The Gathering Storm

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Finn R Mar 24, 2019 Winston Churchill foresaw the warning signs of a war-mongering force that the title describes it as a storm - with some convolution, and this filmic approach not only conversely leads to the eventual appointed position that would stir the tide but also humanly explores Churchill's representational life through Albert Finney's defining, leading performance while finely associated with a nice cast to boot a little. (B+) (Full review TBD) See more

Rey S Oct 20, 2018 Superb historic drama. 1934. Winston Churchill appears to be in his twilight years. While he is still a Member of Parliament and a member of the ruling Conservative Party he is not a member of the cabinet and has no power. However, this does not stop him from speaking his mind and making grandiloquent speeches in Parliament. When he learns of Germany's rearmament and Hitler's bigoted social policies he sets out, in Parliament, to warn his colleagues and Britain of the impending danger. The other MPs, used to his tirades, laugh him off. Britain, the spectre of WW1 ever-present, is determined to follow a pacifist course and has not the inclination nor the economic means to engage in an arms race with Germany. Politically, Churchill is isolated. Superb historic drama - engaging, interesting and edifying. Captures well the lead-up to WW2 and how Britain, and the world, did not see it coming. The political intrigues are very interesting, especially Churchill's information-gathering via a foreign office source, Ralph Wigram. The Ralph Wigram story (a true one - I checked) is fascinating and quite emotional in itself. Adding another layer to the movie is Churchill's home life. We see his domestic issues, the relationship with his wife, Clementine, and children. This makes for highly engaging watching as we don't just see Churchill the politician but also Churchill the person, the family man. Fantastic performance by Albert Finney as Winston Churchill. He captures Churchill's traits perfectly, down to his voice. Vanessa Redgrave is great as Clementine Churchill. Some big names in the supporting cast, some of whom weren't famous at the time: Ronnie Barker, Jim Broadbent, Derek Jacobi, Tom Wilkinson, Linus Roache, Lena Headey and Tom Hiddleston (5 years before he made his cinematic debut). Seven years after The Gathering Storm, a sequel was made, covering Churchill's WW2 years. This was Into The Storm, and starred Brendan Gleeson as Churchill and Janet McTeer as Clementine. Despite the discontinuity in actors, Into The Storm was equally superb and involved a brilliant performance from Brendan Gleeson. Seems like playing Churchill brings out the best in actors (thinking too of Gary Oldman in Darkest Hour)... See more

Anakin S Mar 31, 2018 A love story offering an intimate look inside the marriage of Sir Winston Churchill and Clementine Churchill during a particularly troubled, though little-known moment in their lives, in which his early warnings against the growing threat of the Third Reich are becoming a reality. Albert Finney portrays a very convincing Churchill, for which he earned many awards in this TV movie. Vanessa Redgrave also stands out. See more

Han R Dec 16, 2017 Extremely well done, great acting, scenery, and dialog. A slice of history as well.

Anakin P Nov 13, 2017 Churchill is a erratic, selfish, boorish, and crying parody of a Great Man. Yes .. he had many foibles and eccentricities ... but to focus on those almost exclusive is not an accurate portrayal. No one would follow or respect the Leader portrayed in this bio. See more

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The Gathering Storm

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