Remarkable!

Summary:
The movie is based upon the life of Winston Churchill (Albert Finney). It begins just as information about the German re-armament is beginning to seep into British political life. Winston is an aging statesman that is losing his political clout. When his insights into the impending German military conquest are reinforced by hard data given to him secretly by Ralph Wigram (Linus Roache), Winston's perspective takes parliament by storm, resulting in the resignation of the Prime Minister and the eventual appointment of Winston as Prime Minister.

However, the primary story is only half of what makes this movie superb. The other half is the remarkable portrayal of the relationship between Winston and his wife, Clemmie (Vanessa Redgrave). Perhaps what really drives the relationship in the movie is when Clemmie, who has sacrificed so much of her life and been so selfless for so many years in support of her husband's career, finally decides to take a trip alone, leaving Winston without the support he has counted on for so many years.

My Comments:
This movie is remarkably well-done. I didn't even recognize Albert Finney (from Erin Brockovich); I couldn't place him and was stunned when I saw his name in the credits. I felt kind of foolish afterward. In retrospect it's pretty obvious, but I sure had a difficult time of it he was so convincing. All of the actors did a superb job; I can't even begin to complain about any of the portrayals.

As noted above, the love story is very touching. What makes it even more touching is that Winston Churchill is not idealized or romanticized in anyway - he had a very strong personality and likely was very difficult to live with. However, if this movie is even a remotely accurate portrayal of the relationship he had with his wife, he loved two things very deeply (other than himself of course), his wife and his country, and both of these loves are very explicitly conveyed in the movie, but in a convincing way. (I do wonder if 'Pug' was a real petname for him...)

In the end you find yourself falling in love with Winston Churchill, despite his arrogance and his overbearing personality; he believed in something and was willing to fight tenaciously for it. When the movie ends you feel like you've been in the presence of a great man. Now, I'm not one to revere people; but occasionally you do meet people that are just, well, amazing. I've only met one other person that I could compare to Winston Churchill, but you wouldn't know him so I won't get into it. Anyway, I would have followed Mr. Churchill and I don't throw my allegiances around lightly.

Overall, the movie is both touching and powerful. It introduces you to both the husband and statesman of Winston Churchill, as well as his backside (you get to see Albert Finney's butt in the very opening scene, not that that should be an attraction, 'butt' anyway...). The movie isn't showy; it's very straightforward, has a very specific agenda, and sticks with its main character. It is very well done and teaches history at the same time. I would highly recommend it.