Cheerful Weather for the Wedding (2012)

Cheerful Weather for the Wedding (2012). 1h 29m | PG

“Iu0026#39;m not sure itu0026#39;s essential, but a love of all things English is surely an asset when approaching this movie. Peopled by a menagerie of eccentric, frustrating, and ultimately endearing characters, the movieu0026#39;s appeal lies in the brilliance of its script and the interest it ultimately engenders in its many protagonists.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSet in a stately country home in perhaps the 1930s, the movie covers the events of one morning and afternoon. Dolly is about to wed Owen, yet Joseph turns up the morning of the wedding. We find that there had been a whirlwind romance between Joseph and Dolly the previous summer, that Dollyu0026#39;s mother was against the match, and now Joseph returns at the 11th hour to perhaps intervene? u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThere are far too many supporting characters to mention, and they are essential to the movieu0026#39;s success, but the emotional focus is entirely on Dolly and Joseph. The story of their past romance is artfully narrated in a series of flashbacks (the colour palette changes each time we flash back) which interweave nicely with the events of the wedding day. The emotion between them is portrayed with sensitivity and realism; their interactions with those around them (who are mostly oblivious to what is going on) are often funny but also laced with pathos. The various zany antics that set the backdrop for this drama are hilarious in themselves, and there is a nice blend of humour and gravity to keep one attentive. The house, the gardens, the fashions are all splendid.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhat the movie lacks is some greater theme or message; itu0026#39;s about a particular love story between a particular man and woman, but beyond that, one doesnu0026#39;t leave with anything more substantial. Nonetheless, itu0026#39;s a pleasure to watch. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIf you like English culture, if you enjoy scintillating, witty repartee, then u0026quot;Cheerful Weatheru0026quot; is sure to please. If you find the English upper crust snobby and boring, well, you might be better off staying away.”