Downton Abbey (Film Review)

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Image result for downton abbey film poster 2019
Picture from IMDB
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

A timeless tale from the beloved TV drama series that had most of the world sitting down in front of their TV screens on a Sunday evening and maybe enjoying a scone or two. Downton Abbey, now a major motion film, will have people enjoying a nostalgic moment with the wit and beauty of the characters and the old English ways of society.

The opening scene will be familiar to those fans who have been watching since series 1, as we see multiple shots of a steam train, along with other English iconography heading towards an established shot of Downton Abbey. Additionally, let's not forget the classic theme tune by John Lunn playing through the opening credits.

As fitting with a period drama, there is romance as a new maid captures someones eye and a love triangle forms between three servants. Furthermore, will Thomas Barrow (Robert James-Collier) finally find true love or will the tests and trials of society intervene? Crime and mystery are other genres touched on, with a curious man arriving with intentions to commit murder involving one of the beloved characters, Tom Branson (Allen Leech). Lastly of course, there is comedy aplenty, especially with Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith), and the dry wit Julian Fellows (writer and co-producer) writes for her, such as "will you have enough cliches to get you through the visit", with Isobel Grey (Penelope Wilton) responding "if not I'll come to you". 

The year is 1927 and the King and Queen are coming to stay at Downton Abbey. This is the main storyline of the film with eclectic subplots, as explained above. Everyone is on hand and excited about the Royal presence, and a familiar face returns when a low angled shot pans up showing Carson (Jim Carter) as butler for this special occasion. However, there are tests and trials as tension rises between the Downton and Royal household staff. Showing a snobby, bossy side, the Royal staff get what's coming to them with some scheming from the beloved Downton staff, with Mr and Mrs Bates leading the pack (Brendan Coyle and Joanne Froggatt), and Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol), Daisy (Sophie McShera) and Mrs Hughes (Phyllis Logan) following along suit. In the meantime, Mr Mosley (Kevin Doyle) dithers around with a huge smile, jumping for joy that he will be serving the King and Queen, well that is until he embarrases himself. Upstairs, the Earl and Countess, Robert and Cora Crawley (Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern), and the rest of the family have other matters to think about, such as their cousin Lady Bagshaw (Imelda Staunton) who is attending with the Royal visit. Can their relationship be healed and what secret is she keeping from them? As well as all the commotion, there is questioning about Downton Abbey's future.

The behind the scenes footage has to be admired, with the camera work and editing being altered from TV to a film setting. The authentic creativity that goes into making 1920s costumes is captured beautifully by Anna Robbins (costume designer). From the sparkle, the tassle and fur, to accessories such as quaint hats and beaded jewellery. To compliment the look, the hair and makeup department does a fantastic job using minimalist makeup to accentuate the 1920s short weave. All of this ties in very well with the set and prop designers' layout to compliment the old English look.

All in all, a must see movie that will have you not wanting to leave your seat, just like Mrs Patmore: "a royal lunchin, a parade and a dinner I'm going to have to sit down".









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