It’s always a good thing when a movie takes on a historical
figure or incident and attempts to bring it to life on film. Not only does it
give some of us a chance to learn about something that happened in the past it allows
us to relive it the best we can in the here and now. In some cases it allows
that at a safe distance (any war film) and in others it allows us a more
intimate encounter. That intimate encounter is what is at the heart of TOMMY’S
HONOUR.
While some might say golf was invented in China in the
1200s, most recognize the game as taking hold in Scotland around 1457. The game
became more popular in the seventeenth century but it was in the late 1800s
that it took off. The most famous course was in St. Andrews and was taken care
of by Tom Morris starting in 1865. None of that is provided in the film but it
made me interested enough to look it up.
That’s because the film is about
both Tom Morris (Peter Mullen) and his son, Tommy (Jack Lowden). As the film opens
Tommy has come into his owns as a golfer, matching and beating the abilities of
his father. Tom has long been the groundskeeper by this time and makes a living
by taking care of the course, running the shop that makes the clubs and balls
and on the side playing as what goes for a pro at the time. What that involved
then was to play for the wealthy club members as their representative and if
you won they then determined what to give you in return.
Tommy is not content to live out
his life like his father. He has no interest in remaining at St. Andrew and
dreams of the day when he will make a living playing golf for himself and not
at the whim of an English gentleman. But times then were not like now and he’s
told more than once to remember his station in life and that he’ll never rise
above it. At the same time no one can question his skill and ability.
As Tommy begins his ascendance on
the links he meets a woman working as a waitress. Meg Drinnen (Ophelia
Lovibond) catches his eye but she’s much older than him. She also has a secret
she keeps to herself that is revealed in time. The two fall in love and begin
seeing one another. Her secret is revealed and rather than abandon her, the
pair marry.
Tommy’s headstrong attitude can
only allow him to go so far. He clashes often with his father about his future
and about taking care of his family, both the one he intends to create as well
as the one he comes from. The film focuses on all aspects of his life but
revolves mostly around three items: his golfing ability, his relationship with
his father and his wife. All three are tied together in an interesting tale
that holds your interest from start to finish.
Some may watch the game of golf
and find it incredibly boring. If you’ve ever played golf you realize the skill
that it actually takes to do so. Watching the games taking place in this film
is more intriguing than most games today. In part that’s because we begin to
care about the characters involved. But the way the film is written, shot and
directed makes it more interesting as well. Jason Connery (son of Sean) has
done a fantastic job of capturing the suspense that each stroke creates as
games are played with only one stroke determining the winner or loser.
Going into this film I had no
idea who Tom or Tommy Morris was. After watching it I found them to be
incredibly sympathetic men who achieved greatness on their own terms in a time
when the distinctions between classes was so heavy it burdened those with a
dream. There are no lasers, no guns and no chase scenes in this film and yet it
will hold your attention till the end credits.
I’ve noted the skills of those
behind the camera but those in front do a great service to the story as well.
As Old Tom, Mullen speaks only when necessary and uses his skills as an actor
to portray the emotions and thoughts of his character instead, doing an amazing
job. Lowden is more in your face as Tommy, displaying the exuberance of youth
and the dire consequences it can bring. And Lovibond (recently seen on the TV
series ELEMENTARY) shows that she is capable of matching the abilities of her
co-stars. Here’s hoping we see more from all three.
This is not a movie that will
catch the eye of most who visit a nearby Redbox looking for a movie to rent. It
won’t be hyped and it won’t be one that most will have heard of. That’s a shame
because it is one worth making the effort to watch, a dramatic tale of a young
man who actually lived and is not quite as well remembered as he should be.
What more can someone ask for in a movie based on history that tells his tale?
This one is definitely worth watching.
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