Review: ‘When Did You Last See Your Father?’

I knew very little about this movie going into the theatre other than it was based on a true story. Generally speaking, this is usually enough for me to give a film its chance to impress, and quite surprisingly this one did just that … despite Colin Firth. Forgive me, I haven’t yet filled you in on my opinion of Colin Firth. Actually, I really don’t have much of an opinion of him as an actor … which is precisely the amount of unique acting talent he possesses (in my opinion). He’s not bad, but he’s also not good … he’s just Colin.

When Did You Last See Your Father? tells the true story of Blake Morrison (Firth), a writer struggling to come to terms with his father Arthur (Jim Broadbent). Blake’s father is an out-spoken, opinionated man who’s had a rocky relationship with Blake ever since he was a child. The film begins with Blake accepting an award as a writer, a profession by which his physician father has never understood or accepted. Arthur’s attendance of Blake’s award ceremony causes Blake to feel uncomfortable, setting in motion a series of flashbacks that haunt Blake throughout the film. Soon after, the family learns that Arthur is dying of cancer and Blake now struggles with finding a way to make peace with his father, who has his share of secrets.

The film, based on the real-life Blake Morrison’s book, is directed by Anand Tucker. The film is actually very captivating and does a splendid job at creating empathy for the various members of the Morrison family, especially Blake’s mother Kim (Juliet Stevenson). Not once did I find myself “falling asleep at the wheel” while navigating this human drama. Firth’s performance is acceptable, but nothing to rave about … it simply does the job. Its Jim Broadbent’s wonderful performance as Blake’s father that truly steals the glory. Throughout the film, I found myself at one moment despising Arthur for his actions and his lack of compassion for his wife and son, while at another moment I actually feel pity and empathize for Arthur as a dying man who feels he did his best despite his vices. The movie is worth checking out, especially if you enjoy listening to actors with accents as much as I do.

[rating:3/5]