Hampstead
Published January 21, 2018
Film info
- Title Hampstead
- Director Joel Hopkins
- Year 2017
- Run time 1hr 42m
- Genres Comedy, Romance
- Tagline See love from a new perspective
Inspired by true events, Hampstead tells the story of American widow Emily Walters (Diane Keaton) who, having grown bored of her day-to-day life, sets out to find some more excitement. One day when exploring the gorgeous area surrounding her home in Hampstead Village she meets Donald Horner (Brendan Gleeson), a man who lives off-grid in his own private paradise on the Heath and the two strike up an unexpected romance. However, when unscrupulous property developers threaten to uproot Donald, destroy his home and build luxury flats in its place, Emily is determined to fight back to defend the Heath as well as the man she loves..
Live blog
| Time | Comment |
|---|---|
| 4:02 - That is literal window shopping, eyeing up whether a hat will suit you in the reflection. | |
| 6:51 - Coffee from a phone box, how odd! | |
| 9:43 - “You know me, a mediocre time is about all I can handle.” | |
| 16:41 - If your accountant is making those noises, that’s not a good sign. | |
| 23:26 - She has sort of stalked him into a cemetery. | |
| 24:07 - “Is there such a thing as a complete half wit?” | |
| 28:44 - This is why it’s important not to talk to your neighbours. | |
| 30:17 - I would fail so bad at a date that came with a map. | |
| 41:33 - Not a fan of the creepy accountant. | |
| 45:27 - Now meeting by statues, these clues are too hard! | |
| 50:42 - She has to jog every few steps to keep up with him, adorable. | |
| 1:00:10 - Sort of feel like he could have knocked, even if he has a key. | |
| 1:08:31 - What is a ukulele orchestra?? | |
| 1:19:02 - “I got out of my way to stay out of the way.” | |
| 1:26:50 - If ever proof were needed that the media need to do a bit more background work! He’s not going to turn into an overnight millionaire like that, is he? | |
| 1:36:11 - Donald Tramp! |
Conclusions
Lovely little film this one. It’s a gentle walk through a cute story - not hard-hitting, not tough, not even that emotional. It’s just a nice little gem of a story that gives you something to think about in terms of how much your home can mean to you, and what you would do to stay in it.
Keaton and Gleeson work well together too, they’re an odd couple but it kinda works. Love his gruff style, but he’s not completely out of sorts and can apologise when he’s been too harsh on her. Equally, she’s a bit nosy and ditzy but has the enthusiasm and patience to help him when he’s being grumpy.
This isn’t a film that will change the world, but it’s an adorable watch anyway.
Rating: 4/5.
Rating: 4 / 5