The Favourite - it's possibly not what people are expecting / myLot

Northampton, England

January 23, 2019 4:18am CST

One thing the British film industry has long been famous for is historic period drama. The world over people seem to LOVE a good 'frock flick' - lots of lavish settings, amazing clothes and jewellery, and all the characters poncing around speaking in 'old' English. Who could resist a good Jane Austen or a bit of Mrs Gaskell? The world loves historic dramas. 'The Favourite' with Olivia Coleman as Queen Anne and Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz as two women fighting for her favour, has all the fabulous buildings and stunning period clothing but it's not for the faint-hearted. This is no 'Pride and Prejudice' or tale of genteel manners. Instead we have a lesbian three-some, violence, 17 rabbits hopping around the Queen's bedroom, and plenty of political shenanigans. The men are trussed up in their finery with horrendous wigs and more make-up than the women and it's all rather 'lewd'. As for the language? It's decidedly more 'Anglo-Saxon' than I expected. I cannot recall a film where the use of the C-word was quite so liberal. I'm absolutely sure our present Queen has never used such swear words. Aside from that though, it's absolutely brilliant. All the politics and trickery, the game-playing and the clever word play are well worth a view but I have to warn off anybody who's really only going for the dresses or who is easily offended. There's plenty to raise the eyebrows in this one.

9 people like this

9 responses

Gogata Ionut

@Kasjnak (4492)

• Romania

23 Jan 19

Interesting. Maybe I'll go see it, I wasn't sure what to make of it at first. Or I'll wait for the dvd release... still not sure what to do

2 people like this

M.-L.

@MALUSE (69413)

• Germany

23 Jan 19

I wonder if such a film steeped in the history of one country has a good chance of being successful in other countries.

1 person likes this

Boingboing

@boiboing (13153)

• Northampton, England

23 Jan 19

I think it will be absolutely fine. Every time there has been an adaptation of Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility or even Les Miserable, it's an international hit. Think of how popular 'The Last Emperor' was and mostly outside China.

M.-L.

@MALUSE (69413)

• Germany

23 Jan 19

@boiboing That's a valid argument. I watched The Last Emperor. There may have been a lot I didn't notice or understand but there is still enough to make the film worth watching for non-Chinese people.

Boingboing

@boiboing (13153)

• Northampton, England

23 Jan 19

@MALUSE Exactly. A good story is a good story wherever it happens and often films are not even released in the countries where they are based if they're a bit TOO controversial.

Fleur

@Fleura (29192)

• United Kingdom

23 Jan 19

Big One loves historical stuff but I see this is rated 15 and from what you say that could be justified! What is it about the rabbits?

Boingboing

@boiboing (13153)

• Northampton, England

23 Jan 19

I don't think there's much evidence that she ACTUALLY did it, but for dramatic effect, Queen Anne has 17 white rabbits in her room, one for each child she miscarried or gave birth to only to see them die shortly after. She had no heir because none of her kids made it which might well explain why she was such a weird woman.

1 person likes this

Boingboing

@boiboing (13153)

• Northampton, England

23 Jan 19

I would NOT send a 15 year old to this. It's way too rude.

1 person likes this

Fleur

@Fleura (29192)

• United Kingdom

23 Jan 19

@boiboing That would certainly skew your view of the world. Of course as a scientist that just makes me wonder whether she carried some genetic mutation or something.

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WorDazza

@WorDazza (15833)

• Manchester, England

24 Jan 19

I never watch anything with Olivia Coleman in it. I must be missing something but I think she's a shocking actress.

Boingboing

@boiboing (13153)

• Northampton, England

24 Jan 19

I hope you realise that's a national offence on a par with describing the Queen as 'alright at her job, I suppose'.

1 person likes this

WorDazza

@WorDazza (15833)

• Manchester, England

24 Jan 19

@boiboing Emporer's new clothes in my opinion. Did you see her in The Night Manager? I couldn't watch it. She was so unconvincing it was embarrassing. Like she was reading the script for the first time while they were shooting!!

1 person likes this

Judy Evans

@JudyEv (326102)

• Rockingham, Australia

23 Jan 19

Sounds interesting but I'll probably pass.

1 person likes this

Boingboing

@boiboing (13153)

• Northampton, England

23 Jan 19

Sadly I fear it won't be one that comes on TV any time soon - at least not without some major editing.

1 person likes this

ARM

@responsiveme (22926)

• India

23 Jan 19

Makes me curious

1 person likes this

Boingboing

@boiboing (13153)

• Northampton, England

23 Jan 19

I'm pretty sure the Indian censors would make changes to this film. Heck you're not even allowed to smoke on screen without a public warning. I suspect a lot of bleeping and pixellation might be required.

2 people like this

ARM

@responsiveme (22926)

• India

23 Jan 19

@boiboing oh, I usually see these movies after an year or do when the DVD comes out. They will.not come to the halls in a small town like ours

1 person likes this