An Awfully Big Adventure (1995)
Alan Cox, Alan Rickman, Alun Armstrong
Set in post-World War II England, Mike Newell's bittersweet coming-of-age tale follows inexperienced lass Stella (Georgina Cates), who joins a theatre troupe led by cruel director Meredith Potter (Hugh Grant) and starring arrogant actor P.L. O'Hara (Alan Rickman). Stella falls for Potter, but he rej... (read more) Set in post-World War II England, Mike Newell's bittersweet coming-of-age tale follows inexperienced lass Stella (Georgina Cates), who joins a theatre troupe led by cruel director Meredith Potter (Hugh Grant) and starring arrogant actor P.L. O'Hara (Alan Rickman). Stella falls for Potter, but he rejects her. She then turns to O'Hara, who takes advantage of her. As Stella learns valuable life lessons, the troupe's long-buried secrets are revealed.
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R, 113 min.
Directed by:
Mike Newell
Release Date: Jul 21, 1995
DVD Release Date: Apr 19, 2005
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Wow. Really disturbing, and very strange characters. Rickman is brilliant in this film, as usual.
This is one of the better films about theatre and what it does to some people. It resembles "The Dresser" in atmosphere to a certain extent, and in the portrayal of many of its characters. Secret desires and yearnings linger under the surface, bitchi... (read more) This is one of the better films about theatre and what it does to some people. It resembles "The Dresser" in atmosphere to a certain extent, and in the portrayal of many of its characters. Secret desires and yearnings linger under the surface, bitchiness and petty jealousy escort humour and the spirit of "the show going on".
It is however quite a dark film, and bravely allows us to get to know characters who are unsympathetic but not altogether unlikable. Alan Rickman underplays beautifully as always, and a restrained Hugh Grant demonstrates his considerable skill as a character actor. Georgina Cates gives a stunning performance of the innocent (but not THAT innocent) girl drawn into the world of the late 1940s theatre in Liverpool. Lots to like here, but it is not at all a feel good movie.
There is no finer acting in any film than this one. The cast is amazing. Even Hugh Grant proves that he is a STELLAR thespian.
This is a sort of weird artsy English movie, that focuses on realtionships in the hteater and ends up a bit twisted.
Beyond being an entertaining drama, this film provides (as a backdrop to the story) a fascinating look at the decline of repertory Theatres that began in the post-war era.
And yes, Hugh Grant is in this. And he's great, but if you're expecting "Four... (read more) Beyond being an entertaining drama, this film provides (as a backdrop to the story) a fascinating look at the decline of repertory Theatres that began in the post-war era.
And yes, Hugh Grant is in this. And he's great, but if you're expecting "Four Weddings and a Funeral" type fare, this movie may disappoint you; it's much better.
Also, Alan Rickman, one of the best living actors, is in this film.
An Awfully Big SCANDAL!!! Sixteen-year-old girl hangs around nutty theatre folk, sleeps with Alan Rickman who is playing Captain Hook and (SPOILER ALERT!) turns out to be her long-lost father. What's not to love? ;-)
Comedy? I wouldn't call it that. It's got an unexpected twist at the end ... beyond that, it's a good reminder just how great an actor Alan Rickman is. I was rather underwhelmed by the female lead, and Hugh Grant's character was ... well, interest... (read more) Comedy? I wouldn't call it that. It's got an unexpected twist at the end ... beyond that, it's a good reminder just how great an actor Alan Rickman is. I was rather underwhelmed by the female lead, and Hugh Grant's character was ... well, interesting. I think this film needs to be seen several times to really appreciate its art. Oh yes - Rickman as Capt. Hook - wow! Did I say I thought he is an amazing actor?
One of the absolute weirdest movies I have ever seen. I couldn't even finish it b/c it was so strange. And Alan Rickman didn't come in to the storyline for a really long time.
Worth seeing mainly for Alan Rickman, but also just to enjoy Hugh Grant in a truly vicious role, which he does very well
My dad says that Hugh Grant is one of the all time best actors. I just don't see it, but I see why they aren't saying it about Georgina Cates.
Great acing by Alan Rickan,as always. But film was not a comedy, more drama. Not what I expected.
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