"The Children Act"

The above poster was what attracted to me to this film.There are certain stars who simply seeing their name on a Cinema Poster is enough to get me to buy a ticket, and Emma Thompson is most certainly one of them. Time and time again she has delivered top notch performances, and so it was a guarantee to find me watching "The Children Act" despite not having a clue as to what it was about.

The film is in two halves, the first a judicial drama, as we find Ms. Thompson playing a Judge, who is presiding over two high profile cases. There is a lot of relevance to some equally high profile cases that have been in the news of late. And it does give one a lot to think about, and gives a fascinating insight into how and why these decisions are reached.
The second half of the film is more of an emotional drama as Thompson's Judge must deal with the repercussions of her actions, following on from a judgement that she has given. In one such case a Child's parents are trying to stop a Hospital from allowing potential saving treatment for their Son who is seriously ill with leukemia. Part of the treament, which could prolong his life, involves a blood transfusion and, unfortunately both the Parents and the 17 year boy are Jehovah's Witnesses. The Judge must make a diffcult decision between wanting to respect the religious beliefs but also in respect of health, what is best for the Boy.

I will not go on any further regarding the plot is it will unfair to reveal what happens.
But safe to say that this is a really compelling drama.
Having seen some recent high profile cases in the news, regarding Parents of babies wanting to take them abroad to try alternative treatment, and the Hospital ruling it would not be in the best interest of the baby, this is firmly in the mind when watching this film. Seeing things from the perspective of the Judge, it really is fascinating.
The second half is equally strong, as we follow Judge Maye, both struggling to keep her marriage together and dealing with the aftermath of a ruling she has given. I was simply glued to the screen.

It is hardly a surprise that the film is as brilliant as it is. Directing we have Richard Eyre, the man responsible for "Notes on a Scandal" and "Iris". Writing the Screenplay is acclaimed novelist Ian McEwan, adapting his own novel, and there is a dazzling cast. from Stanley Tucci, to Jason Watkins, in a scene stealing performance as Maye's Secretary / assistant.
But ultimately the film belongs to Fionn Whitehead and especially to Emma Thompson. Anyone who has seen either "In The Name of the Father" or "The Remains of the Day", and thought she was excellent, well, this is Emma at her very best.

A second viewing is a given.......great stories like this are why we go to the Cinema. I can think of no other score but as follows.....10 out of 10