Review of Mrs. Miniver (1942) by Tim M — 15 Sep 2009

What do we think of when WWII is mentioned? Perhaps it is the horrors that the Nazis did to the Jews. Perhaps it is the horrors of war and how it affected the soldiers. Perhaps we think of movies that show it in an exciting and interesting way. But how often do we think of the hardships and courage that the ordinary people (not soldiers, just citizens) had to go through? Perhaps not enough, but the 1942 Best Picture sure does and in a way that does not come off as forced or propaganda-like. Mrs. Miniver is a film about life and how war can come into it but life must continue on as always and it doesn't go on hold just because of war.

Mrs. Miniver is a touching and impactful film that shows how everyone is touched in a war. It shows how daily life may continue but in a shadow of fear and anxiety. Things may change or disappear but the essence of life will live and continue as long as the people are willing to let it and support it. Considering the film was made during the war it is based upon it seems that it may have been done as propaganda. I think not since it tells a story - England's story at the beginning of the war. It shows how even the small and remote areas were just as affected as big cities like London and how everyone could help in their own way in the war, whether as fighter or someone who stays home and encourages and supports others. The film does not say to fight and enter the war - it instead says that wars come and the people must remain strong and firm and stand up to it whether they fight or not. Wars are more than just soldiers and artillary but people - on the battlefield and off.

Mrs. Miniver tells the story of a family and the impact the war had on it. It tells of love, courage, togetherness, and most importantly the importance of having something good (a spouse, child, friend, prize-winning rose) even if it only lasts a moment. Life is precious and everyone deserves to have something wonderful at least for a time. The film beautifully shows how important it is not to take things for granted and to help others achieve something wonderful as well. Life is more than frivolities and self-pleasing things, it is about sharing, helping, caring, and building a community that can work together, stand strong together, and be there for one another. Even in the midst of darkness their can be rays of sunshine and hope in all kinds of forms when people love each other and work together.

Greer Garson does a magnificent job as Mrs. Miniver and shows the stiff upper lip very well while also being a loving wife and mother. Walter Pidgeon supports her as Mr. Miniver and the rest of the cast play their parts vividly real and really well. Dame May Whitty as always gives a powerful performance as the top of society who comes to realize that her postition also allows her to be able to give to the community so others might have their own moment of hope come to fruition. The photography is gripping and fluid and the music is soft so as to not lead the picture but good enough to add support to the scenes it is used in. The edits are smooth and the whole film seems to have been done with care and expertise to further emphasize the impact it has about its issues. An encouraging film that helped to lift spirits during the war which is perhaps the most important form of fighting that can be - high hopes and the ability to recognize the losses and dangers present but to rise above them and continue on.

One of the most amazing scenes in the film to me is when the Miniver family is in their bomb shelter and we start to hear the dogfights of the planes up in the sky above. We can only see the Minivers and the inside of the bomb shelter and only hear what the Minivers hear. This is an extremely powerful scene as it rests mostly on sound and the sound depart does a most impressive job. All the sounds within the whole scene sound as if we were really there within that bomb shelter with a battle raging in the skies around us. When the first bomb is dropped my blood ran cold and I couldn't help but shiver as the sound of it whining through the air coming closer and closer to the ground occured seeming to stifle every other sound and I, as well as the Minivers, could only wait, with baited breath, for the final sound - the sound of it crashing into the ground and exploding. These sounds of the planes shooting at each other and the dropping of bombs to the ground continue through the whole eerie scene painting a perfect picture through sound of how horrible it must have been to have been in a bomb shelter during a battle. This family was not at a camp of soldiers but at their own house - a father, mother, and two children - and had to endure the same things that a soldier on the battlefield might.

This film opened my eyes to what true war is, not just for the soldier, but for the people. I have seen many war films with the horrors of war shown for the soldiers but rarely do I see one that impactfully shows what takes place on the home front. This was a most remarkable film and worthy of its six Oscars including Best Picture. I've said a lot and more could be said, but I will conclude with this: I highly recommend seeing this picture as it is one of the most realistic in telling about life. There is some romance, humor, and good storytelling, but also life-changing issues brought to mind. A must see.