So lovely to see Diane Keaton play a character who thinks she doesn't do anything. I think that feeling is common among givers. They give without realizing they're giving. She's getting to the end of her life and suddenly she realizes she doesn't have anything or anyone. I was moved to see in Keaton's eyes that youthful realization of love. This charming surprise of a film has other hidden pleasures, Brendan Gleeson for instance, his tender wild human is a delight, not to mention Lesley Manville - her scenes are filled with a comic energy that never goes over the top, a real treat. And then Simon Callow as the judge is the icing on the cake. Enjoy.
73 Reviews
Think of it as a palette cleanser for your jaded movie mind.
steveo12212 January 2018
A simple, pleasant and charming oddball romantic tale with great production standards.
Of course, the truth is, I wouldn't have looked into it, much less touched it, without the name Brendan Gleeson. That he can adapt his 'strengths' to this form of confectionery product increases my admiration for his skills.
I haven't exactly been clamoring for more Keaton, but she does what she does well.
I had to hogtie and incapacitate my cynical beast to get through it, but it leaves a pleasant taste.
Interesting telling based on true events
Figgy66-915-59847023 June 2017
23 June 2017 Film of Choice at The Plaza Dorchester Tonight - Hampstead. Why do people find it so hard to reconcile themselves to the fact that it's OK to be different. This story takes us on a journey of burgeoning love between a widowed American and a man who deliberately chose to remove himself from society. Putting nothing into society, yet taking nothing out, he is persecuted for his lifestyle and when he is being threatened with eviction he finds support from an unexpected source....namely Emily, played the the wonderful Diane Keaton, who brings her flighty style to this put upon, widowed character. Almost forced into rebelling by Fiona, her busy body head of the tenants association neighbour, Emily discovers Donald Horner, a man who has been practising his lifestyle for 17 years, yet is facing eviction by the developers who want to utilise his plot of land. Based on a true story this film shows the unpleasant side of some people's characters and the nicer side of those who are drawn out from their shells. A feel good film which only had one uneasy moment for me, that was when Emily seemed to change her personality momentarily leading me to wonder where things were going. A good rainy Sunday afternoon film.
An enjoyable film
Gordon-114 November 2017
This film tells the story of a wealthy American woman whose fortunes have turned after her husband's death. She befriends a man who lives wild no the heath next to her home, and together they fight for things they truly wanted in life.
The characters are very interesting in here for a change. The superficial friends in the neighbourhood are rather thought provoking, as they appear so perfect from the outside but they are way less than perfect on the inside. Indeed they seem to be selfish and have little compassion for each other. The final courtroom scene is unexpectedly touching, as the stranger makes a moving confession. It is an enjoyable, and certainly unconventional romantic film.
The characters are very interesting in here for a change. The superficial friends in the neighbourhood are rather thought provoking, as they appear so perfect from the outside but they are way less than perfect on the inside. Indeed they seem to be selfish and have little compassion for each other. The final courtroom scene is unexpectedly touching, as the stranger makes a moving confession. It is an enjoyable, and certainly unconventional romantic film.
an unevenly lukewarm British rom-com
CineMuseFilms21 August 2017
Importing a Hollywood veteran into a quintessentially English romantic comedy can sometimes be magic, sometimes not. Hampstead (2017) might have been a great British romantic comedy but instead it must work with an inauthentic American personality who limits the film's impact. Fortunately, brilliant cinematography rescues the film enough to produce a visually delicious but lightweight story of late-life romance between a lady and a tramp.
Based on a true story, Donald Horner (Brendan Gleeson) has been a squatter on London's Hampstead Heath for 17 years. He is a surly off-the-grid loner who avoids all trappings of modern life in a quaint shanty shack built from other people's rubbish. Within a binocular's view from across the road, American widow Emily Walters (Diane Keaton) spies him bathing in the pond and out of curiosity soon invents an excuse to meet him. Property developers have targeted the land, and Donald must defend himself from an eviction notice. He becomes a cause celebre with do-gooders and naysayers petitioning for and against his squatter's rights while he and Emily get together despite pushback from her posh Pommy friends. This predictable narrative of tramp versus society offers modest delights but few surprises.
There are three noteworthy parts to this uneven film: the cinematography and the two co-stars. The first is simply wonderful: Hampstead village and the Heath are lovingly filmed and the charming shanty shack look like something out of a fairy tale. Every time Donald or Emily walk down the narrow track into the woods it becomes an act of escapism from urban living and entry into a floral wonderland. Brendan Gleeson is cast to perfection as a girthsome giant with craggy features and expressive eyes. His Irish accent complements the natural beauty of the Heath to which he convincingly belongs. And then there is Diane Keaton. What made her famous forty years ago in Woody Allen films do not translate easily to this contemporary British rom-com. The camera has tried too hard and its efforts are just too obvious: repeat use of backlit shots, glowing soft-focus, cutesy beret hat and Annie Hall smiles make it hard to engage with her character as a real person. In contrast to Donald's melodic Irish-ness, Emily's timing and tone are often grating. For example, when Donald's home of 17 years is cruelly trashed in a turning point moment, Emily's breezy response might work in New York but here is totally disengaged from what has just happened.
Donald's story is based on a real character and a real fight between a homeless eccentric and the imperatives of capitalism so there is a serious side to Hampstead. But this lightweight rom-com is unlikely to raise consciousness of what is means to be homeless. The lukewarm chemistry between the senior lovebirds will excite few and the sleep-inducing musical score even less. Whether casting Keaton can add American baby boomer audiences to an essentially home-grown British story remains to be seen. Filmmakers sometimes need reminding that older viewers can handle more challenge than one-dimensional films like Paris Can Wait (2017) and Hampstead (2017).
Based on a true story, Donald Horner (Brendan Gleeson) has been a squatter on London's Hampstead Heath for 17 years. He is a surly off-the-grid loner who avoids all trappings of modern life in a quaint shanty shack built from other people's rubbish. Within a binocular's view from across the road, American widow Emily Walters (Diane Keaton) spies him bathing in the pond and out of curiosity soon invents an excuse to meet him. Property developers have targeted the land, and Donald must defend himself from an eviction notice. He becomes a cause celebre with do-gooders and naysayers petitioning for and against his squatter's rights while he and Emily get together despite pushback from her posh Pommy friends. This predictable narrative of tramp versus society offers modest delights but few surprises.
There are three noteworthy parts to this uneven film: the cinematography and the two co-stars. The first is simply wonderful: Hampstead village and the Heath are lovingly filmed and the charming shanty shack look like something out of a fairy tale. Every time Donald or Emily walk down the narrow track into the woods it becomes an act of escapism from urban living and entry into a floral wonderland. Brendan Gleeson is cast to perfection as a girthsome giant with craggy features and expressive eyes. His Irish accent complements the natural beauty of the Heath to which he convincingly belongs. And then there is Diane Keaton. What made her famous forty years ago in Woody Allen films do not translate easily to this contemporary British rom-com. The camera has tried too hard and its efforts are just too obvious: repeat use of backlit shots, glowing soft-focus, cutesy beret hat and Annie Hall smiles make it hard to engage with her character as a real person. In contrast to Donald's melodic Irish-ness, Emily's timing and tone are often grating. For example, when Donald's home of 17 years is cruelly trashed in a turning point moment, Emily's breezy response might work in New York but here is totally disengaged from what has just happened.
Donald's story is based on a real character and a real fight between a homeless eccentric and the imperatives of capitalism so there is a serious side to Hampstead. But this lightweight rom-com is unlikely to raise consciousness of what is means to be homeless. The lukewarm chemistry between the senior lovebirds will excite few and the sleep-inducing musical score even less. Whether casting Keaton can add American baby boomer audiences to an essentially home-grown British story remains to be seen. Filmmakers sometimes need reminding that older viewers can handle more challenge than one-dimensional films like Paris Can Wait (2017) and Hampstead (2017).
The Woman in the Beret
richardchatten28 October 2021
I watched this under the mistaken impression it was Woody Allen's 'Match Point' and was called 'Wimbledon'; a misapprehension compounded by the presence of Diane Keaton.
Very much an American's eye view of Blighty, teaming with caricature Brits and with the usual fluttering music score. But Keaton has outgrown those mannerisms that made her work post 'Annie Hall' such a trial, and her performance and that of Brendan Gleason keep you interested until it comes to a satisfactory conclusion.
Very much an American's eye view of Blighty, teaming with caricature Brits and with the usual fluttering music score. But Keaton has outgrown those mannerisms that made her work post 'Annie Hall' such a trial, and her performance and that of Brendan Gleason keep you interested until it comes to a satisfactory conclusion.
Typical Feelgood movie
Enchorde11 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
A very sweet movie for a cosy rainy afternoon or something like that. A widow, Emily, with financial problems meets a man, Donald, living in a shack in Hampstead, in the middle of London. Donald does things his own way, living outside society but in harmony with himself and his surroundings. Emily, however, is in harmony with absolutely nothing. Of course they meet and mutual interest arises between them.
A sweet movie about harmony in life, and that it is never too late to find love or your own place in life. Keaton and Gleeson play the main character with finesse, and carries this story. It is so much more about the characters since there is no real drama or danger in the plot. Hence, a good feelgood movie.
A sweet movie about harmony in life, and that it is never too late to find love or your own place in life. Keaton and Gleeson play the main character with finesse, and carries this story. It is so much more about the characters since there is no real drama or danger in the plot. Hence, a good feelgood movie.
Light, different, and surprisingly okay
cohnmartin16 March 2022
A lot of viewers are nonplussed by this film, but I enjoyed it. With the way my life is going as of late, I'm an easy mark when it comes to being entertained. So, to make sure that there was something real going on in this--it goes down so fast and smooth that I kept thinking that I was missing something--I scrolled it back to near beginning and viewed its middle part over again.
So here's why you might want to view this film.
Its setting, new to me, is filled with beauty and English charm. Its story is a true, based on real life, 'victory of the underdog' tale, and who doesn't need that occasionally? Its two leading actors are both mature. That alone puts this effort into a limited and unique category. And the lead actors are Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson.
I am a long-time fan of Keaton (who is not?), and enjoy her style and presence now more than ever. There is something nearly rebellious about her in-your-face refusal to mask her age, her wrinkles and lines, the inevitable growing stiffness in her still graceful movement. And she is all over this film, in every scene, and I do not tire of looking at her, or hearing her infectious and vibrant voice.
Gleeson, well, what can one say? Watching Gleeson in this production is akin to viewing a possibly cuddly, red-headed, flushing polar bear spout off a surprising mix of indulgences tempered with nuanced thought and expression. I could watch him all day.
And there's a surprise at the end. Not a big, flashy one. I won't spoil it, but it's enough of a surprise to make me smile, and even wonder, is that really how this story actually ended?
So here's why you might want to view this film.
Its setting, new to me, is filled with beauty and English charm. Its story is a true, based on real life, 'victory of the underdog' tale, and who doesn't need that occasionally? Its two leading actors are both mature. That alone puts this effort into a limited and unique category. And the lead actors are Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson.
I am a long-time fan of Keaton (who is not?), and enjoy her style and presence now more than ever. There is something nearly rebellious about her in-your-face refusal to mask her age, her wrinkles and lines, the inevitable growing stiffness in her still graceful movement. And she is all over this film, in every scene, and I do not tire of looking at her, or hearing her infectious and vibrant voice.
Gleeson, well, what can one say? Watching Gleeson in this production is akin to viewing a possibly cuddly, red-headed, flushing polar bear spout off a surprising mix of indulgences tempered with nuanced thought and expression. I could watch him all day.
And there's a surprise at the end. Not a big, flashy one. I won't spoil it, but it's enough of a surprise to make me smile, and even wonder, is that really how this story actually ended?
Based on true events. A feel good movie about an odd couple
peterp-450-2987166 January 2018
"Do you drink too much all the time?
No, only when I drink."
You're lying relaxed on your sofa on a Saturday night and you don't have the energy to do something useful? Well, that will certainly not change after watching this romantic comedy which takes place in the vicinity of Hampstead Heath. The whole film proceeds at a leisurely pace and tells about the strange relationship between Emily (Diane Keaton) and Donald (Brendan Gleeson). Emily is a middle-aged widow living in a respectable appartment opposite Hampstead park. Donald is a wayward tramp living in a little self-build shack in that same park, growing his own potatoes and carrots and fishing for lunch in the local pond. The two relate to eachother as yin and yang. Emily is having money troubles after the death of her husband, who left her a mountain of debt. She works voluntarily in an Oxfam clothing store and is reasonably socially engaged. Donald, on the other hand, never worries about money and wants everyone to leave him alone. In his eyes, the rest of the community consists of money-minded egocentric know-it-alls who do not understand and appreciate his wilful lifestyle.
The advantage of films such as "Hampstead", is that you won't be flabbergasted by it. You get a warm and blissful feeling from it and your brain cells are spared an exhausting effort. My philosophizing about "being amazed while watching a movie" (read my review about "Paddington 2" once again) isn't applicable to this film, because there's really nothing to be surprised about. The choice of its title is quite obvious. And when Emily looks unconsciously with binoculars through the attic window and thus discovers the bare belly of a bathing Donald, you immediately know what the tree-hugging activist is planning to do. What follows is a succession of endearing conversations and predictable misunderstandings. Fortunately, it doesn't lapse into romantic excesses and we are simply witnessing a burgeoning friendship between two individuals who have their own personal problems. One person fails to make ends meet financially and her gossiping high-society neighbor tries to link her to an accountant. The other is urged to leave his premises or he'll be expecting some legal proceedings. Well, it's clear from the beginning how this will resolve itself.
I really enjoy the acting of Diane Keaton. In every film she's the personification of a very cozy, hugely affectionate and huggable elderly lady. Such a granny who looks immensely friendly, helpful and old-fashioned. And on that level, she's of course the correct choice to play the character Emily in this not so surprising film. Because to be honest, it seems as if Diane Keaton always plays the same movie character. I'm sure Diane Keaton is a similar person in real life and thus plays herself all the time. Brendan Gleeson, on the other hand, was a joy to watch. A bearded garden gnome who's sometimes a real old grumbler but next shows he also owns a caring heart. Even though they look like an odd couple and it feels as if they don't really belong together, I can understand that someone like Emily can succumb to the sometimes hidden charms of Donald.
Apparently the story is based on true facts but some things are a bit romanticized and made up. The whole thing reminded me of "5 Flights up" where Diane Keaton also had a real estate problem together with Morgan Freeman. "Hampstead" is like some household tasks. You do not necessarily have to do them, but if you can bring yourself to carry them out, it won't hurt either. So it's not required to watch this average, easy-going romantic comedy. But if you do, it won't seem as if you've ruined your precious time.
More reviews here : movie-freak.be
You're lying relaxed on your sofa on a Saturday night and you don't have the energy to do something useful? Well, that will certainly not change after watching this romantic comedy which takes place in the vicinity of Hampstead Heath. The whole film proceeds at a leisurely pace and tells about the strange relationship between Emily (Diane Keaton) and Donald (Brendan Gleeson). Emily is a middle-aged widow living in a respectable appartment opposite Hampstead park. Donald is a wayward tramp living in a little self-build shack in that same park, growing his own potatoes and carrots and fishing for lunch in the local pond. The two relate to eachother as yin and yang. Emily is having money troubles after the death of her husband, who left her a mountain of debt. She works voluntarily in an Oxfam clothing store and is reasonably socially engaged. Donald, on the other hand, never worries about money and wants everyone to leave him alone. In his eyes, the rest of the community consists of money-minded egocentric know-it-alls who do not understand and appreciate his wilful lifestyle.
The advantage of films such as "Hampstead", is that you won't be flabbergasted by it. You get a warm and blissful feeling from it and your brain cells are spared an exhausting effort. My philosophizing about "being amazed while watching a movie" (read my review about "Paddington 2" once again) isn't applicable to this film, because there's really nothing to be surprised about. The choice of its title is quite obvious. And when Emily looks unconsciously with binoculars through the attic window and thus discovers the bare belly of a bathing Donald, you immediately know what the tree-hugging activist is planning to do. What follows is a succession of endearing conversations and predictable misunderstandings. Fortunately, it doesn't lapse into romantic excesses and we are simply witnessing a burgeoning friendship between two individuals who have their own personal problems. One person fails to make ends meet financially and her gossiping high-society neighbor tries to link her to an accountant. The other is urged to leave his premises or he'll be expecting some legal proceedings. Well, it's clear from the beginning how this will resolve itself.
I really enjoy the acting of Diane Keaton. In every film she's the personification of a very cozy, hugely affectionate and huggable elderly lady. Such a granny who looks immensely friendly, helpful and old-fashioned. And on that level, she's of course the correct choice to play the character Emily in this not so surprising film. Because to be honest, it seems as if Diane Keaton always plays the same movie character. I'm sure Diane Keaton is a similar person in real life and thus plays herself all the time. Brendan Gleeson, on the other hand, was a joy to watch. A bearded garden gnome who's sometimes a real old grumbler but next shows he also owns a caring heart. Even though they look like an odd couple and it feels as if they don't really belong together, I can understand that someone like Emily can succumb to the sometimes hidden charms of Donald.
Apparently the story is based on true facts but some things are a bit romanticized and made up. The whole thing reminded me of "5 Flights up" where Diane Keaton also had a real estate problem together with Morgan Freeman. "Hampstead" is like some household tasks. You do not necessarily have to do them, but if you can bring yourself to carry them out, it won't hurt either. So it's not required to watch this average, easy-going romantic comedy. But if you do, it won't seem as if you've ruined your precious time.
More reviews here : movie-freak.be
Geriatric romcom based on real life
neil-4769 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Emily (Diane Keaton) has adjusted to being widowed a year ago in all respects other than financially. She is trying to keep her poor finances a secret from the other residents of the upmarket apartment house she lives in when she encounters Donald (Brendan Gleeson), known locally as The Tramp, who lives in a shack built from scrap in thr grounds of a long-demolished hospital. Donald happily keeps himself to himself and makes to demands on anyone, but the owners of the site have served an eviction notice on him so that they can redevelop the site. Donald's instinctive reaction is aggressive bluster, because he doesn't know what else to do. And so Emily starts helping him to obtain Adverse Possession (Squatters Rights). Which doesn't go down well in her social circle.
Hampstead is an affluent, upper-middle class area of north London which is mildly snobbish and, paradoxically, under the impression that it isn't, and this underlies the humour in this fanciful geriatric romance, based on a real-life case of someone who had made his home on a forgotten, but ultimately valuable, plot of land.
Hampstead is photographed very prettily. Diane Keaton has a little more substance than in her last couple of outings, and Brendan Gleeson does comedy as well as he ever has: he doesn't get too much opportunity for comedy usually, which is a shame.
Jason Watkins, as usual, steals every scene he is in.
Real life, I suspect, had little in the way of romance accompanying the legal issues whereas the fate of the two ill-matched lovers is the raisin d'etre for the movie. And that's fine. The resolution is a bit too glib but, otherwise, this is very gentle and likeable.
Hampstead is an affluent, upper-middle class area of north London which is mildly snobbish and, paradoxically, under the impression that it isn't, and this underlies the humour in this fanciful geriatric romance, based on a real-life case of someone who had made his home on a forgotten, but ultimately valuable, plot of land.
Hampstead is photographed very prettily. Diane Keaton has a little more substance than in her last couple of outings, and Brendan Gleeson does comedy as well as he ever has: he doesn't get too much opportunity for comedy usually, which is a shame.
Jason Watkins, as usual, steals every scene he is in.
Real life, I suspect, had little in the way of romance accompanying the legal issues whereas the fate of the two ill-matched lovers is the raisin d'etre for the movie. And that's fine. The resolution is a bit too glib but, otherwise, this is very gentle and likeable.
Easy watching
darcywinchester18 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
In this Joel Hopkins (The Love Punch, Last Chance Harvey) directed and Robert Festinger (Stars in Shorts, Trust) written film, Brendan Gleeson (Gangs of New York, Edge of Tomorrow) stars as Donald Horner, a man who lives in a makeshift house on Hampstead Heath who is befriended by an American widow, Emily Walters played by Diane Keaton (Father of the Bride, The First Wives Club). She is in financial difficulties and urged by both her son Philip (James Norton: Belle, TVs Happy Valley and Grantchester) and friend Fiona (Lesley Manville: Maleficent, Vera Drake) to consult an accountant, she agrees to meet with James Smythe (Jason Watkins: TVs Taboo and Being Human) and to hand out flyers about Fiona's husbands property development and this is when she meets Donald. Drumming up help from some local activists (Hugh Skinner: Les Miserables, TVs W1A), she sorts out a lawyer (Adeel Akhtar: The Dictator, Four Lions) to fight his eviction notice.
With a very human story, this drama based on true events is full of sadness, romance and comedy and the workings of society. From an ostracised 'homeless' man to a widow trying to live up to social expectations we see how lifestyles can so easily be turned from successful to difficult and how this can be judged by others. Both main characters have problems and their pride is preventing them from accepting help yet they ultimately realise that they have to be true to themselves and their real friends in order to move on with their lives.
Norton is woefully underused and the music score is far too elevator, but the cinematography makes up for this. There is a great turn by Simon Callow (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Viceroy's House) as the judge and although there is a strange moment where Emily, the widow, begins to do things totally out of character, the film has a well-paced gentle if predictable plot with fine acting. The minor characters do seem to be a tad one-dimensional but there is something satisfying about these two outsiders taking on the establishment and winning.
With a very human story, this drama based on true events is full of sadness, romance and comedy and the workings of society. From an ostracised 'homeless' man to a widow trying to live up to social expectations we see how lifestyles can so easily be turned from successful to difficult and how this can be judged by others. Both main characters have problems and their pride is preventing them from accepting help yet they ultimately realise that they have to be true to themselves and their real friends in order to move on with their lives.
Norton is woefully underused and the music score is far too elevator, but the cinematography makes up for this. There is a great turn by Simon Callow (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Viceroy's House) as the judge and although there is a strange moment where Emily, the widow, begins to do things totally out of character, the film has a well-paced gentle if predictable plot with fine acting. The minor characters do seem to be a tad one-dimensional but there is something satisfying about these two outsiders taking on the establishment and winning.
Catch this!
davyd-0223719 December 2019
This is very different from most films, not sure I would call it a comedy, but no foul language, interesting characters from the irish chap living on the heath to the leading (American) living in luxury she cant afford across from the Heath. Most enjoyable, very different and highly recommended. Brendan Gleeson is a joy to watch
A somewhat predictable but entertaining quirky tale
manders_steve4 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This film, stated to be based on the true story of the 'Hampstead Hermit' Harry Hallowes, tells the tale of a alternative lifestyler who builds himself a 'residence' in an isolated corner of Hampstead Heath, where he lives largely undisturbed for many years. Brendon Gleeson is brilliant as the irascible hermit, complete with quirky observations on life and the modern world.
Widowed American Emily spies him when looking out her attic window with binoculars, and invests reasons to meet him, and the rom com dimension stems from that. I'm not quite so sure about Diane Keeton's success in her role, but her gentle reserve mostly rings true, as do the fragile relationships with her conflicted 'friends'. Most of the smaller parts are forgettable one dimensional caricatures of various typical British types.
The film looks and feels the part, as I'm sure those who have had the pleasure of spending some time on Hampstead Heath will agree. Some aspects of the plot have some substance, some have that odd ring where truth seems stranger than fiction, but overall it's a bit predictable and lightweight.
It's a pleasant, gentle and undemanding film that probably justifies a couple of hours of your time.
Widowed American Emily spies him when looking out her attic window with binoculars, and invests reasons to meet him, and the rom com dimension stems from that. I'm not quite so sure about Diane Keeton's success in her role, but her gentle reserve mostly rings true, as do the fragile relationships with her conflicted 'friends'. Most of the smaller parts are forgettable one dimensional caricatures of various typical British types.
The film looks and feels the part, as I'm sure those who have had the pleasure of spending some time on Hampstead Heath will agree. Some aspects of the plot have some substance, some have that odd ring where truth seems stranger than fiction, but overall it's a bit predictable and lightweight.
It's a pleasant, gentle and undemanding film that probably justifies a couple of hours of your time.
Stuck with it to the end, but not sure why
frankafear2 July 2021
Wobbly screenplay, weak acting, repetitive score, and Diane Keaton imitating an actress per usual. Even the almost always impeccable Gleeson stumbled in this one. Compared to Mr. Mercedes, this one was a dud. 'Cute' doesn't cut it.
The Age Old Feel Good Factor
Anitasbstone7 December 2018
A nonsensical little film, but pleasant and enjoyable. A little out of touch with real social housing problems maybe. It has the Jane Austen theme of destitution when one is down to one's "last servant". I couldn't ,in all honesty, feel heartfelt compassion for a silly woman whose lot was not really terribly tragic. Oh, for the enviable position of having to sell everything and still end up living in idyllic retirement in a "roses round the door" beside the river, cottage.My sympathies lay with her son. Trying to argue some sense into a spoilt,helpless, twerp of a Mother.
Hampstead is Honestly Pleasant
daoldiges26 July 2021
I had serious doubts about Hempstead but with Keaton, Gleason, and a relatively short run time, I thought I'd give it a try. There are some predictable and sappy moments throughout but, in the end it's an easy, and pleasant film. It's based on a true story. Check it out for something light and breezy.
based on a real guy
ksf-23 October 2021
Kind of, sort of based on a true story. An american lady meets an old guy, living on the nearby land in england. Diane keaton is emily, living in london. But she seems to be running out of money. She tries to be on the right side of the local community issues. But when they decide the old property across the street is an eyesore, emily isn't sure where she stands. She befriends the old codger that lives behind it, and appreciates the wildlife and beauty that lives there. So at least now she has a cause! One running gag is the karl marx statue, which shares the cemetery with emily's deceased husband. It's fun. And cute. Directed by joel hopkins, who is very selective about what he directs. Story by oscar nominated Robert Festinger, who has also written and directed a few projects.
Be it ever so humble.....
girvsjoint10 January 2022
An easy enough to watch film with some nice performances, but not quite enough substance to make it great, thought parts of it reminded me of the far superior Australian film, 'The Castle'. This one had a rather odd ending I thought, as if they weren't quite sure what to do? Over all it wasn't bad, just could have been better!
Love shack
GameAndWatch11 September 2020
Based on a true story supposedly. Chap who has lived near hampstead heath in the old hospital grounds in a home made shack faces eviction.
This is a light movie, a great cast. But it's just a little lacklustre. I got bored, and non-interested. And I've got quite good staying power for movies.
London looks nice here in full summer, they must clear away the filth and cars. The chemistry wasn't that believable. It's mostly meh. A quick read of the plot on a back of a postcard is enough. I think the twee Englishness here is ramped up possibly for the US market.
So-so fluff.
This is a light movie, a great cast. But it's just a little lacklustre. I got bored, and non-interested. And I've got quite good staying power for movies.
London looks nice here in full summer, they must clear away the filth and cars. The chemistry wasn't that believable. It's mostly meh. A quick read of the plot on a back of a postcard is enough. I think the twee Englishness here is ramped up possibly for the US market.
So-so fluff.
A Mature Love Story
Sylviastel23 March 2023
Academy Award winner Diane Keaton plays a longtime London resident and an American widow. She has an adult son and lives alone in Hampstead. She befriends Brendan Gleeson, Academy Award nominee, who lives in an illegal shack in the Heath. They meet and begin a romance much to her snobby neighbors who disapprove. When the law tries to intervene and take away his home, Emily gets involved and helps fight for him. It's a mature and well thought out romance. It's entertaining and delightful. It's a pity that it has been overlooked. Diane is her charming self. Brendan Gleeson is delightful and charming.it'd worth watching if you love good romantic mature comedies.
Hampstead
Prismark1021 November 2020
The true story of a hermit who squatted on a patch of land in Hampstead and got adverse possession has been stretched into a thin rom com.
Emily (Diane Keaton) is an American widow financially struggling to live in her apartment in a well heeled part of Hampstead.
She meets grizzled Donald (Brendan Gleeson) a loner who has been living off the land in a makeshift cabin within some abandoned hospital grounds.
When the area where Donald resides is earmarked for development. Emily helps Donald out to fight the developers and they form an unlikely alliance.
Hampstead aims to be a quirky rom com with eccentric characters. It is a poorly developed screenplay based on a few true facts.
Keaton seems to be the variation of a stock character that she has been playing since Annie Hall. Gleeson is basically the gruff tramp. No one in the movie appears to be a genuine person apart from the character played by Phil Davis.
Emily (Diane Keaton) is an American widow financially struggling to live in her apartment in a well heeled part of Hampstead.
She meets grizzled Donald (Brendan Gleeson) a loner who has been living off the land in a makeshift cabin within some abandoned hospital grounds.
When the area where Donald resides is earmarked for development. Emily helps Donald out to fight the developers and they form an unlikely alliance.
Hampstead aims to be a quirky rom com with eccentric characters. It is a poorly developed screenplay based on a few true facts.
Keaton seems to be the variation of a stock character that she has been playing since Annie Hall. Gleeson is basically the gruff tramp. No one in the movie appears to be a genuine person apart from the character played by Phil Davis.
What love and freedom is all about
TomAL0019 March 2019
Great British movie...except for the American.
lisainstyle17 February 2020
The London scenery and feeling is great. The story is interesting and it's chock full of great UK actors and actresses. But Diane Keaton is so irritating. She almost wrecked the whole thing for me.
If you love British movies you'll enjoy this and you are now prepared for the irritating bit.
If you love British movies you'll enjoy this and you are now prepared for the irritating bit.
The Gang's All Here
writers_reign23 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This is a poor mans' Lady In The Van, i.e. take a real-life incident, weave a fey plot of sorts around it, shoot on a real London location and wheel out the usual suspects, the television actors who go from one assignment to the next, hit their marks and neither bump into the furniture nor frighten the horses. Three days work in March, luvvie, right you are, another nice little earner, that's the new Aga sorted.That you, Tarquin? Can you give us a couple of days next month? Chichester? Well done, you. Never mind I'll give Roderick a bell. Break a leg. And thus you wind up with the likes of Lesley Manville, Jason Watkins and James Norton, who should have been insulted to be asked to phone in something Samuel West turned his nose up at. Okay, luvvies, this is the thing; we're bringing Diane Keaton in for the marquee, you're precious Primrose Hill types, you can do it in your sleep and there's a new kitchen in it. Luckily (for the producers) Camilla Long filed her last review for the Sunday times a week ago and is off to have a baby, otherwise ...
Surprised!!!
kolleen_adelphia18 November 2020
I kind of had my fill of Diane Keaton after "Baby Boom". But, this movie was surprisingly entertaining, as well as heart warming!!! And to know it's based on an actual person (people), makes it that much more special!!! CHEERS!!! X
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