Downton Abbey, Movie Review
Duration: 2 hours 2 minutes (122 minutes), Genre: Period Drama, Romance
Rated: PG (for thematic elements, some suggestive material, and language)
Written by Julian Fellows & directed by Michael Engler is an engaging period drama set in 1927 set against the backdrop of a royal visit by the King & the Queen of England when the Crawleys & their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives –to receive the King & the Queen -& the grand event likely to unleash scandal, romance & intrigue that will leave the future of Downton hanging in the balance!
Not only the proposed visit creates a big flutter within the walls & halls of the environment but it also creates an impact amidst the local community at large!
Adding to the commotion & confusion is the fact that the royal clan will also bring in their own support staff to Downtown!
Each of those living there wants them to be noticed & in that connect leave no stone unturned to get noticed! With their own agendas in place, they want to create an impression in the presence of the royal clan!
The film tactfully explores the complexities of social politics in that era explaining how it evolved over the years!
The ardent fans of the television series would like & love this costume drama punctuated by the innovative angles of the camera (cinematography by Ben Smithard)!
The confrontations & clashes within the confines of the community have been well-conceived & crafted on the screen!
The film has a contemporary feel to it without losing any of the glorious elements that made that era unique!
Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Stephen Campbell Moore & Michelle Dockery, Michael Fox are in the main cast.
John Lunn’s musical score warrants mention.
A Universal Pictures’ presentation, this is.
R.S.Prakash
Film Journalist, Critic & Historian