Late September (2012) User Reviews

Drawn out

[ray_pierson · 4/10 · 1 October 2012]

Although this film appears to be about real everyday life , when you pay for a film you wish to be taken away from hum drum. This film in parts was SO drawn out. The ending was flimsy. Although most can identify with one or two characters was just bored to tears. Feel the full 148 Min's was life stolen. I kept expecting it to grasp my mind but feel asleep at parts literally. Had potential to be a whole lot more. The acting OK. 1 scene at the party which presented a puppet telling a tragic love story which seemed to stay in my head more than the film I'd watched. I'm a big avid fan of the British film but feel this really was a old episode of Brookside. The lighting was also harsh.

Involving and very original film

[willjen999 · 10/10 · 28 November 2012]

A very low budget film about mid-life crisis that is involving and very original. Definitely more European than English in style - it doesn't spell everything out, gives you time to get involved and its well acted and beautifully shot. The subject matter is quite painful but the way it is performed makes it often really funny - always true to life and never sentimental. All the actors were completely convincing,and anyone who has been through the break-up of a long term relationship will find a lot here that really hits home. Apparently the dialogue was improvised and maybe that's what makes it so realistic. Not your usual British film but something really special.

Challenges preconceptions

[TheGord1488 · 9/10 · 10 July 2012]

Friends gather to celebrate Ken's 65th birthday, but the occasion is milestone in many ways. Relationships that are unconventional, precarious or simply over converge as the guests join the party. The only eternal love is a classical myth performed by a puppet.

If you think you know about film and film-making, if you think you know about middle age and middle England, if you have seen all those French films about le couple, Late September will surprise. Its contemplative backdrop a Kentish garden, its themes friendship, love and failure, its dialogue is wholly improvised by a cast whose relationships intertwine on and off screen. This is a film for film societies, and for watching with friends and family. It will leave you wiser than before.

A real discovery

[sistersylvia · 10/10 · 27 January 2014]

I came across this recently on DVD ...a very intense, and sometimes uncomfortable film. The acting is so real and true to life that there are times when it seemed like I was in the room with these people. It takes place over 24 hours and your feel that you have been there in that house for the whole time. Although the break-up of the marriage is the main story, all the characters have their own problems and the film gives you time to find out who they are, their relationships and about the troubles they bring with them. They way the music was used in the film is particularly effective and there is a puppet show which is so moving it made me cry. Really memorable and well worth watching.