Tuesday 13 January 2015

Testament of Youth




This weekend I was lucky enough to get 2 complimentary tickets from Show Film First to see Testament of Youth.

I rarely go to the cinema so this was a huge treat.

The film is based on the memoirs of Vera Brittain, a true story of her experiences during the First World War. At times I found it hard to believe it wasn't fiction as the harsh reality of life and loss during wartime was so hard hitting.

I really enjoyed this film and loved the Vera Brittain character as played by the talented Alicia Vikander.  Her perspective of life during the Great War and the difficulties and heartbreak she faced were at times very moving.....yes I did cry.

I felt the film portrayed WW1 more realistically than other dramatisations I have seen (BBC1's The Crimson Field was far too 'clean and nice' to be real in my mind, though a good series) I do appreciate wretched scenes of mud, traumatic war injuries and death and dying can be difficult to make into a film that people will want to watch, let alone enjoy.

Despite the underlying theme there were moments when we laughed out loud and the cinematography is simply stunning.  I read several novels and visited the Poppies at the Tower during the Centenary last year, this film is another way for us to remember ...lest we forget.

Sunday 11 January 2015

1P 20W January 2015



New Year, New Start, Fresh hopes and dreams. Goodbye 2014, farewell Dad, 2015 will be a better year for us.

I am trying to start again with blogging after a difficult 2014 and what better way to start then joining in with friends.  Inspired again by  Abi and one photo twenty words to share my short story. Check it out and join in.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year (though slightly late) and hope we get to see more of each other soon .....  cheers!  xxx