walmington

Another typical war film starring John Mills. As ever he pulls the stiff upper lipped British officer role off brilliantly. This film is much stronger than the later submarine based film 'Above Us the Waves' also starring Mills probably because this was actually made during the war, when this was a real threat. It's a good story, with dastardly Germans (well, you have to don't you?) and the good old Royal Navy coming up with the goods. Credit must go to John Mills, who must by now know how to command his own submarine/battleship/platoon. He's also learnt how to look believably concerned whilst looking through a periscope. A must see film.

On hearing of this film I was looking forward to watching it. It's the typical 1950's British film, with the added bonus of Alastair Sim. He is brilliant, but the plot is weak. Social matters are highlighted that were common in Britain then, such as the Labour party versus the Tories etc. But the plot doesn't hold together well. Over all a good enough film, but no where near the St. Trinian's series or The Green Man. Watch out for a young George Cole as a soldier as well.

This film could not benefit any more from the amazing acting of Sir Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal 'the Cannibal' Lecter. He's so calm, collected and slightly likeable that he will scare you. I didn't think he had done until I had a nightmare that night dreaming he was by my bed repeating my name in the same hushed voice used when saying "Clarice". I can't think of anyone better suited for the role. Watch out for the part after he's killed two security guards. Standing with blood spattered over his face, his hands, his body he calmly turns on his classical music. Amazing. Jodie Foster is also good as the trainee FBI agent. The exchanges between her and Lecter are the main basis of the film and the most creepy. A brilliant film and I'm glad to see Hopkins will be reprising his role for 'Hannibal'.