Review of Distant Voices, Still Lives (1988) by Dawdlingpoet — 24 Nov 2021

This is a somewhat nostalgic film about a family living in England, living through WWII and how they use music to lift their spirits. There is a sort of communal uplifting sense to it (it's not uplifting in itself but it shows people coming together to sing, which brings them together metaphorically), although it doesn't shy away from depicting grittier moments when they were made to rush for the air raid shelter as shrapnel falls all over. The characters are fairly likeable, with the exception of the unnamed patriarch, played by Pete Postlethwaite. While the film certainly features a fair bit of singing, to lift the moods of those depicted, among other things, it's true that there are scenes not featuring any singing as well. There is a definite sentimentality present but I liked that it's not what I'd regard artificially/unnecessarily cheesy. It very much toes the 'stiff upper lip' line.

I thought it was quite telling how much was said between characters during scenes set in a local pub after a family occasion has taken place. It is perhaps a bit old fashioned - well, it's a period drama after all. It's not what I'd think of as especially memorable or great but it's certainly a good watch never the less, a real 'British film' as it were, so I'd recommend it on that basis.