Review of Topsy-Turvy

I saw this as an avid fan of Gilbert and Sullivan and I love Jim Broadbent so Topsy-Turvey seemed like a perfect treat. And it was. How accurate it is or not makes no difference to me as everything else worked stupendously. Although the film is almost three hours I had no problem with it, and I actually liked the relaxed approach to the film's pace. Mike Leigh's direction is superb, the cinematography and period details are beautifully evoked, the story is engaging and moving, the writing is witty, funny and wise and the music is amazing. The acting is great. Jim Broadbent is absolutely tremendous as Gilbert and his chemistry with Allan Courdener who is fantastic as well is what makes Topsy-Turvey work so wonderfully. I was also surprised at how well Timothy Spall did carrying the tunes, and Lesley Manville is suitably quiet and composed as Gilbert's wife- loved the superbly written and performed speech. All in all, an absolutely brilliant film and not to be missed whether you love G&S or not. 10/10 Bethany Cox