Mrs. Miniver

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Han P Feb 10, 2019 With her peaceful English life suddenly thrown into turmoil by the Second World War, MRS. MINIVER continues to provide a solid rock of security for her family. Released seven months after America's entry into the War, this film did a great deal to inform the American people about Britain's defiance against Nazi Germany and the steadfast resolution of the British people in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds. Coming at a time of heightened emotions - as well as being expertly produced and extremely well acted - it is easy to see why the film earned 6 Oscars, including Best Picture & Best Director. Greer Garson is completely marvelous in the title role, (for which she won the Best Actress Oscar), presenting a portrait of grace & courage under fire which transcends mere acting. Two other ladies give outstanding performances in the film. As the local aristocrat, Dame May Whitty is properly imperious & proud, yet the viewer sees her character unbend over the course of the film to become much more vulnerable. Winning the Best Supporting Actress Oscar, lovely Teresa Wright is luminous as Dame May's granddaughter. Sweetly sensible, elegantly at ease, joyous during hardships, Miss Wright gives a performance not easy to forget. In solid, understated roles, both Walter Pidgeon as Mr. Miniver & Richard Ney as his elder son, supply good support to the ladies in the cast. Trivia : Greer Garson age 38 at the time was hesitant to play the role of Mrs. Miniver as her character was a mother of Vin Miniver 'Richard Ney ' a collage student in the film. It payed off as Greer Garson won best actress 'oscar' and in addition married 26 year old 'Richard Ney' as they fell in love on the set of the film. The most famous and perhaps most effective propaganda film of World War II. it is easy to see why it was so popular in 1942-and why Winston Churchill was moved to comment that its propaganda value was worth a dozen battleships. A superb sentimental piece wartime melodrama. See more

Poe R Jan 31, 2019 I think why this resounded so much with the people of it's time is that it showed the strength of the British people, and the strength of the British woman in wartime. Waiting for family members that may never return, tending the wounded, even at times staring the enemy in the face and disarming them while being honorable and good-hearted. I think that the fact that American actors playing British ones seems a little strange, but that rarely bothers me in a film. The story of young love here points to the fact that no matter how short a time two might have to be together, if it's true love, it's worth the sacrifice. The courage of the British people at Dunkirk was also pointed to in the film, and it was nice seeing a family where the father doesn't abuse his wife or his children from this era, but actually has a healthy relationship with each. Pigeon and Garson showed great chemistry, and they portrayed a very loving couple rare for their time in film. Garson and Wright are both a treat to watch, and Wright's debate with Ney's character showed a lot of the flaws and hypocrisies that we see in modern liberal philosophies. Great film. See more

Poe M Dec 4, 2018 Wyler's tantalizing close calls may not be fabricated with sharp finesse but is undeniably brimmed with chilling horrors. Mrs. Miniver Wyler's tantalizing close calls may not be fabricated with sharp finesse but is undeniably brimmed with chilling horrors. Such an apotheosis of the emotions that each character goes through due to an incident like war that is arguably far from the field, ought to be a proof of witty satirical writing. But mind you, above all, it always will be a family drama. A drama whirling around three dimensional characters that keeps giving us reasons to be attracted to them despite of flaws and mistakes. These characters has an absorbing tale to tell. As much as eye opening message this envelope contains, the script never grows manipulative or provocative to lure the audience in and draw our the emotions through it. What it relies upon is the performance of the cast. And they have hold on to their end of the promise throughout the course. Garson as the protagonist and titled character, is honest to her portrayal, she is convincing on each frame. On the other hand, surprisingly Pidgeon doesn't have enough to factor in, in fact Wright as a supporting cast has much more to offer to the film and the audience. It has a very meticulous script. It focuses on weaving out an enclosed circle of short stories that are imputed between this big picture. Especially the sequence where a wounded soldier follows Garson to her house and has an intriguing encounter in there. It is definitely the highlight of the feature and personally it resonates to me a lot like a scene from Frankenstein where, he is gifted a flower by a child. Creating an accurately humane emotions out of a story within a story marks out as a brilliant filmmaker in Wyler's basket. Mrs. Miniver is rich in bits and pieces but often fumbling and sloppy as a whole chunk of art piece. See more

Luke G Aug 26, 2018 Dated genuinely inspiring delivery with possible relevancy in contemporary terms while Garson's performance idealized a lovely, mostly optimistic figure under a distant perspective during tough times. (B+) (Full review TBD) See more

Albus W Oct 4, 2017 The second half of this picture is some very amazing, suspenseful sequences even. But, before that point there are a few noticeable elements that are a tad dated, and maybe a few things don't pop the way they should. But it's a fine fine World war II film with some assured direction, and a powerful performance from Oscar winner: Greer Garson. See more

Anakin R Sep 29, 2017 Slick propaganda of it's time yes, but this is a really excellent film and has stood the test of time. Several of the performances are excellent and the set pieces, whether it's the Minivers huddled in their air-raid shelter or the flower competition announcement are really moving. Clarence from 'It's A Wonderful Life' makes a brilliant performance here as well, proving that Travers was clearly a great character actor of his time. ATTABOY CLARENCE! See more

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Mrs. Miniver

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