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Closing the Ring (2006)

Director: Richard Attenborough

Time Out rating

Average user rating
4 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

At 84, this much-loved bastion of British cinema has a new film, energised presumably by an endearing tale with strong appeal for the more mature viewer. Michigan, 1991, and a World War II flyer goes to his grave after years of an empty marriage, leaving widow Shirley MacLaine with some explaining to do to bristling daughter Neve Campbell.
Meanwhile, in Belfast, treasure hunters (Michael McCann and Pete Postlethwaite) risk the wrath of the IRA by excavating a contested site where a US  bomber went down during the war, discovering a ring which could link destinies on both sides of the Atlantic. Although fortunes unfold at a pace unhurried by today’s standards, and the melodramatic final reel flirts with incredulity, the film’s affirmation that it’s never too late to set lives in order carries a ruminative emotional charge. While MacLaine’s indomitable form is something to see, the story’s awkward contrivances prove insurmountable. With all the will in the world, this is a mere footnote to Attenborough’s distinguished filmography.

Author: Trevor Johnston

Time Out London Issue 1948: December 19 2007-January 1 2008


User reviews of this film

  • Angela said...
    Posted on Apr 08 2008 23:26 Nice story, but so much time was spent on getting the film to look beautiful, that no-one noticed the acting. Wooden by the young cast and hammy from the older actors. Sorry Sir Richard!
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  • Sam said...
    Posted on Apr 08 2008 13:08 this movie was GREAT, the story was so sweet. The acting was superb especially, i feel from Mischa Barton who was amazing, capulating vulnerability and emotions outstandingly. i recommend this movie
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  • Odtaa said...
    Posted on Mar 28 2008 17:20 This is a film with some great acting and good direction. I feel it gives an insight into the generation that went through the war - with their sense of duty and obligation.
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  • Linda Freeman said...
    Posted on Nov 11 2007 15:10 Great movie, with a lovely story, nice to have long scenes between the actors that tell the story. Well acted throughout, but Christopher Plummer outstanding as always.
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