Natalie Cronin

A wonderful, witty, heartwarming gem of a film that will have you shouting at the screen for the (under)dog to have his day. Mark Rylance is utterly spellbinding as the would-be professional golfer Maurice Flitcroft, who dons more disguises over the years than Inspector Clouseau in order to dupe his way into The Open. This unbelievable tale is made even more delicious by the fact that it is based on a true story. Whether you are a fan of golf or not, no matter. It would take a hardened heart to be untouched by this marvellous movie. The stuffiness of the British Establishment, perhaps ever-present in exclusive golfing circles, is epitomised by the bland and snobbish secretary of the Royal and Ancient, Keith Mackenzie. Rhys Ifans is both captivating and completely unrecognisable as the mean-spirited Mackenzie, and viewers can only watch with eyes half-shut at this cringe-worthy and often hilarious cat and mouse game. Let’s be under no illusions here, Rylance draws you into his dreams, and we all want Flitcroft to prevail. There are some truly tender moments in the film too, as we witness the enduring love between Maurice and his beloved and impossibly patient wife Jean (played beautifully by Sally Hawkins). Overall, an understated and simply irresistible movie that can be enjoyed by all ages, and one that will undoubtedly be just as engaging the second, or even third, time around.