Movie Review: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

 Movie Number 23 of 2023

The Movie: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

The Cinema: Village Cinemas The Rivoli, Camberwell

Stars: 4

Of course I was going to love this movie. It's English. It's based on a beloved novel. I don't need much more than that. 

If you've read Rachel Joyce's beloved book, you're definitely in for a treat. Joyce wrote the screenplay, so it is very much in line with the book. 

Those who've read the book won't need much reminding, as it's a book that sticks with you. 

Harold Fry (Jim Broadbent), a retiree from the South of England, Cornwall even, who receives news that an old friend, Queenie Hennessy is dying in a hospice at the other end of the country. Queenie, it seems, has done something for Harold in the past which stirs up some emotions in him. He tries to write a letter to Queenie, with his wife, Maureen (Penelope Wilton) looking over his shoulder. He writes down something trite, puts it in an envelope, sticks on a pair of boat shoes and a jacket, and he goes to post a letter. 

And that is the start of Harold's unlikely pilgrimage. After a chat with a blue haired girl at the service station, he gets it into his head that he will walk the 500 miles up to Berwick-on-Tweed. For those who aren't the Anglophile like me, here's a map. 

Over the walk, Harold has to rely on the kindness of strangers, and live by his wits. Being and amiable sort, he's happy to have a chat with all and sundry which leads him to get some media attention while he works out just why he is doing something as daft as walk the length of the country in a pair of boat shoes. 

Maureen, in the meantime, is seething at home. Their marriage is one of those comfortable ones which have survived a lot, but we don't quite know what - and we soon find out. 

This is pilgrimage for both of these characters and it gives them an opportunity to right past wrongs, and to grieve. 

I'll leave it there. Read the book to know more. 

I loved some of the characters who joined him on the journey, particularly Wilf (Daniel Frogson), the young lad hell bent on joining Harold on his journey, which brings up a few demons in the latter. The movie also has a great dog in it - faithful to the book. 

Hettie Macdonald's direction is assured, and Rachel Joyce's screenplay is punchy, sweet, bittersweet and funny in equal measures - just like the book. 

I love this book. I really enjoyed the movie.

It's another on to which you probably should take a small pack of tissues to. It's also a great film which you can take your Mum. 

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