ShangLuda
Admirable film.
Curapedi
I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.
Kayden
This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama
daviddouglas
This is a well told poignant story with a collection of great actors unsurpassed in any films of the past 10 years. Other than the regrettable casting of Kelly Reilly, a good actress, in the roll of the young Amy played by Helen Mirren who looks nothing like Helen Mirren nor has similar body language or general presence to her. However; this one small flaw does not keep this from being a very memorable film experience for the viewer.This well-crafted film has the appeal of being a learning experience as well as one of entertainment. I am a 'baby boomer' and most of us are coming to grips that life is a limited proposition and that the truth of life is that if one has made good friends and brought joy to the lives of others that we have lived a rich and full life and can face death without regret. If you have not seen this film watch it. If you have only seen it once, see it again as the second time viewing is even more rich with new learning and reward.
mike dewey
This stellar ensemble cast under the directorship of Fred Shepisi hits the metaphorical jackpot in this story of long-time mates disposing of one of their own's ashes. Warmth, humanity, humor et al. permeate the atmosphere of this realistic, yet sensitive story.To me, Mr. Hoskins' role stands out just a tad from the rest, as he is, in no small part, the main facilitator in this film: he always seems to be in the right place at the proper time, especially at the track! Although not in the boys' club of disposing of the ashes, Helen Mirren's role here is more subtle and indirect, yet crucial as the deceased's (Michael Caine) wife who opts not to go along with the boys for the final ride. Her understated yet forceful portrayal here is one of her finer pieces of work, especially noted in her scenes with her mentally challenged daughter. M. Caine is his usual cad self, somewhat like an aged "Alfie" who likes his bantering with the birds at the pub (and at the hospital!), but unlike "Alfie", he won't make plays for them! The rest of the group of the boys carrying out the "Last Orders" provide more than ample thespian talent, not only in their individual roles, but also in how each relates to the group as a whole. The cast of the "flashback" scenes of yore does equally well in laying out the dramatic foundation for the modern day sequences.Some say the total is greater than the sum of the individual parts, especially when dealing with the synergy of talents and overall heart as manifested in this production. It's all about heart, baby, and there's plenty here to go around. Cheers!
swillsqueal
Jack Dodds knows that he is going to die soon, but before he does, he wants to settle his affairs. Ya see, Jack here, he's got himself in a bit of trouble, hanging on too long to his dream of community, work and fun. He's gone and been left behind by the incessant march of capitalism towards the bigger, better and cheaper. His butcher shop has become "uncompetitive". Jack has come to realize this, but too late. Now, he's going to die. And Amy, his wife is going to have to suffer as a result after Jack carks it.Then, Jack gets this idea. He'll borrow some money from his son, Vince. You see, his son was supposed to take over the butcher shop, but Vince figured (rightly) that there wasn't a future there. Jack cajoled him and begged him to take it over, you know, the old father leaves the son the family business and then becomes the father himself to leave to the son trip. But, that don't wash over time. That was some other time. Perhaps, the last time, it was that time was in the 19th Century. At least, in England....So, but Vince, he's got cash now because he ignored his father and took up car salesmanship. Jack is dying. Vince comes to visit. What can Vince do? His pop asks him for money, YET AGAIN. And this time, he's on his deathbed...well practically. Vince coughs up some pounds and Jack then asks his old pal Raysie to use his best betting knowledge and put the lot on a long shot horse. This is a film about a fading generation of fast disappearing traditions, a generation who spent their lives together in one community and lived much of their free-time communing at their local pub. It's a story of camaraderie, friendship, betrayal, commitment, love and honour : C'est la bonne vie. Coming to terms with death and happiness, with loss and gain, "Last Orders" is a film which will not let you down.The cast and their direction are superb. You can almost feel Tom Courtenay's Vic, trembling as the loneliness of a long distance runner sets in. And Helen Mirren's Amy, once the belle of all balls, now the distraught, caring wife of Michael Caine's Alfie, turned honest, loving, joie-de-vivre-Jack. David Hemmings'...is that really the mod photographer from "Blow Up"? Ah and Bob Hoskins, lucky Raysie, survivor, friend and the unlikely winner, racing off to the land down under with one of his best friend's wives.
jotix100
Graham Swift's brilliant novel serves as the basis of this film, adapted and directed by Fred Schipisi, who gathered some of the best English talent to give life to the characters of the novel in a satisfying film that will not disappoint.We are taken to a local pub where three old friends have gone to have a drink before embarking on a trip to Margate. When Vic arrives with a box, it's made clear the ashes of another friend is what has prompted the reunion. In flashbacks, we are taken to see Jack's life from the days of WWII and the way the four friends have met and how their lives have been intertwined.There is also Amy, Jack's widow, who is taking a trip on her own to visit a daughter who has been committed to an institution because she is mentally challenged. Amy is also a key figure in the story because of the love Jack felt for her.Vince, Jack's son, is driving a late model car to Margate and takes Vic, Ray and Lenny with him. the purpose is to scatter the ashes in the place which Jack wanted to live with Amy, but never got around to it. Vince, is the key figure in the story, which is made clear when he makes a detour to a place that is the pivotal part of this tale.Michael Caine is Jack, the dead man, who is seen in flashbacks. Bob Hoskins plays Ray. David Hemmings and Tom Courtenay are seen as Lenny and Vic. Helen Merrin is magnificent in a subtle performance as Amy. Ray Winstone is Vince.Fred Schipisi succeeded in creating the right atmosphere in the adaptation of the novel. His sensitive direction works well and he gets excellent backing from his distinguished cast.
