28 June 2019.
By Neptune
TOLKIEN ***1/2
The atrocities of WWI, the depth of a brotherhood built upon common interests in the arts, the tenderness of new love, the difficulties of a deprived childhood and the benefits of a fine education…all these make up this beautiful melodrama by the young Finnish director Dome Karukoski based on the true life story of J.R.R. Tolkien, the famous English author of such legendary sagas as Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
With fine acting by Nicholas Hoult as Tolkien, the lovely Lily Collins (daughter of Phil) as his great love, sumptuous cinematography and a strong script, this biopic takes us from Tolkien’s orphaned childhood through his introduction into the higher echelons of English boarding schools, where he became part of a small, elite fellowship which allowed him to develop his highly imaginative writing powers.
Here is old-fashioned drama that is thoroughly satisfying.
Superb **** Very Good *** Good ** Mediocre * Miserable – no stars
By Neptune
Neptune Ravar Ingwersen reviews film extensively for publications in Switzerland. She views 4 to 8 films a week and her aim is to sort the wheat from the chaff for readers.
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