Stevecorp Don't listen to the negative reviews

PiraBit if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

Myron Clemons A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

MartinHafer "My Life So Far" is a memoir where a man looks back at his life in Scotland when he was a child. In some ways, it's quite reminiscent of Marcel Pagnol's wonderful films about his childhood ("My Father's Glory" and "My Mother's Castle"), though Pagnol's life is much more satisfying to watch (or read about)--mostly because the mood is so much more consistent. With "My Life So Far", it begins with humor and for a while you assume the film is a comedy. You really like the family and the way the child views life. Later, however, the film turns much darker and the characters, who you liked, act rather vile. Because of this, it feels a bit unsatisfying because the abrupt changes in mood really took me out of the story. I know life IS sometimes this way, but I really wish the film had made up its mind and chosen a single course. Not a bad time passer but not a film I heartily recommend either.

Ira Dvir This is a personal story, through the eyes of an innocent Scottish child. The movie follows the tradition of pearls like My Life As A Gog, and When Father Was Away On Business (Emir Kusturica).Hugh Hudson that had quite too few movies (maybe due to the unsuccessful Revolution.In this movie Hudson returns to the Scottish Highlands that he treated so well in Chariots of Fire. This Scottish delight is dedicated to the late Ian Charlson of the Cariots, who portrayed so well the Christian spirit that is evident in this one.

George Parker "My Life So Far" is a light hearted and somewhat stuffy coming of age film about a boy (Norman) and his father (Firth) living on a Scottish estate with sundry family members, servants, visitors, etc. in the years following WWI. A nicely laid out period piece, this film ventures into the busy-ness of the manor as we watch the inquisitive boy and his crack-pot inventor and smitten father grow up together to the accompaniment of curling tournaments, visitations from a pilot, a hairy man skulking in the woods, etc., and, of course, the sometimes unseemly family matters. "My Life So Far" is not one of the better period film as it spreads itself too thinly over numerous inconsequential matters of little interest beyond the characters. However, for those into British period films, this one may prove mildly amusing and entertaining. (B)

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.