In the Bleak Midwinter

A group of eccentrics tries to save a dilapidated church with a performance of Hamlet on Christmas Eve. Branagh gets a ton out of humor out of the premise with the colorful characters and wisely ends each scene with exactly the perfect punchline. Anyone who's ever put on a play will definitely appreciate the sheer giddy lunacy of it.

Outstanding back stage comedy (clearly written by someone with first hand experience of such things!) which delves hilariously into a myriad of interpersonal issues arising amongst a rag-tag troupe of actors. Entire cast is on fire, but Briers is an especially affecting, emotional touchstone, and frequent interjections from American agent Collins are hilarious. Writer-director Branagh pulls off a difficult balancing act of uproarious comedy and quiet pathos with exceptional skill. A real treat.

79.500

89.000