Period drama war film will 'rip your heart out' but you only have days to watch it
A film hailed as "very British", offering a unique perspective on the second world war, is set to depart from BBC iPlayer in just a few days.
Set against the backdrop of the 1940 London Blitz, a screenwriter named Catrin and an impromptu cast and crew unite to create a film aimed at lifting national spirits and encouraging America to enter the war.
Their Finest (2016) follows the journey of young woman, Catrin Cole (Gemma Arterton), who is recruited by the Ministry of Information to pen scripts for propaganda films.
Working alongside another screenwriter and an actor, they endeavour to produce a movie that will elevate national morale and persuade America to join the war - all while navigating the tumultuous environment of the London Blitz and the aftermath of the Dunkirk evacuation.
Catrin and her team encounter numerous obstacles along the way, including the relentless bombings.
She subsequently collaborates with fellow screenwriter Buckley (Sam Claflin) and quirky actor Ambrose Hilliard (Bill Nighy), discovering her voice, exploring the potency of storytelling, and dealing with the intricacies of war.
Although fictional, the film draws inspiration from the real-life efforts of the British film industry to bolster the war effort.
On the film reviewing platform Rotten Tomatoes - where the film boasts a sparkling 91% fresh score - fans commend this touch of reality as one of the film's most compelling aspects.
"Nearly faultless. Great cast, perfectly directed. A perfect combination of the richest subject in history (WW2), great script, a warm romance, tragedy and poignancy," one viewer penned.
Their Finest skilfully intertwines narratives of love, self-discovery, loss and sorrow while focusing on the characters' mission.
"A delight from start to finish, except for the part where the film rips your heart out," another critic expressed, with another adding: "A very English movie and incredibly well done."
The further shared: "Tremendous cast and performances supporting an excellent story and script. Both heart wrenching and uplifting. Add to your watch list."
The star-studded cast includes Arterton, Claflin and Nighy, as well as Jeremy Irons, Jack Huston, Helen McCrory, Eddie Marsan and Jake Lacy. Their Finest is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer, but will be leaving the platform on June 7.
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