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I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

The lead actors, great theatrical geniuses both, convey an absolute disinterest in their roles and only put forward what their particular personas can convey in this. Though the adaptation makes more sense than the original film, the actors are just walking through their parts to make a few bucks as compared to the care Finney and Courtenay put in their roles in the original. Of course, considering their talents I was impressed by their expected competence -- but watch the original to see better performances.

My goodness, you don't get better than this. Tony Hopkins and Ian McKellen are perfectly cast in this authentic feeling take on travelling theatre during the second world war. Ill and aged, 'Sir' has premonitions, Norman (the Dresser) is desperate to hang on to what little life he has as Sir's most trusted aide. Without his role he has nothing. Norman is so caught up in his own anxieties he misses the clues to Sir's nagging self-doubts, his statements that 'he can't go on' and that 'really he should be resting at home'. Hopkins's portrayal is so subtle it is heart rending. This subtlety cannot be gained on stage as stray tears cannot be seen from the stalls let alone the gallery. McKellen, meanwhile, fusses and flaps with perfectly understood gay mannerisms for the period setting. As Norman, he gets perfectly right the intonation in his voice as he ducks and bows to Sir. These two actors provide stand out performances but this is not to commend all the other actors who also pull off incredibly touching and believable performances. Oh yes, this is worth watching, just be prepared to be left bereft.

There's superb acting in this deep and powerful drama, adapted to the screen by Ronald Harwood, based on his own play, and ably directed by Richard Eyre. It will probably appeal only to a certain slice of viewers, those that can get into a deliberately paced and dialogue driven film and are not looking for an action flick.The lead actors here Anthony Hopkins, Ian McKellen, Emily Watson, and Sarah Lancashire are all excellent in their roles. with a fine supporting cast enhancing the movie. To be honest, I hadn't heard of Lancashire before, but she was quite amazing in a very understated performance, and one scene with Hopkins was truly mesmerizing.All in all, I found this film became even more powerful as it progressed and with its superb acting, writing, and direction can certainly be recommended for those that like a heavy and most well presented drama.

Ageing actor known only as 'Sir,' is a stage actor of many talents, but sadly failing health. One night he's due on stage to give a lead role in King Lear, he fails to arrive on time and panic sets in at the Theatre, tensions are raised enough as Nazi bombs fall in the area. Sir arrives eventually, clearly ill and forgetful. He is helped, calmed, coaxed and encouraged by his dresser Norman to prepare and go on. Sir gives a fine performance, but tragically dies.It's a very famous story, penned by Ronald Harwood, originally adapted back in 1983 when Tom Courtenay and Albert Finney shared the stage, so it felt like time for a refresh.The casting of Hopkins was brilliant, he was funny, charismatic, stubborn and commanding, I truly thought he was excellent. McKellan I think it's fair to say stole the show as Norman, his performance I can only describe as Wizardry, he was just sensational, and if he doesn't get some kind of award for this I'll be speechless. The interplay between the two was just glorious, talk about two greats showcasing their extraordinary talents.Every single member of the supporting cast were also brilliant, Emily Watson, Sarah Lancashire, Edward Fox, Vanessa Kirkby, Tom Brooke, what a great job done by the Casting Director.So many wonderful scenes to speak of, I particularly liked Hopkins transformation scene into King Lear, an I also loved how expertly McKellen went from sober to drunk.Overall 9/10 (Very close to being worth the License Fee alone.)