While Winston Churchill remains a perennial favourite character for filmmakers to explore - with the overrated DARKEST HOUR being the latest of many biopics to do the rounds - YOUNG WINSTON is something a bit different. It's an epic-feeling movie from 1972, directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Simon Ward in a definitive performance as the future prime minister. Much of what takes place here I had no idea about, so I found it very interesting indeed. The film is bolstered by strong production values, excellent photography and attention to period detail, and a fine supporting cast. Robert Shaw stands out with a moving portrayal of Randolph Churchill and the likes of John Mills and Edward Woodward are more than welcome. The running time is a bit long and the first half is noticeably slow, but things really pick up in the second half with a lavish trainbound set-piece and a thrilling climax.
Review of Young Winston
