Wuchak I picked 1999's "My Life So Far" to watch because the DVD cover made it look like something light – maybe a romcom, I wasn't sure – and after almost an hour went by I found myself thinking, "What the fokk is this movie about?!" This is perhaps why one reviewer described it as "not plot-driven." Thankfully, I was able to catch a grip with the final third of the film where the various story elements came together. This is basically a coming-of-age tale of a boy, Fraser, who's around 10-11 years-old in 1920's Scotland. His family lives on one of those huge country manors with a strong matriarch, Gammy (Rosemary Harris), and a household staff. Elderly Uncle Morris (Malcolm McDowell) visits with his young French fiancé, Heloise (Irène Jacob), who incites the fascination of both Fraser and his dad, Edward (Colin Firth). Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio plays Edward's wife.The film immediately brings to mind 1993's excellent "The Secret Garden" due to the fact that both take place on British country estates in the early 1900s, albeit the former in Scotland and the latter in England. While "The Secret Garden" is the superior film, "My Life So Far" won me over despite my initial apprehension. Fraser's coming-of-age parallels his father's maturing. Edward is a likable inventor who runs the sphagnum moss business. He's fun, likable and preaches at his church, but he's resistant to change and refers to jazz as the devil's music. His spirituality is tested by the arrival of Heloise and is found wanting; worse, he can't hide his childish infatuation from his wife.It wasn't until AFTER watching "My Life So Far" that I realized how smart it is. It makes its many points simply through showing the day-to-day life of the Pettigrew family one season in 1927. For instance, although Edward is right about the brilliance of Beethoven, he's wrong about jazz. And although his good side shines brightly, his glaring hypocrisy cannot be condoned. This isn't just testimony to the power of a beautiful woman; it's testimony to the necessity of character and faithfulness. These are just a couple examples and I expect to raise my rating the next time I view it because this seems like one of those films that gets better on the second (and third and fourth) watch.The film runs 98 minutes and was shot in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK.GRADE: B ***SPOILER ALERT*** Do not read further unless you've seen the film.Did Edward have "carnal knowledge" of Heloise? No. Edward comes on to Heloise in the moss loft (or whatever) and she clearly rejects him, albeit respectfully. Later, during the big blow-up, he informs his brother-in-law, Morris, that he had sex with her because Morris was his rival for the estate, but it's A LIE. We know this because Heloise plainly declined his advances. So why did Edward lie? Evidently to stick-it-to his rival and cause the ensuing marriage problems. It was also his way of getting back at Heloise for (gently) rejected him. Bear in mind that on no occasion was Heloise guilty of improper conduct; she's almost godly and even rebukes Edward's hypocrisy at the dinner table, albeit subtly. Edward's lie was a very ignoble thing to do and it made me lose respect for him, but it was the result of his pent-up frustrations. Thankfully, he later humbly repents, to which his wife forgives and they go on to blissful matrimony.I hope he apologized to Morris and, especially, Heloise as well.

alan.leggate This film was fantastic, great acting all round, on how the family got along, the troubles including jealousy and anger and love and hurt. Great script and directing and stills, and great how one minute its fun then sad, of course I am referring to the most noticeable scene in the movie with Gramma, when she falls. Very contrasting how one minute its fun then sad. Great movie,

Thomas Lewis A wonderful example of what happens when a movie has been infused with a drastically insufficient supply of dramatic tension. The characters wander with apparent aimlessness through most of this visually lovely film, commenting on nothing in particular that we care about. None of the actors gives the slightest indication of being involved in the non-existent story; the child actors are particularly bland and read their lines as if from a cue card. Events transpire, but because of the dearth of tension, the film leaves the overwhelming impression that *nothing has happened.* And, indeed, nothing of importance has.

jeand My Life So Far is a charming film, sweet without being syrupy, endearing but not bland, pointed yet not preachy. It is a gently meandering memoir of an idyllic age and place which probably never really was, but which we wish to believe existed once upon a time, populated by people we would be happy to know. Mostly, it is the joyous celebration of a devoted, loving, though imperfect, family, which not only survives its crises, but is, one feels, strengthened by them.The cinematography is breathtaking, making the most of the lush landscape, the opulent sets and the expressive actors. The screenplay is filled with poignant moments, both humorous and dramatic, while the acting is quietly beautiful and detailed, from Rosemary Harris' superb Gamma to Robert Norman's refreshing 10-year old Fraser. Colin Firth's stunningly rich, yet understated, performance as Edward, the complex father, by turns madcap inventor, loving husband, hypocrite, fool and life-embracing dreamer is a wonder.My Life So Far provides a delightfully rewarding escape from our rude, crude world to a paradise which, if not perfect, is perfectly enchanting.