you wanted a feel good film but this was different and it gave me something I look for in films which is great writing that accurately represents real human emotion. I thought this film was really thought provoking and despite the somber mood it left me in I also left feeling that as humans we don't have to change the world, sometimes just giving someone a smile on a day when they're really struggling can make the world of difference to them. I can't recommend this film enough, especially if you like thought provoking drama but if you do go and see it perhaps tell your partner where you're going first.

A small movie with a big heart

[davidgee · 8/10 · 3 May 2023]

This, for me, is a "companion piece" to last year's LIVING, since it again has an elderly gent in the central role. Like other "road movies", the film alternates between motivation and meetings. Harold crosses paths with a few fairly ordinary people who each have a tale to tell. At one stage he becomes a kind of Messiah figure, leading a flock of followers, but he arrives in Berwick on his own to resolve the issue of the dying woman's role in his life.

I got a slight sense of "wokeness" being applied to both the characters and the actors, and there are a few scenes that don't really ring true. The best element is the seesaw on which Harold's marriage is quietly riding.

Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton are two fine actors on top form here. This is another small movie with a big heart which it wears on its sleeve.

Superb Leads, OK Everything Else

[lokicola · 6/10 · 13 June 2023]

Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton. That's all I needed to know to go see this film. Both deliver incredible performances ranging from that unique British wit, the inevitable pulled heartstrings to having it outright ripped out of your chest.

Thematically, the film asks us to let go of the things we think we need - the things that hold us back. Which Maureen (Wilton), wife of Harold for at least a few decades, rightfully takes quite personally. You wonder why Maureen just let's Harold leave, but we discover later she's not completely in the right, either.

Unfortunately, the supporting cast feel forced, two-dimensional and pepper Harold's journey purely to impart information that could be taken or left behind. This isn't helped by the stunted pacing and frequent B-roll cutaways to presumably things Harold wouldn't have seen if hadn't set off on his adventure.

The social media/celebrity element leaves a bad taste in the mouth, and his first follower appears endearing at first but then descends into cult follower territory trying to find meaning from someone else's cause.

Again, I cannot emphasise enough the stellar performances by both leads. I'm tearing up just watching the trailer while writing this. The film is let down by its supporting cast and weird editing.

I didn't know this was based off a book so I can't make any comparisons with the source material.

But if I were to give this a second viewing, I'd only watch the scenes with Harold and Maureen interacting with each other, with one notable exception: when Harold asks for a glass of water in a café. Heartbreaking.

Doesn't reach its potential

[steveinadelaide · 6/10 · 30 May 2023]

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a heartwarming and emotional film that tells the story of Harold Fry, an ordinary man who decides to embark on a pilgrimage to deliver a letter to his old friend Queenie. The film is a slow burn, starting as a simple story of a man walking, but it gradually builds into a poignant examination of grief, guilt, and eventual closure.

Jim Broadbent delivers an excellent performance as Harold Fry, capturing the character's quiet desperation and eventual transformation as he walks the 600-mile journey. Penelope Wilton is also good as Harold's wife, Maureen, who is hurt and confused by her husband's sudden departure.

The film's direction by Hettie Macdonald is ok, with the cinematography and production design capturing the beauty of the British countryside. The score also adds to the story's emotional weight.

However, the plot can sometimes be implausible, and some supporting characters feel underdeveloped. The pacing is often ploddingly slow.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is an occasionally touching and poignant film that, while not perfect, may be worth watching for the performances and emotional resonance. But it never really manages to reach its potential.

A Mirror of The Last Bus

[gillianwhittall · 7/10 · 7 August 2023]

Lovely movie, with the ever so lovely Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton as the typical retired couple, going about their humdrum lives, until the post arrives from an old friend of Harold's. Life just isn't the same again, as something inside Harold beckons him on a journey, which unfolds the reason of why he must take the journey. Wonderfully captured, but I kept thinking I had watched it before. And I had. The equally excellent Timothy Spall in the Last Bus, travelling the length of the UK with his wife's ashes to the place they met in Lands End. If you like Jim Broadbent as Harold Fry, you will love Timothy Spall in The Last Bus.

Gently hopeful

[wrgnp · 9/10 · 29 April 2023]

The cinematography of this film is beautiful - a story full of fleeting moments and what-ifs, and the impact that small actions can have on the people we come across. A life-affirming and thought-provoking movie that will make you want to be a better person. Gently heartfelt acting from a top-flight cast.

If you're looking for dramatic plot lines and fireworks, this movie is not for you. However, if you want to enjoy a couple of hours with some glimpses of English scenery and weather - and the repressed emotions so typical of the English temperament - while reviewing your personal relationships, this is a wonderful piece of unassuming filmmaking.

Utterly miserable film

[jayruffell · 6/10 · 6 May 2023]

I did not leave the cinema feeling happy after watching this film.

It's extremely depressing, I expected more laughs but got only a few "humph" moments of comedy that didn't warrant a real laugh. Ultimately it's a miserable story about loss and grief that leaves you feeling well and truly deflated, I've no idea how any of the other reviews could describe the story as uplifting, every motivated moment Harold has, as a consequence destroys his wife who is at home crying her eyes out.

Jim Broadbent and cast perform well, the characters really get to you and I felt sympathy and occasionally anger towards all the main characters.

My advice is just don't watch this film if you're having a bad week, you'll fall into a depression and most likely swan dive from the nearest bridge or building.

A message for everyone

[gethinnadin · 9/10 · 8 May 2023]

This might not win many awards or get critical acclaim, but it will probably make you cry and certainly make you think about life.

A poignant film, which Broadbent shines as much as he ever has. From the people he meets along the way to the affect his decisions have on those he leaves behind. It's a beautiful story of a simple act that one man made to try to bring some meaning and importance to a life that was just originate but full of regret.

A very good way to spend a few hours, especially if you have someone in your life who is struggling with an illness. There's probably a lot more you could do for them.

A Moving Film

[vengeance20 · 7/10 · 29 April 2023]

So, I saw this at my local tonight, but hadn't heard of the novel in which it is based off of.

The film sees Harold Fry, an ordinary man who has passed through life, living on the side lines, until he goes to post a letter one day... but does so by walking all the way to Berwick-Upon-Tweed!

I found the film to be an interesting watch. It's not amazing, but that doesn't mean it's bad. I went into this one slightly blind after having only seen a few preview clips of it on TV.

The films story is pretty good & is filled with plenty of touching, feel good & humourous moments! While it does drag a little & has a bit of an overly long runtime of 1 hour & 42 minutes, it's still a decent enough of a watch & one which you'll probably enjoy. Though it is more drama originated than action packed or dramatic.

The main lead does well with the part he is given as do the other characters on the side. I did feel the film was a little bit on the depressing side of things, but wasn't too bad & was sort of justified given the story-line.

Overall, it's a moving drama film that's well shot, directed & written. Although it's slightly depressing, long & drawn out, it's not a bad film at all with a great lead, great side characters & story with a good message. There's some humour laced in with the sadness & hope injected in for good measure. While it's more drama orientated, it's still a good enough of a film.

7/10.

Hurray for films like these.

[anna-fergusson · 10/10 · 22 May 2023]

Skilfully acted by all actors especially the two main characters played by. Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton who play a husband and wife who were traumatised by the suicide of their son. Their relationship crumbles and when Harold, played by Jim Broadbent, receives a letter from a former confident called Queenie years later, he is inspired to go off on a pilgrimage by walking the length of Britain to see her. I won't spoil the story too much by revealing too much of the plot but suffice it to say that his story becomes of national interest. There are key characters that he meets along the way, such as a young and deeply troubled boy which I presume reflected the relationship that he had with his son and a dog. He is helped along by people but the cliche is when he meets up with a group of pilgrims. All in all this film is a classic.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

[jboothmillard · 6/10 · 6 May 2023]

It was a short time after seeing the trailer for this film that I went to see it on the big screen, I enjoyed the lead actor the year before in The Duke, and I was looking forward to him playing another likeable character. Basically, in Kingsbridge, South Devon, retired pensioner Harold Fry (Jim Broadbent) lives with his wife Maureen (Penelope Wilton), but their marriage has become despondent and quiet. One day, he receives a letter from his old friend, Queenie Hennessy (Linda Bassett), she is living in a hospice in Berwick-upon-Tweed but dying from cancer. He writes her a short letter to send his regards and walks to the nearest post box, but then has second thoughts and walks to the next one, and the next one. Stopping at a petrol station for some milk, he mentions to the girl at the till with blue hair (Nina Singh) that his friend has cancer. She tells him about her aunt who survived cancer and gives him advice not to give up hope. This inspires Harold to call the hospice and to leave a message for Queenie that he is coming to see her and should wait for him. Harold begins what will become a walk that will last 87 days and cover 627 miles. Along the way, he has flashbacks of his former employment as a brewery representative, and about his son David (Earl Cave, son of singer Nick Cave) who he became estranged to. Maureen has no idea where he is or what he is doing until he eventually calls her, she initially berates him, believing he cannot do it by foot. Harold suffers severe foot pain and sores from his continued walking, which he treats himself with plasters. But along the way, he encounters a variety of people who show him kindness and express interest and support for his hiking achievement. When Harold is not stopping at inns for a bed and food, he scavages for fruit, takes vegetables from fields where they are available to take, and sleeps in barns and other sheltered areas. Through flashbacks, it is revealed that his son David was an unemployed former Cambridge University graduate, who struggled with depression, and was addicted to drugs and alcohol. Wherever he stops, Harold sends postcards to Queenie. He collapses during his journey and is taken in by Slovakian woman Martina (Monika Gossman), a doctor who helps him with his sore feet and gives him footwear and a sleeping bag to help him on his way. Close to Stroud, when Harold calls the hospice to say that he may give up his journey, he is amazed to hear that Queenie is still alive and is waiting for him. Whilst stopping at a pub, a man asks to take a photograph of him to "remember him", and soon Harold's face is on the front page of many newspapers. Harold is confused when numerous people recognise him and approach him. Close to Conventry, he is joined by a young man named Mick (Maanuv Thiara) who calls his journey a "modern pilgrimage"; they are followed by a stray dog who also becomes a companion. As Harold's fame increases, many other people from all walks of life accompany him as his "pilgrims". After calling Maureen and her explaining his newfound fame, she catches up to him and they talk in a café, where she apologises for doubting him. There is a point when Mick disappears and talking to one of the people in the group, Harold decides to leave and continue alone. Harold suffers something of a near breakdown when he recalls the day that he found his son dead; David committed suicide, hanging himself in the garden shed, and Harold has felt guilt ever since. Harold considers giving up and calls Maureen to tell her where he is, but she tells him that he is not far from his destination and encourages him to keep going. Finally, Harold reaches Berwick-upon-Tweed and finds the hostel, but he has second thoughts and walks out. He stops in a café that does not allow begging and asks for a glass of water, the staff assume he is homeless and ask him to leave, but he has an emotional breakdown. Maureen finds and comforts him. Harold changes his mind and goes to the visit Queenie, who is unable to speak and is near death. He talks about some of his journey and leaves her a gift, a necklace with a glass ornament which he hangs from the window. It is revealed in flashback that Harold owes a great deal to Queenie, as after David died, he went into a fit of rage and damaged several barrels of alcohol, and Queenie took the blame for the damage. In the end, Harold writes to the girl in the garage about his journey, Queenie is seen smiling as the glass ornament glimmers light into the room, and Maureen takes Harold home. Also starring Joseph Mydell as Rex, Adam Jackson-Smith as young Harold Fry, and Bethan Cullinane as young Maureen Fry. Broadbent is first-class in the lead role as the ordinary man who goes on an extraordinary almost spiritual journey, Wilton is alright as the spouse stuck at home not knowing what to do, and the kindness of strangers is nice from some likeable people in the supporting cast. It is a sweet story of a man who believes that his friend will stay alive if he keeps going, there is an element of Monty Python's Life of Brian as he picks up followers along the way, and it reminded me of the running segment of Forrest Gump, I will admit it dipped in places, but overall it is an enjoyable drama. Good!

A bit morbid but also uplifting

[ar-11743 · 5/10 · 30 April 2023]

Jim Broadbent is of course marvellous, and the supporting cast of tag alongside are funny, but this good hearted film ultimately is about loss and pain and the director and writer never manage to lift us far enough away from tragedy to gain insight and relief.

Ultimately a morbid rather depressing story which leave us feeling down.

The dog who adopts JB and leaves to care for another souls is brilliant, and the realisation by the protagonist's wife that she is a very selfish person is cathartic, but the writer cannot escape her own desire to make us live the pain forever.

Not why I go to the flicks.

More than the sum of its parts.

[garethcrook · 7/10 · 25 September 2023]

Harold Fry (Jim Broadbent) is getting on in life. He doesn't feel it though, drifting through it as he has. Until one day he receives an unexpected letter. Setting off to the postbox with his reply, Harold finds himself reluctant to take the easy option, a choice that rewards him with a series of life lessons that will warm your heart... or roll your eyes depending on your level of cynicism. It's called The Unlikely Pilgrimage of... and it certainly is. Harold setting out to walk from his home in Devon to see his dying friend Queenie (Linda Bassett), who lives in Berwick-upon-Tweed. Bonkers right? His wife Maureen (Penelope Wilton) certainly thinks so. He's not exactly prepared and there's no plan, but he learns as he goes. As do we. It's got an air of fantasy, but remains oddly anchored through his somewhat predicable rather British adventures, although it does valiantly attempt to throw the odd curveball. Essentially it's one big visual metaphor as we learn that Harold hasn't always been in touch with his feelings or those of others, but for all its blunt plot points, it is quaintly inspirational. It's nicely shot too and achieves the feeling of Harold's journey across the country, showing England off in a rather beautiful light. Broadbent is brilliant. Simple delivery, understated, that warmth in his face filling the screen. The supporting cast too, from a brief cameo with Claire Rushbrook, all too brief glimpses of Earl Cave as Harold's remembered son and his somewhat adopted one Daniel Frogson, who as Wilf is the first of many to tag along. It's as much about Harold though, as it is about Maureen left at home. Their relationship, what it's been missing. What they need as people, maybe what we all need. Despite all this loftiness, it's not a great film, but regardless I really enjoyed it. Understanding what drives Harold, there's more to this than what's put on the screen.

What Walt's Watching

[waltermwilliams · 7/10 · 12 June 2023]

Life is a journey and for that journey you better have hope or it's all hopeless.

"The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" is one of those movies the Brits do so well.

A simple, joyful story, wonderful actors, clever director, marvellous scenery and very little, if any, CGI.

Who better to play "Harold" than Jim Broadbent, giving another masterclass in acting from the heart.

"Harold" is an ordinary man who has passed through life, living on the side lines, seemingly doing nothing significant with his life, until he goes to post a letter one day...and just keeps walking on the flippant advice of a service station attendant.

Jim's supported by Penelope Wilton as his long suffering wife, "Maureen".

Her journey is made all the more difficult because she has to cope with it by herself.

Together they harbour a grief that has torn them asunder and threatens to derail their marriage.

Hettie MacDonald directs her players to perfection.

Watch out for: Nick Cave's son Earl as "David" in a pivotal role.

The movie uses a screenplay adapted by author Rachel Joyce from her own 2012 best seller.

Broadbent also narrated the audiobook version of this story...so he's very familiar with the material.

Throughout "Harold's" 500 mile walk I really wanted to hear the Proclaimers just once, but its not included in the soundtrack, however it is referenced in a sign held by one of Frys' Pilgrims.

"Pilgrims" are the people who attach themselves to "Harold" on the course of his 60 plus days hoofing it from one end of the UK to the other to support a friend who's terminally ill.

The "Pilgrims" are a social commentary on how lost people need something to believe in no matter how banal.

"The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" felt like what if we knew what actually happened to "Forest Gump" on his pilgrimage across the US and it wasn't just a film montage.

This low budget, slow paced drama will have you reaching for your Kleenex tissues and cheering on this ordinary man achieving extraordinary things and renewing your faith in humanity along his journey.

England itself becomes a character.

Nature plays an incredibly strong part in "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" as does the landscape and the people he meets.

You'll want to feel you're with Harold on this journey.

It's a very filmic road movie.

A nice average feel good movie

[tm-sheehan · 6/10 · 4 June 2023]

My Review-

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (2023) My Rating 6/10

Based on on the 2012 novel of the same name by Rachel Joyce is a British film directed by Hettie Macdonald with a screen by Rachel Joyce.

The film stars Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton cast as husband and wife Harold and Maureen Fry . These 2 veteran performers who play a couple whose marriage effectively disintegrated with their son David's suicide about 20 years previously give superb performances in what I call a very average movie.

I couldn't help comparing The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry to the 2021 movie that starred Timothy Spall titled The Last Bus . I scored that movie an 8/10 both movies are about pilgrimages The Last Bus in my view is a far superior movie based on a true story about an aging man who travels across the UK by bus to fulfill his pledge to spread his late wife's ashes near their first home at Land's End.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is not a true story also about a elderly man who receives a letter from an old friend Queenie who played an important role in his life to say she is dying in a hospice in Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Harold is inspired to walk the length of England despite his wife's anxiety hoping to keep Queenie alive till he arrives to say goodbye.

I thought the movie became over sentimental and frankly a bit silly when Harold becomes an unwilling media celebrity and begins to attract groupies to join him including a very troubled young man and a little dog that looks as old as Harold. People in the different villages recognise Harold and he almost becomes a pop star icon until he realises he needs to compete his pilgrimage alone.

I think surely the novel by Rachel Joyce is better than her screenplay ?

Her first novel was a long-list finalist for the 2012 Man Booker Prize winning the UK National Book Award for New Writer of the Year Hettie Macdonald is a fine Director of such great series as Howard's End , Normal People , The Tunnel and A Beautiful Thing plus Doctor Who but this latest movie in my opinion is not her finest moment.

A Gentle Film with So Much to Say

[destiny_west · 10/10 · 17 August 2023]

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a wonderful, heart warming and at times heart wrenching story of Harold Fry who decides to walk 500 miles to visit an old dying friend, whilst leaving his wife and life behind him.

This story has so many lessons to teach.

The things I took away from it are 1. You can't save everyone. 2. Some people are on their own path and you can't change that. 3. Sometimes people or animals come into our life and leave just as suddenly, but it was with purpose. 4. That life is meant to be lived. I could keep going on, however I just urge you to watch this beautiful film.

Full of expectations but...

[ryanmo-35178 · 6/10 · 26 December 2023]

Watched the trailer and think the plot is really great! An elder man who aimed to make a wish for his friend and crossed nearly the whole Britain! The journey is fully of surprise, with so many ppl helping him (the strange man, the female doc, the shopkeeper...) and he was adapted to be living in the wild. With his information well known, some other people even joined the journey where the appearance of the young man helped him (although he is drugged and left), and even the dog left him finally. When he at last reached the friend, there is nothing happened and his wife finally reached but still no more things. It was first described as Forrest Gump but the outcome is much worse and it's such a waste of this plot.

My film of 2023.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 10/10 · 15 November 2023]

Harold Fry received word that his old friend Queenie has cancer, and is dying, he chooses to send a letter, butt a conversation with a blue haired girl in a garage makes him travel to her on foot.

Enchanting, this is an incredible movie, I'd go so far as to say my favourite movie of 2023, I'll try and explain why, I have actually read the book, and for my shame, I'd all but forgotten it.

The story, well let's be honest, it's enchanting, it's simple, but has so many layers, it's incredible rich, from its basic outline, through to the various snippets along the journey, the people he meets, his relationship with Maureen, and of course the complex relationship with his son.

The performances are divine, Jim Broadbent, I don't care what anyone says, he's one of the best, he's produced some killer performances over the years, but this one takes some beating, he genuinely had me in tears.

Penelope Wilton also, fabulous, what an actress, she got a huge amount out of the part.

For me, films like these are the best, ninety minutes of magic.

10/10.

If you've read the book, you'll feel this is a change

[martintobutt-792-957625 · 7/10 · 14 October 2023]

I read the book a couple of years ago and was quite looking forward to seeing the film but knew they'd cut bits out.

I was glad that the hippy mob featured for far shorter than in the book and it kind of pares everything down to be far more linear.

However, some things got lost and some things were crammed in without getting their full dues. This resulted in less humour and more sentimentality.

Both of the lead actors were great and the cinematography was outstanding but I can't help feeling that the tone of the book was lost by some of the editing choices.

An emotional examination of guilt and life choices that is a bit of a tear jerker but could have retained the balance of its source material.

Tears, laughter and the walk of life

[martinpersson97 · 10/10 · 5 July 2023]

This acclaimed and very anticipated drama by the director behind the acclaimed TV show Normal People was one of the movies this year I was most looking forward to; and safe to say, it more than lives up to its expectations.

It is the ultimate feel-good story, if you will - showcasing the hardships of life without pulling any punches, yet instilling a sense of hope and finding one's self in beautiful ways. It is a very deep and profound message that works beautifully, and is conveyed in a realistic manner in that you can't save everyone, but that joy can be found in the little things and small places.

The actors, as acclaimed as they are, convey this story beautifully, and though I doubt this film will make it to the Oscars, it would be very much deserving.

The soundtrack, cinematography, cutting and editing is also splendid, very memorable and beautifully put together.

Definitely a great and recommended film for lovers of film, and everyone else!

A strange mix of old geezers crossing-the-country movie

[BoBo_Goal32 · 7/10 · 22 November 2023]

You can't stay indifferent to a movie with a name like this. The general theme looks familiar and the lead actor is brilliant, so why doesn't this movie make your heart break? Somewhere along the way it just stays enigmatic without telling us why.

It wants to keep the secrecy thorough all of it, but it doesn't stick - at some points it just melts and the main character arrives to its purpose, but it doesn't land.

Harrold Fry gets a letter from out of the bloom and learns that his good friend - Queenie is dying somewhere in the long-distanced village of Berwick-upon-Tweed. He is writing a short letter to his old-time friend and goes to mail it through the post office.

After several mail boxes doesn't do the job for him as an appropriate candidate for letter sending he meets a girl in the gas station, get inspired and start to walk to meet Queenie.

Like an old Forest Gump he starts to walk because he feels like. And a lot like the main hero from "The Straight Story" Fry meets interesting people and characters along the way, influence them and they influence his journey and then he became Forest Gump for a little longer and then the movie just ends, without any particular reason. Just because.

It could have been much more exciting, moving and exceptional, but it remains in the boundaries of a Gimmick and not beyond. It is nice, almost touching and there is a real motivation and a story behind the scenes, but it is not translated correctly to the viewers and thus keep them numb for the main portion of the movie.

Points , long winded, predicatable

[sotheran57 · 4/10 · 25 May 2023]

My wife and I have just watched this film at the cinema. We were both unimpressed by it. He whole concept of Harold's walk was contrived to form the basis of a predictable five hundred mile journey on foot. Why didn't he use his car, the train or his bus pass? That would have made the tedium of the journey too brief. How could he walk that kind if distance in the same pair of every day shoes? The people he meets along the way are too 'convenient' or pointless to the plot. His life's background seen through flash backs if totally predictable as is the ending. Only the superb acting of the leads save the day.

Sit back, relax and enjoy this feel good movie

[martingreen-71835 · 7/10 · 8 February 2024]

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is an easy to watch movie, but has so much appeal to most viewers. I am not sure which demographic the movie is targeting, but most adults will relate to the story, the characters and the morals.

It is a most heartwarming and emotional movie, telling the story of Harold Fry, an ordinary man who decides to help a long forgotten friend, who as you will find out he is indebted to.

Harold is very easy to warm to, we all have family or friends in his age group and will understand his actions, his old school manners, his emotions and also the naivety of his journey.

The movie drifts off a little in places, but still very enjoyable to watch.

Very good acting by the lead roles, just a few challenging pilgrim characters, which in my option slightly detracted from the storyline.

Sit back, relax and enjoy this feel good movie.

That was a very long pilgrimage

[bevanaaron · 7/10 · 24 March 2024]

The film begins almost straight away with Harold walking out the door as soon as he finds out his old friend is dying of cancer in Berwick Upon Tweed. Harold writes a letter but instead opts to go one step further and walk to her from Kingsbridge in Devon, a very long way. Now Harold is clearly retired and quite elderly so the walk takes a lot longer than what a younger person might, however their are things that happen along the way such as a young lad called Wilf who joins him halfway through alongside a stray dog. The film isn't action packed, which is good as it doesn't become far fetched, but it does still keep you interested. The gaps in the walk are also filled with drama surrounding Harold and Maureen's son, with his story being told as he is progressing through the walk.