In this long-awaited sequel to the acclaimed 1987 film Hope and Glory, Bill Rohan – a child of the Blitz – comes of age just in time for the Korean War. Still absurdly young, Bill and his new buddies master the art of poking fun at petty tyrants in boot camp, hunger for weekend leave with local beauties, and cherish home as their refuge. Savor this poignant and powerful mix of laughter, longing and the launch of adulthood in time of war, starring Callum Turner (The Borgias, Ripper Street), Caleb Landry Jones and the great Richard E. Grant (Downton Abbey, Doctor Who). A moving film, based on the early life of five-time Academy Award-nominated director and writer John Boorman.
Set beginning in 1952.
The first word in the film’s title says lots about the precise historical moment Boorman evokes. When Bill enters the army, Britain has a king. During his stint, Elizabeth II takes the throne, with all the symbolic resonance that entails (Boorman’s English films appreciate the monarchy’s mythic aura). The Korean War is on. Britain is poor, its empire is crumbling, and the Swinging Sixties are still far, far away. It’s steadily engrossing due to Boorman’s surpassing skills as both a storyteller and a director. Indeed, “Queen and Country” could serve as a master class on how to build interesting characters in even the smallest roles, and how to stage scenes with a maximum of expressiveness, elegance and economy. – Godfrey Cheshire for Roger Ebert
Starring Callum Turner, Caleb Landry Jones, Pat Shortt, Richard E. Grant.
Rated PG-13.