Review
DULCIE PEARCE
The Ballad of Wallis Island review: This touching film is littered with hilarious dialogue & powerful performances
Scroll down for our review of The Salt Path
THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND
(12A) 100mins
★★★★☆
THERE’S beautiful harmony in this story of love, grief and folk music.
Written by the two leading men, Tim Key and Tom Basden, it’s set on a remote British island where the boats are few and far between and most calls have to take place in a phone box.
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It’s where the wealthy and wonderfully eccentric Charles (Key) has chosen to make his home after losing the love of his life.
Charles passes the time listening to the LPs of his favourite folk duo, McGwyer Mortimer.
He decides to offer the pair — who have long since split up, both romantically and musically — a load of cash to play a gig on the island.
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The problem is, he doesn’t tell Herb McGwyer (Basden) that ex-love Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan), is also invited.
She turns up with her new husband in tow.
Oh, and the pair also don’t know this big-money gig is to be for an audience of just one: Charles.
These little white lies involve a bit of amusing toy throwing by Herb, but soon the pair knuckle down to rehearsing and we get to see the magic in their music that Charles sees.
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The songs, written by Basden, give an insight into their powerful and delicate love affair — one that we learn was not handled with care.
Once Nell’s husband goes on a trip around the island, the duo start to reacquaint themselves — sharing food, wine and songs in Charles’ crumbling kitchen.
The Salt Path: Official Trailer
They reminisce about gigs and visit the windswept beach to share their hopes and dreams, while watching the sunset.
This might sound lightweight, but it’s all littered with hilarious dialogue and heartwarming performances that make you unsure if your tears are through laughter or heartache.
There’s also a potential love interest for the shy and clumsy Charles in the form of the local shopkeeper (Sian Clifford, from Fleabag) and you want nothing but good things for this big- hearted superfan.
Watching him watch his favourite duo sing is unbelievably moving — Key deserves huge credit for giving the character so many layers.
And the friendship that grows between him and Herb is refreshing to watch.
All the performances are powerful yet understated, making this gently touching and life-affirming film a very sweet song indeed.
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THE SALT PATH
(12A) 115mins
★★★★☆
HAVING played an immaculately crimped Margaret Thatcher and Emily Maitlis, this time Gillian Anderson has dispensed with hair and make-up.
Her locks appear windswept before she’s begun a 630-mile trek along the southwest coastline in this movie adapted from the book of the same name.
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Based on a true story, Gillian plays Raynor Winn who finds herself homeless with husband Moth (Jason Isaacs) after they’re evicted from their house.
With nowhere to go, the pair buy a tent and take the scenic route from Minehead in Somerset to Poole, Dorset.
To make matters more difficult, Moth has been diagnosed with an incurable and fatal condition, making it difficult for him to walk.
Along the way, they meet both generous locals and obnoxious old men. What could have been a long, depressing slog turns out to be a life-affirming experience for the couple.
Raynor and Moth find joy in nature and in each other’s company.
The Salt Path is both beautiful and emotional, while avoiding being syrupy sweet.
And England’s rugged coast couldn’t have asked for a better advert.
Grant Rollings
KARATE KID: LEGENDS
(12A) 94mins
★★★★☆
THE “Wax on, wax off” spirit of Mr Miyagi lives on in this sixth big-screen instalment of the martial arts franchise.
Young fighting talent Li Fong, (Ben Wang, impressively performing his own stunts) takes to the mat under the mentorship of Mr Han, (Jackie Chan).
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After his brother dies in a street brawl Li moves from Beijing to New York with his Mum (Ming-Na Wen) where a meet-cute with Mia (Sadie Stanley) sees him begin training her Dad, Victor, (Joshua Jackson) for combat.
But when that bout doesn’t go to plan Li instead attempts to win a renowned tournament himself, coming up against Mia’s ex in the process.
No new ground is being broken and there are cliches galore in a predictable script but being formulaic doesn’t prevent this martial arts caper from being plenty of fun.
The cast all get stuck in, there’s great choreography, and some good gags.
Cameos from legends including the original Kid himself, Ralph Macchio, provide dollops of pleasing nostalgia.
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A feelgood black belter to make you smile.
Laura Stott
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