Synopsis

Based on a remarkable true story, discover how the poor son of a miner became one of the greatest actors the world has ever known, with the help of an unlikely mentor.
In the Welsh town of Port Talbot, 1942, Richard Jenkins (Harry Lawtey) lives as a wayward schoolboy, caught between the pressures of his struggling family, a devastating war, and his own ambitions. However, a new opportunity arises when Richard’s natural talent for drama catches the attention of his teacher, Philip Burton (BAFTA winner Toby Jones).  Taking Richard under his wing, the young man thrives thanks to Philip’s strict tutelage and the guidance of kindly landlady, Ma Smith (Academy Award nominee Lesley Manville). However, as the acting world comes within Richard’s reach, the burden of his past risks holding him back forever.

Critics Views

“[Burton] never thought acting was a manly profession, and seemed to be involved in a tug-of-war against himself, tangled up by his roots. To have half explored these themes, as Evans’ film does, means we’re left wanting more, but there’s a pleasing ache to the experience as a platonic love story.” The Telegraph

“The film is so dewy-eyed about the process that made him a star, it overlooks the more devilish bits of the bargain. In truth all biopics ought to have some aspects of a cautionary tale: there but for the grace of God go we.” The Times

“Jones certainly shows Mr Burton’s sad and dignified loneliness.” The Guardian

“It’s a bittersweet story, foreshadowed by his descent into alcoholism, yet the film manages to retain a purity of heart that will likely move any Burton fan.” Little White Lies

“It’s a bold movie that tries to find a feelgood drama in the life of Richard Burton, but such is the pitch of this tender biopic.” The Times

Film Rating

IMDb
 Critics: 54%  Audience 74%

Rotten Tomatoes
Critics positive review 84%   Audience Liked It N/A%

 Stockbridge Audience Score: 93%

Audience Comments

Slow at times but held my interest. Harry Lawtey was perfectly cast and grew into character as he aged.
A very authentic and moving account with superb acting throughout. The depiction of life in Wales during this period was excellent especially the importance of education and the influence and inspiration of good teachers to foster aspiration.
Harry Lawtey portrayal of Richard Burton was excellent, towards the end his voice picked up the resonance of the original Richard Burton
Thoroughly enjoyable
A film of 2 halves. The first was ok but older actors were unconvincing as school pupils. The cliched depiction of south Wales rarely comes off in film. The second half was excellent. Toby Jones amazing as ever!
wonderful acting in a very moving story
A moving film, made particularly brilliant by Toby Jones as PB
Toby Jones was amazing
Captivating and informative film superbly acted.
Wonderfully concise, omitting chunks of living that were irrelevant to the main story
Port Talbot’s steel works in 1942 was surely a prime target, yet where were the blackout curtains and tape across windows? A gesture was the odd barrage balloon, but there was little evidence of a British town in wartime. Apart from that it was a most impressive film with compelling acting.
Good evocation of wartime Wales. Harry Lawtey was very convincing as the growing Jenkins/Burton though his outburst after the adoption paper signing was a little exaggerated
Excellent acting and explained Burton’s behaviour then and later in his life.
Interesting biopic but protagonists not compelling
Extremely well acted, very moving and engrossing. Well chosen
Excellent performances from the three main characters, they even found an actor who looks like Richard Burton!
So interesting to find out the tough background before the fame. Explains a lot about what we know of Burton’s personality. Compelling performances from all the cast.
Thoughtful, serious, uplifting
I would have rated it excellent ( the acting was ) if I had been more confident that more of it was factually and historically based