The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Name: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Genre: Drama, History, Romance
Released: August 10, 2018
Duration: 124 min
Rating: 65
Cast: Bernice Stegers, Bronagh Gallagher, Clive Merrison, Glen Powell, Jack Morris

2018

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Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews

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Generally favorable reviews based on 30 Ratings

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7.0	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 30 Ratings

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The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society

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Movie Details & Credits

Netflix | Release Date (Streaming): August 10, 2018 | TV-14

Starring: Bernice Stegers, Bronagh Gallagher, Clive Merrison, Glen Powell, Jack Morris, Jessica Brown Findlay, Katherine Parkinson, Kit Connor, Lily James, Marek Oravec, Matthew Goode, Michiel Huisman, Penelope Wilton, Pippa Rathborne, Stephanie Schonfield, Tom Courtenay

Summary: A writer forms an unexpected bond with the residents of Guernsey Island in the aftermath of World War II when she decides to write a book about their experiences during the war.

Director: Mike Newell

Genre(s): Drama, History, Romance

Rating: TV-14

Runtime: 124 min

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Critic Reviews

The Telegraph Robbie Collin

May 12, 2018

It is a confection in every sense, but plump with natural sweetness. Read full review

Stephanie Zacharek

Aug 13, 2018

It’s simply a movie that makes you feel welcome. Read full review

Fionnuala Halligan

Apr 18, 2018

Smothering the screen with good intentions, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (adapted from Annie Barrow’s best-selling comfort novel of the same name) is British security-blanket film-making at its finest. Read full review

Glenn Kenny

Aug 23, 2018

Mr. Newell directs with sensitivity and the occasional invention; the movie has an almost tactile appreciation of period detail, as when Juliet sets to writing, the camera lingers on her onionskin typing paper. The cast is impeccable. Read full review

RogerEbert.com Matt Fagerholm

Aug 10, 2018

For all of its breezy charm, what makes “Guernsey” an often frustrating experience is the fact that the story uncovered by Juliet is exceedingly more interesting than the one she finds herself confined within. Read full review

Empire Olly Richards

Apr 18, 2018

A well told, beautifully acted drama that offers nothing new but a comforting level of familiarity and cosiness. Read full review

Guy Lodge

Apr 18, 2018

Undemanding yet never quite effortless, agreeable yet never quite engrossing, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society has fewer stumbling points than its loopy title, but that title sticks for longer than the rest of it. Read full review

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User Reviews

KenR

Feb 13, 2019

There’s a children’s book somewhere in this curious title, and as the original story was completed by the author’s niece, Annie Barrows (who happens to be a writer of children’s books) it makes me wonder if this was her Auntie’s original title? Mary Ann Shaffer, sadly died before her bookThere’s a children’s book somewhere in this curious title, and as the original story was completed by the author’s niece, Annie Barrows (who happens to be a writer of children’s books) it makes me wonder if this was her Auntie’s original title? Mary Ann Shaffer, sadly died before her book was published, and from comments made by those who have read ‘their’ novel - the film adaption is disappointing. That said, it’s highly likely those who read the book, after seeing the movie, may find the reverse. Books and screenplay adaptations can be, and are, a world apart. On its own merits, this is a highly enjoyable movie - offering fine performances, direction, wonderful locations, superior cinematography and convincing recreation of a past era - though, at times, it comes across as part ‘feature’ movie and part TV show. There’s also a scene where a Bible is rather obviously being used to ‘push’ a modern feminist’s call.

Lead actress Lily James, is like a dream come true - she was the perfect ‘Cinderella’ in ’15, it’s easy to see why she won that part and the accolades. This story is an account of Germany’s brutal occupation of Guernsey from 1940-45, detailing its dramatic impact on a group of families and friends. It’s both a sentimental romantic tale and an examination of the tragedies experienced by all individuals living under siege. From other reviewer’s comments – it might seem certain modern viewers may have perhaps lost the ability to appreciate the effect these times had on long suffering participants - so, some might tend to view certain aspects of this tale with a degree of cynicism. But generally, the majority of audiences should be pleased with the time they spend being entertained by this engaging story.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

ahmedaiman9999

Aug 19, 2018

-"She's only four. how could she understand that?"
-"I'm older than time, and I still don't understand"
Warm, delightful, and so sweet. Maybe even be so sweet for its own good at the beginning. But no one can resist this movie's charm. Its cheerful and light-hearted tone may make you think-"She's only four. how could she understand that?"
-"I'm older than time, and I still don't understand"

Warm, delightful, and so sweet. Maybe even be so sweet for its own good at the beginning. But no one can resist this movie's charm. Its cheerful and light-hearted tone may make you think you're watching Paddington!

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society is also a well-made film. It has a great performances, specially from Penelope Wilton as Amelia who has some of the movie's most powerful lines. Yes, this movie is also has some very strong lines that could stick in your head. But they are even more powerful when you're invested in the characters.

Mike Newell used only the flashback technique to unravel the story of the titular society, and there's no doubt he could have taken a riskier and more challenging way to do so. But the result is nothing short of impressive. I always wanted to know more and more about the members and their story, and I loved how I was getting minor details piece by piece like I was collecting a jigsaw puzzle. I cared about all the side characters. Thanks to the solid script, each one of these characters was so intriguing to know about.

But I would that Juliet Ashton, our protagonist, is well-wrought character as much as the minor characters. Don't get me wrong, I cared about the character so much, and her romantic sub-plot and relationships in the story, but it's her background that I found unfulfilling and half-baked. We didn't get to know anything about her past, except from a very very short, and poorly-shot flashback at the beginning. But it's not just because the fact I felt it's unsatisfying that the main character lacks a well-established background, it's also because I did need that at some point in the movie. That being said, Lily James delivered a nice performance, and she was as charming as always.

There are also some things that I think are a bit hard to swallow. Things like "I don't know exactly how he, or she knew about that but let's go on anyway."

The movie looks gorgeous in general. It has a beautiful cinematography, a decent production design, and top-notch costume design that fits perfectly the movie's setting. Also, I loved the music, and it's also as traditional as the movie itself.

(7.5/10)… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

brickdude228

Feb 22, 2019

You hear people call movies heart-warming so much it has become somewhat meaningless, but trust me when I call The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society a heartwarming movie. The film boasts a distinguished cast and a story that just carries you away, without you really noticing. TheYou hear people call movies heart-warming so much it has become somewhat meaningless, but trust me when I call The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society a heartwarming movie. The film boasts a distinguished cast and a story that just carries you away, without you really noticing. The characters are solid and set pieces of work portrayed brilliantly by the actors and shown through the cameras placed perfectly to guide the viewer through the film. The story is believable and realistic, telling you about one of the least mentioned areas of the war. The film doesn't feel foreign or out of place, It just welcomes you in like an old friend, with a cup of tea and a couple of biscuits. A must watch as a fan of history, books and Potato Peel Pie.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

DogeGamer2015

Aug 9, 2021

Es una película muy disfrutable; la trama es muy buena y la actuación de Lily James es excelente; es recomendable.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

JLuis_001

Oct 15, 2018

A simple but solid romantic drama. Pretty good for lovers of the genre and also an interesting option for those who do not.

The argument is good, simple and intelligent and the performances are also good enough. Excelling of course Lily James. Predictable in most of its execution but theA simple but solid romantic drama. Pretty good for lovers of the genre and also an interesting option for those who do not.

The argument is good, simple and intelligent and the performances are also good enough. Excelling of course Lily James.
Predictable in most of its execution but the quality is optimal and sincerely the film is enjoyable and entertaining.

Another little surprise hidden in Netflix's catalog.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

DawdlingPoet

Nov 22, 2021

This is a good escapist, feel good watch. I've read the book this film is adapted from, so I was aware of the story and the film didn't disappoint. I suppose some may feel it too 'fluffy' and perhaps even boring but I enjoyed it as a pleasant and inoffensive film to watch for a couple ofThis is a good escapist, feel good watch. I've read the book this film is adapted from, so I was aware of the story and the film didn't disappoint. I suppose some may feel it too 'fluffy' and perhaps even boring but I enjoyed it as a pleasant and inoffensive film to watch for a couple of hours. As I say, I have read the book but that was at least a year ago, so I had forgotten some of the more finer plot details and I enjoyed revisiting it via the film. I felt that Katherine Parkinson being present reminded me of her role in Doc Martin - its a bit like that, in terms of it protraying a close knit community of different people with their own quirks and so on. The main difference, I suppose, is that this film and the book is set with the backdrop of World War II. I feel comforted somehow by the way the community come together to get themselves through such a clearly tough and somewhat bleak time. There are definitely hardships conveyed but most of the film has a more gentle feel to it, although most of the characters are quite warm and likeable.

Overall I'd say this is a good watch, a bit slow for some perhaps with little action or exciting plot twists but in terms of a character focussed historical drama about a close knit community dealing with the aftermath of WWII, its by no means bad. I would recommend it, if it sounds of interest, yes.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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