Film review: Queen & Country (15, 115 mins)

Less war nostalgia, more Dad’s Army mawkishness
Queen and Country continues the adventures of BillQueen and Country continues the adventures of Bill
Queen and Country continues the adventures of Bill

In 1987 John Boorman seduced Oscar voters with his autobiographical comedy drama, Hope And Glory, and garnered five nominations including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

Queen & Country continues the misadventures of Boorman’s fictional hero, Bill Rohan, unfolding almost 10 years later when Bill has come of age and can now serve his country.

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This second traipse down the filmmaker’s memory lane is an emotionally underpowered family portrait, beset by awkward shifts in tone and uneven performances.

An almost Dad’s Army-style buffoonery sits uncomfortably next to serious consideration of post-traumatic stress disorder suffered by returning soldiers, adorned with a sadly tepid romantic sub-plot that fails to stir our unabashedly patriotic hearts.

Bill (Callum Turner) lives on an island in the River Thames with his parents Clive (David Hayman) and Grace (Sinead Cusack), grouchy grandfather George (John Standing) and free-spirited sister Dawn (Vanessa Kirby).

The young man enlists in the army and prepares other fresh-faced recruits for the Korean War.

Drama/ Romance/War/Comedy.

Star rating: 4/10

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