Shuttlecock (1991)

Shuttlecock: Directed by Andrew Piddington. With Alan Bates, Lambert Wilson, Kenneth Haigh, Jill Meager. Major James Prentis VC (Sir Alan Bates) is a British spy of World War II and war hero who goes under the code name of “Shuttlecock”. Alienated from his family and children, he ends up in a mental institution in Lisbon, Portugal.

“The only reason I can imagine this film has received poor reviews is because it is being promoted as a thriller, when it is not. Itu0026#39;s not suspenseful. Itu0026#39;s a straight-up family drama that involves lies and omissions and how they have affected three generations of men. I watched it thinking it would be a thriller, but as I also like well-made dramas I stuck around and was glad I did. I imagine most of the people giving a poor review ditched the movie within minutes of finding out it isnu0026#39;t a thriller.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIt is filmed beautifully, and the acting is on point. The soundtrack is unobtrusive but solid. The pacing is a bit slow, but makes sense overall. Iu0026#39;ve never seen the lead actor before but he is one of the few actors who can realistically play himself as a young dad as well as himself as a middle-aged man. Impressive.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIf you are keen on a fast-paced thriller with spies, action, and suspense you will likely give up on the film quickly. If you enjoy non-cliche dramas check this one out.”