sifc33 I'm wondering why this movie didn't do as well in the states, or at least advertised more. I don't even remember hearing about it, when it was released, though that's typical with the American movie market.At any rate, I only heard of this movie by browsing through Colin Firth's catalog, and was pleasantly surprised.Really powerful performances on all accounts, and you can really develop a disdain for the "father" from the son's point-of-view. Their relationship was strained, and at the end of life their is an attempt to reconciliation.SPOILER The ending scene when Firth is alone, and remembering his dad as he's saying goodbye as a son/adult, is SO AWESOME. I totally started crying and was moved by the scene.

gradyharp Based on an autobiographical memoir by Blake Morrison WHEN DID YOU LAST SEE YOUR FATHER? is a finely wrought exploration into the delicate issues that both separate and bind fathers and sons. It is difficult for viewers whose fathers are gone not to relate to the profound tenderness and at times difficult reminiscences of their own relationships that remain as both warm and haunting dreams. David Nicholls' adaptation of Morrison's book stresses the character development of both father and son (and the rest of this British family) allowing us to understand the dilemma that faces the main character as he is asked the question that forms the title of this film. Blake Morrison (Colin Firth) is happily married to Kathy (Gina McKee) and is a successful writer/poet who is preparing to receive an award for his contributions to literature. Present at his ceremony is his father Dr. Arthur Morrison (Jim Broadbent) who is a unique egomaniac whose personality traits affect everyone around him - both positively and negatively. After Blake's acceptance speech his father cannot even manage to say 'well done', instead furthers his comments about Blake's silly decision not to go into medicine and strive instead for the poor life of a writer. A medical emergency tosses Arthur into the hospital, he is diagnosed with terminal cancer: the remainder of the film is a series of vignettes of Blake at his father's bedside accompanied by his mother Kim (Juliet Stephenson) coupled with flashbacks to Blake's childhood (Matthew Beard plays Blake as a teenager) memories that contain moments of confusing father/son incidents as well as Blake's long standing loathing of his fathers affairs with other women such as 'Aunt Beaty' (Sarah Lancashire) and others. As Arthur falls more deeply toward dying, Blake attempts to confront his father with his lifelong perceptions and grievances and the manner in which Blake comes to grips with his feelings for his father completes this film. Director Anand Tucker orchestrates this story beautifully, blending the gorgeous English countryside with just the right timing between momentary flashbacks and flash forwards to make this film flow and glow with nostalgia. The musical score by Barrington Pheloung wisely incorporates a lovely rendition of Bellini's 'Casta diva' from 'Norma', Bach's G Minor Piano Concerto, and a Schubert trio, which add a timeless dimension to the mood of the film. Jim Broadbent brings off this challenging role with great artistry, as does Colin Firth with his role as Blake. But then the entire cast is well selected from some of England's finest actors. This is an emotional film, a film that will touch men especially, but will also bring resonance with women. Grady Harp

Red-125 "And When Did You Last See Your Father?" (2007) is an English film directed by Anand Tucker. It reminded me of the U.S. film, "The Savages," because the central plot of both movies involves a dying father who has not lived an exemplary life. Jim Broadbent is superb as Arthur, an obviously wealthy man who nevertheless goes through life cheating and manipulating people in small ways. He has a bluff, hearty, hail-fellow-well-met personality that charms people who meet him for the first time. In reality, he bullies his son and cheats on his wife. (Juliet Stevenson is excellent in the supporting role of wife and mother, as is Matthew Beard who plays Blake as a teenager.) Colin Firth is equally convincing as Arthur's son, Blake. He's a successful award-winning writer, who nonetheless sees himself as perpetually in his father's shadow. Both men must come to grips with the situation when Arthur develops terminal cancer.Broadbent and Firth look like each other, so it's easy to accept them as father and son. The film unfolds in an intelligent and interesting fashion. It's both artistically satisfying and philosophically challenging. I think the movie has been underrated by IMDb viewers. It's low key and thoughtful, but that's what it's supposed to be. There's nothing about it that struck me as artificially artistic. It's an honest and effective film, and worth seeking out and seeing.

dedoc1 At its simplest this movie is about the love between two men - a father and son - that in spite of a deep desire to connect, cannot be shared between the two. At least not in life. And not until it is too late. Sadly, it is a story that is all too prevalent in our society.The film reflects this theme again and again with flashbacks of the son's experiences growing up with the father. Of course this is the son's world view and the film does not cover the father's perspective of events. So the question remains unanswered - was there truly no point of contact for the love between the two, or was the son blind to, or incapable of, receiving the love of the father?Well worth the investment of 92 minutes of your time.