Metroland

I've not yet had the pleasure of reading the Julian Barnes novel but if it is anywhere half as good as this film I'll be bloody well looking forward to it. Christian Bale is fantastic here as man, prompted by a visit from an old childhood friend, who is having serious question about his life as a working husband and father. This story will ring clarion for any man who's been married for a while and I reckon the feeling is pretty much universal. Emily Watson as Bale's wife is amazing as always but the real treat here is a pivotal speech delivered by the great character actor John Wood. There is also some very fine work from Elsa Zylberstein, Amanda Ryan and Lucy Speed. Philip Saville's directing style works like a charm here making METROLAND a state of mind you won't want to miss.