Review of Mrs. Miniver (1942) by Jerrod G — 15 Mar 2009
Dripping with propaganda, but pulls it off because the story is pretty engaging. A few great performances from the women (Greer Garson, Teresa Wright and Dame May Whitty) are dragged down somewhat by the tedious male leads (save Henry Travers, who is lovable as always).
The "War of the Roses" buildup provides some much needed levity against the impending gravity of war, and there is a great, tense scene with the family tucked in their bunker, waiting out a bombing raid. The "little boats" scene is interesting, but it wouldâ??ve been a nice payoff to follow them on to Dunkirk. There is an interesting scene with an injured, lone Nazi soldier that completely humanizes Mrs. Miniver but turns the Nazi into a "weâ??re still coming to kill you all"-boogeyman. Would be handled differently today, but I wouldn't expect anything different for a film made in 1942.
The ending is taut (and a bit sappy, sure) but it may surprise you. Worth checking out if youâ??re into WWII or have a hankering for an oldie.
This review of Mrs. Miniver (1942) was written by Jerrod G on 15 Mar 2009.
Mrs. Miniver has generally received very positive reviews.
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