The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943)

Described by some as the best British film of all time and a meticulous representation of the (vanished) British mentality, it is a rather chaotic but charming comedy of manners that satirizes, among other things, the dated and almost nostalgic view of warfare. It also demonstrates that love and friendship are inviolable and immortal, even in times of chaos and despair.

At its heart is the friendship between Clive 'old chap' Candy and a German named Theo, which is tested by their conflicting views of the world. Bolder than, for example, Mrs. Miniver, in which the German is depicted as inhuman and beastly. Roger Livesey is simply brilliant. He plays his role with the same (misplaced) self-assurance that his character constantly radiates. Co-stars Walbrook and Kerr also act with great conviction and are a real asset. They are further supported by surprisingly good make-up. It is all beautifully filmed, and Technicolor is an unexpected but nice bonus. Nevertheless, not the most colorful film; lots of olive green and brown, with a few bright colors here and there that catch the eye. The film has a few dips, but is generally engaging enough. I look forward to The Red Shoes and A Matter of Life and Death.

Translated from Dutch · View original

I tried it once two years ago and rushed through it back then because it couldn't hold my attention for a single moment. Sleep-inducing, bland, and old were the words at the time, and I didn't even finish watching the film back then; however, the feeling that I hadn't really given the film a chance, nor had really sat down to watch it, crept up on me more and more.

So once again, we turn to the Clive Candy who earned his stripes in the Boer War, made lifelong friends in Germany, and in the wars that followed, mainly found himself increasingly detached from reality regarding the circumstances and what was required, with his speech naturally being the highlight. Always a gentleman, as they say, but also a fossil. The revival at the end is nice, where Candy reunites with the Homeguard. The changing view of war and the distance from it are interesting in any case. And just like on Saturday with Hauptmann Stransky in Cross of Iron, that background and aristocracy are so important, just as in the case of Candy and his German friend. A world of manners, pride, attitude, courtesy, and respect for elders and experience. War seems almost like an afterthought.

However, the film does drag on quite a bit at various moments, with scenes that don't matter to me. The whole thing with the orchestra doesn't interest me, and I also don't find all the fuss surrounding Edith particularly interesting, although this naturally carries significant weight for Candy in terms of content. But all in all, "The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp," a reference to a newspaper satirical cartoon, makes a better impression with Candy's humor and sarcasm. The humor and remarks surrounding the duel are especially fun, and otherwise, I do detect a certain charm in the film. I still don't think it's superb, but certainly enough for a passing grade.

Translated from Dutch · View original

A rather long, drawn-out film that could have been quite a bit shorter. At times I had to grit my teeth, with good and not-so-good scenes alternating. It was freshened up a bit with the Technicolor, but it remains one that can't hide the fact that it is nearly 80 years old.

Drama and humor alternate somewhat, but it doesn't really take a definitive direction. The story was not engaging enough, or at least didn't stand out enough for me to be memorable. It is, however, a remarkable story of the friendship between a German and a British soldier, knowing that this film was released in the midst of WWII.

Translated from Dutch · View original