Young Winston (B or 3/4 stars)
'Young Winston' (directed by the great Richard Attenborough, Oh, What a Lovely War!) is narrated by both the young & the mature Winston in detailing the crucial episodes in the politician's life: his unhappy childhood years; his father's untimely death; his time spent as a cavalry officer in India; as a war correspondent in Africa; & the saga ends with Winston's 1st election to Parliament at the very young age of 26. Unfolding at a deliberate pace (plus a run time of 145 minutes), the script is by Carl Foreman (who lived in exile in London), based on Winston Churchill's memoirs, which some historians consider to be too biased; even self-serving.
Even so, executed in an appealing style (absolutely gorgeous cinematography, production design & costumes - Oscar-worthy), we get a glimpse at his childhood & family life (his mother Lady Jennie Churchill is played with great calm by Anne Bancroft), achievements & failures at school, some adventures in the Sudan, as well as the Boer Wars (where he was captured & escapes). There are some stellar battle scenes, which alternate with this largely dialogue-driven tale.
Several actors play Churchill at different phases of his life: Michael Anderson makes impact as the reluctant schoolboy, & Simon Ward plays him as officer, journalist, & then brilliant politician. As mentioned, Anne Bancroft is as quite good as Lady Churchill. John Mills, Anthony Hopkins, Ian Holm, & Patrick Magee also appear in smaller roles. And Robert Shaw is particularly impressive as the strong, yet ailing father of our titular character, Lord Randolph Winston.
You know, 'Young Winston' gives off an air of "this movie is Important with a Capital I". And this will be a movie for people who can appreciate a long, slow episodic narrative about an exceedingly well-know historical figure. I'm sure the film will be too slow (or lack some dramatic energy) for most viewers. But if you respect Richard Attenborough's storytelling techniques, are interested in Churchill, love Anne Bancroft/Robert Shaw, & want to ooh & ahh at the gorgeous images throughout the film ... then you will probably take away plenty from this film.
Even so, executed in an appealing style (absolutely gorgeous cinematography, production design & costumes - Oscar-worthy), we get a glimpse at his childhood & family life (his mother Lady Jennie Churchill is played with great calm by Anne Bancroft), achievements & failures at school, some adventures in the Sudan, as well as the Boer Wars (where he was captured & escapes). There are some stellar battle scenes, which alternate with this largely dialogue-driven tale.
Several actors play Churchill at different phases of his life: Michael Anderson makes impact as the reluctant schoolboy, & Simon Ward plays him as officer, journalist, & then brilliant politician. As mentioned, Anne Bancroft is as quite good as Lady Churchill. John Mills, Anthony Hopkins, Ian Holm, & Patrick Magee also appear in smaller roles. And Robert Shaw is particularly impressive as the strong, yet ailing father of our titular character, Lord Randolph Winston.
You know, 'Young Winston' gives off an air of "this movie is Important with a Capital I". And this will be a movie for people who can appreciate a long, slow episodic narrative about an exceedingly well-know historical figure. I'm sure the film will be too slow (or lack some dramatic energy) for most viewers. But if you respect Richard Attenborough's storytelling techniques, are interested in Churchill, love Anne Bancroft/Robert Shaw, & want to ooh & ahh at the gorgeous images throughout the film ... then you will probably take away plenty from this film.