Millions (2004)

Director:

Danny Boyle

Writer:

Frank Cottrell Boyce (written by)

Release Date:

8 April 2005 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Crime | Drama | Family | Fantasy

Tagline:

Can anyone be truly good?

Plot:

Ethics, being human and the soul all come to the forefront on this masterly-written, directed and acted, fun, very rare film when a 7-year old finds a bag of Pounds with a few days to spend before the currency is switched to Euros and learns what we are really made of.

Plot Keywords:

Catholic | Product Placement | Brother Brother Relationship | Burglary | Charity

Awards:

1 win & 7 nominations

Cast

Alex Etel	...	Damian
Lewis McGibbon	...	Anthony
James Nesbitt	...	Ronnie
Daisy Donovan	...	Dorothy
Christopher Fulford	...	The Man
Pearce Quigley	...	Community Policeman
Jane Hogarth	...	Mum
Alun Armstrong	...	St. Peter
Enzo Cilenti	...	St. Francis
Nasser Memarzia	...	St. Joseph
Kathryn Pogson	...	St. Clare
Harry Kirkham	...	St. Nicholas
Cornelius Macarthy	...	Gonzaga
Kolade Agboke	...	Ambrosio
James Quinn	...	Estate Agent

MPAA:

Rated PG for thematic elements, language, some peril and mild sensuality. (edited for re-rating)

Runtime:

98 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital

Certification:

Canada:PG | Argentina:Atp | Sweden:7 | Finland:K-7 | Malaysia:U | South Korea:All | Ireland:12A | Netherlands:AL | Singapore:PG | UK:12A | USA:PG-13 | USA:PG (edited version) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Australia:PG | Brazil:12

Filming Locations:

East Lancs Steam Railway, Bury, Greater Manchester, England, UK

Company:

Mission Pictures

Trivia:

According to the director, one of the actors who play the martyrs of Uganda claimed to be a descendant of the real martyrs of Uganda of 1881.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Damian is in his old house lowering the ladder into the attic, his position changes between shots. Noticeable when using the post of the stair rail as a reference point -- at first it almost looks like there are two people in the shot.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Damian Cunningham: [voiceover] The French have said au revoir to the franc, the Germans have said auf wiedersehen to the mark, and the Portuguese have said... whatever to their thing.

Movie Connections:

References Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Soundtrack:

Hitsville UK

Great, overlooked film

This is one of the best films I have seen in recent years. Unfortunately not too many people have seen it. Hopefully good word of mouth will gain a wider audience.

Although it stars two child actors, Millions is not a "kids" movie, but can be entertaining and meaningful for all ages. Although the Catholic religious imagery plays a significant role, I would not call this a religious film. As the characters are Catholic, their religion provides their reference point for morality.

This film has humor and mystery, and is quite touching as well. There are some striking visual images. Plus it makes you think. Basically it asks the question: "What does it mean to live a 'good' life?"