After teaching for over eighteen years, Andrew Crocker-Harris (Albert Finney) is wrapping up his final days. His wife Laura (Greta Scacchi) will also be retiring after serving fifteen years. When the school’s headmaster reveals to the students that Mr Andrew Crocker-Harris is quite ill and can no longer work as a full-time teacher, the students begin to share rumours that and perhaps there is another reason other than him being unwell. Perhaps the people above Mr Andrew Crocker-Harris are forcing his hand in resigning, or maybe there’s something else going on relating to his marriage behind the scenes.
The primary focus of this film is Andrew Crocker-Harris’ final days working at the school. Nicknamed ‘Hitler of the Lower Fifth’, most students found him quite strict and firm. Behind his back, students take joy in mocking him and complaining about his teaching methods. Over his last few days, Andrew Crocker-Harris begins to reflect on his past and connects with various people in his life on a deeper level, including one of the students named Taplow (Ben Silverstone).
This 1994 remake features Albert Finney as Andrew Crocker-Harris, and I’m proud to say the actor delivers an unforgettable performance. The Browning Version is a dramatic story, and at times I found the film quite touching. The story is quite unpredictable, and I found myself invested fairly quickly once key plot details were outlined during the first act.
For those who are not aware, this film is a remake of a 1951 feature by the same name. Thanks to the Australian Distribution Imprint Film, The Browning Version is now available in a double feature blu-ray set which includes the original 1951 film and the 1994 remake. The set is also filled with stunning features, including audio commentaries, interviews, theatrical trailers, and more!
Overall, I found this film to be highly enjoyable. It’s a dramatic film, but I found it touching and heartfelt right from the start. As a remake of the original 1951 feature, this film is unforgettable thanks to the performance of Albert Finney. The film is unpredictable, and I was highly invested in the leading characters and everything surrounding them. The pacing is great, and audiences will be hooked fairly early once the film introduces the main plot outline. In the end, I found this feature quite surprising and entertaining- a must-watch.
8.1/10
20th November 2021
Written by Peter Walkden
CONNECT WITH IMPRINT FILMS
WALKDEN ENTERTAINMENT
PODCASTS ARE AVAILABLE!
0 Comments