Film Friday ¦ Cemetery Junction

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I've kind of missed Film Friday; I really liked the going through the motion of watching a film and then reviewing it for you lot. I like writing about things, reviewing them, I have a lot of opinions about things and am very passionate so reviews are easy for me.

Cemetery Junction is probably most notable for being directed/written/starred by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant and for the appearance of Ralph Fiennes. However without those star actors there this film is a beautiful film in it's own right.

A typical story about a boy likes a girl but can't get girl and then eventually gets the girl is observed but what is notable is the evident character development of every other character in the movie. Normally the "background" characters don't get a second look in but in this they do. There's a certain dynamic felt between each character that makes you really empathise with them, you care about what happens with them. And more importantly you get the sense that the writers/directors/producers/actors also really care for these characters they have created as a conscious effort is made to determine each character in their own right.

The story unfolds on the backdrop of a 1970's, working class, British "factory" town. Quite a typical British countryside setting is adopted here; an almost bland setting/scene allows for you to focus more on the character development, but there are definitive elements that really give an air of nostalgia.


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The story follows three best friends: Freddie (the ambitious one who wants to leave), Bruce (charismatic, cool, reeks of charm but has a stubbornness that is his downfall) and Snork (the lovable one that everyone likes to take the piss out of). We see how each character comes into their own throughout the movie and really steps out of the typical character ark that they are first portrayed as.

One thing I like about this film is how real it is. Everyone dreams of getting out of their town, making something of their life, but rarely ever do it. I feel that because of the backdrop, the story and the realness of the storyline that you get a sense of fantasy but a fantasy that can be achieved. You can get the girl/boy of your dreams and you can achieve your dreams, they are not out of reach. I've watched this film multiple times and each time I leave it feeling a sense of hope.


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Of course this film isn't without it's humour, just look at the ensemble of people involved. But I think that just adds to the nitty-gritty of Britain. It's a true representation of Britain at that time. The light nuiances of said humour allows for a break in the main storyline, which just makes the film that much more enjoyable.


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There is so much more I could write about it but I think I'll leave it there. Just go out there and watch it! Even if you're not British or don't understand the essence of it, I think you'll like the story line. It's just a lovely, enjoyable film. Honest; which is a rare in todays filming industry.