The title of this movie lends itself to jokes about the film’s indulgent tedium. The script describes Jim Broadbent’s character as a curmudgeon and they’re never especially sympathetic. As he delves the memories and meanings of a long-ago relationship , we see that he’s always been a bit of a dick. Even so, we’re forced to watch the slow revelation of his past, while not particularly caring about the man. Broadbent and the rest of the cast are fine, but the restrained storytelling and tame emotions will only be of interest to those who enjoy a mature character study in the studied manner of a novel (guess what…the film is based on one).(Criterion Cinemas only)

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