Last Orders (2001)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Fred Schepisi

Writers:

Graham Swift (novel)
Fred Schepisi (written by)

Release Date:

11 January 2002 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Jack Dodd was a London butcher who enjoyed a pint with his mates for over 50 years. When he died, he died as he lived...

Plot Keywords:

Memory | Butcher | Friendship | Pier | Flashback

Awards:

2 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

Michael Caine	...	Jack
Tom Courtenay	...	Vic
David Hemmings	...	Lenny
Bob Hoskins	...	Ray
Helen Mirren	...	Amy
Ray Winstone	...	Vince
JJ Feild	...	Young Jack
Cameron Fitch	...	Young Vic
Nolan Hemmings	...	Young Lenny
Anatol Yusef	...	Young Ray
Kelly Reilly	...	Young Amy
Stephen McCole	...	Young Vince
George Innes	...	Bernie
Laura Morelli	...	June
Sally Hurst	...	Mandy

Also Known As:

Letzte Runde (Germany)

MPAA:

Rated R for sexuality and some language.

Runtime:

109 min

Country:

UK | Germany

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:L | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Finland:K-11 (video rating) | Finland:K-7 (original rating) | Germany:6 | Norway:11 | Spain:13 | Sweden:7 | UK:15 | USA:R | Canada:AA

Filming Locations:

Canterbury, Kent, England, UK

Company:

Future Films

Goofs:

Continuity: In the final scene at the pier, it is raining heavily and there is a strong wind, yet the sea is dead calm.

Movie Connections:

References Yellow Submarine (1968)

Soundtrack:

Pink Dally Rue

The trip to Margate

Graham Swift's brilliant novel serves as the basis of this film, adapted and directed by Fred Schipisi, who gathered some of the best English talent to give life to the characters of the novel in a satisfying film that will not disappoint.

We are taken to a local pub where three old friends have gone to have a drink before embarking on a trip to Margate. When Vic arrives with a box, it's made clear the ashes of another friend is what has prompted the reunion. In flashbacks, we are taken to see Jack's life from the days of WWII and the way the four friends have met and how their lives have been intertwined.

There is also Amy, Jack's widow, who is taking a trip on her own to visit a daughter who has been committed to an institution because she is mentally challenged. Amy is also a key figure in the story because of the love Jack felt for her.

Vince, Jack's son, is driving a late model car to Margate and takes Vic, Ray and Lenny with him. the purpose is to scatter the ashes in the place which Jack wanted to live with Amy, but never got around to it. Vince, is the key figure in the story, which is made clear when he makes a detour to a place that is the pivotal part of this tale.

Michael Caine is Jack, the dead man, who is seen in flashbacks. Bob Hoskins plays Ray. David Hemmings and Tom Courtenay are seen as Lenny and Vic. Helen Merrin is magnificent in a subtle performance as Amy. Ray Winstone is Vince.

Fred Schipisi succeeded in creating the right atmosphere in the adaptation of the novel. His sensitive direction works well and he gets excellent backing from his distinguished cast.