1940, France has fallen and Britain is suffering under the onslaught from Nazi Germany. Morale is low and the British Ministry of Information sets about producing propaganda films to lift spirits. A secretary, Catrin Cole, joins the Ministry as a junior writer and is soon thrust into the production of a major film.
This film looked interesting, set during the nadir of war from a British perspective and focusing on the home front, especially the improvement of morale through movie making. An unexplored yet intriguing subject. Plus, the film stars Gemma Arterton, so what's not to like?
Well, it's not bad but it's not good either. Generally bland with enough good moments to sustain it. The plot never comes alive, the characters are not that engaging, the film just seems to shuffle along. Catrin Cole's story arc has some substance, and Gemma Arterton puts in a solid performance as her, but even that is fairly predictable.
Ultimately, I wish I could watch the film within the film - the propaganda movie that was produced in the film - rather than this film. The best moments involved watching the propaganda film.
This film looked interesting, set during the nadir of war from a British perspective and focusing on the home front, especially the improvement of morale through movie making. An unexplored yet intriguing subject. Plus, the film stars Gemma Arterton, so what's not to like?
Well, it's not bad but it's not good either. Generally bland with enough good moments to sustain it. The plot never comes alive, the characters are not that engaging, the film just seems to shuffle along. Catrin Cole's story arc has some substance, and Gemma Arterton puts in a solid performance as her, but even that is fairly predictable.
Ultimately, I wish I could watch the film within the film - the propaganda movie that was produced in the film - rather than this film. The best moments involved watching the propaganda film.