Pierrepoint -The Last Hangman details
| Formats: | 15 DVD, Blu-ray |
|---|---|
| Starring: | Timothy Spall, Juliet Stevenson, Eddie Marsan, Cavan Clerkin, James Corden |
| Director: | Adrian Shergold |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Studio: | LION GATE |
| Name | Discs | |
|---|---|---|
Pierrepoint -The Last Hangman |
15 Feature |
DVD Information
| Rental release: | Currently unavailable |
|---|---|
| Main languages: | English, English Audio Description |
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another review from another reviewer
By a customer from north east england , 04 Sep 2006[Highly rated reviewer]
Albert Pierrepoint was Britain's most prolific executioner, overseeing the hanging of more than 600 condemned men and women including Derek Bentley, Ruth Ellis and Lord Haw Haw. Adrian Shergold's film starring Timothy Spall in the title role is a dark period piece exploring the stark relationship between compassion and work ethic.
Pierrepoint approaches his grisly duties with pride, professionalism and a stoical detachment – a third generation hangman, he is well accustomed to checking his personal life at the prison gate while he gets on with the job at hand.
But duty and morality are constantly battling in the back of his mind - a struggle neatly illustrated when he is seconded to Germany after the War and tasked with dispatching Nazi war criminals. His clinical work here is deliberately and uncomfortably linked to the crimes of the Nazis who gassed their Holocaust victims with the same brutal precision.
Back in England, as liberalism begins to take hold and high-profile executions enrage a population bubbling with discontent, Pierrepoint's reputation in the eyes of the public slides swiftly and irretrievably from British war hero to callous murderer – a bewildering descent perfectly captured by Spall's mesmerising performance. Juliet Stevenson is not bad either as Pierrepoint's loyal wife gradually embittered by years of turning the other cheek at her husband's double life.
The film celebrates dignity and humanity but is laced with a uniquely British attitude evocative of Vera Drake and The Remains of the Day. Like these earlier social dramas, Pierrepoint culminates memorably in a momentary quivering of its previously resolute stiff upper lip.- Was this review helpful to you?
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(278)review in twenty words
By pablocapaldi (77 reviews) , 31 Aug 2012[Highly rated reviewer]
Fabulous. Usual vintage Timothy Spall, excellent Eddie Marsan and an incredible life story that probably could have filled ten movies- Was this review helpful to you?
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An Important Little Film
By OnlyTony (3 reviews) , 02 May 2012Not an easy film to watch, but one that should be required viewing for the many people who think the death penalty should be brought back. It's easy to say someone deserves to die; this film looks at the cost on those who actually carry it out. As the main character so poinantly puts it: 'She's paid the price; she's innocent now.'- Was this review helpful to you?
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The British Rope Trick
By a customer , 17 Feb 2012Forget the nerdy (and slightly creepy) criticism written by other reviewers (who probably have soundproof basements, know what I mean?). It's a movie, and it's designed to be entertaining. It's not a bloody documentary. So what if Pierrpoint enters on the last stroke of nine, not the first? And so what if, in real life, Ruth Eliis was two inches taller than in the movie?
This is a good, honest movie about people in interesting and challenging situations. It's the sort of movie that the UK makes very well. The acting is commendable and Spall and Marsan stand out.
It gives us a look at a time when Britain was re-defining its place in the modern world and attitudes and people were changing. An education. See it.- Was this review helpful to you?
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Another great British film
By LuluMichella (3 reviews) from Milton Keynes , 13 Jan 2012Very moving story of the executioner.
Timothy Spall was brilliant, supported by a fantastic British cast.
Overall a great film.- Was this review helpful to you?
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British at its best.
By MaryEss (3 reviews) , 26 Dec 2011This excellent film showcases what brilliant actors we have here in the UK.
I am rarely made to cry by something acted, but there is a really tender moment between Timothy Spall and Eddie Marsdan which is quite extraordinary.
It's tough viewing, but worth every minute.- Was this review helpful to you?
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