
Kendra did a short review of Hope and Glory (1987) ages ago, but since it’s been one of my favorite films since childhood, I figured I could revisit it a little more in depth. Directed and written by John Boorman, it’s a semi-autobiographical film about Boorman’s childhood growing up in London during the Blitz.
Bill, the adolescent stand-in for Boorman, weathers the onslaught of German bombings with a certain irreverence for the destruction and chaos happening around him. Through his eyes, we see World War II as an impossibly elaborate child’s game, with only occasional glimpses into the grown-up drama swirling around him and his playmates. It’s a formula that is really kind of magical, mixing the innocence of youth with being forced to grow up far too soon.

Shirley Russell, who worked with husband Ken Russell on many of his films, among them Women in Love (1969) and The Music Lovers (1971), designed the costumes for this film. As World War II costumes go, they’re not spectacular, but nor should they be. This was the height of rationing, and the clothes that Bill, his family, and his friends and neighbors wear are neat, but a little thread worn. Bill’s sister, Dawn, has the most interesting wardrobe in the film, as befits her status as the not-so-innocent teenager with raging hormones. In one memorable scene, she has Bill draw lines on the back of her legs with eyeliner to simulate stocking seams, as silk stockings were rationed.






Like I said, this film has been one of my favorites since I was a kid, and rewatching it, I was pleased to see that it still shone with all the warmth I remembered. Next up, I’ll be reviewing the sequel, Queen and Country (2014), so stay tuned!
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