Enid (2009)
Mild themes
| Director: | James Hawes |
| Actors: | Helena Bonham Carter, Matthew MacFadyen, Denis Lawson, Claire Rushbrook |
Starring Helena Bonham Carter (Harry Potter, Sweeney Todd) as Enid Blyton, Matthew Macfadyen (Little Dorrit, Spooks), Denis Lawson (Bleak House) & Claire Rushbrook (Secrets & Lies) The film explores how the orderly, reassuringly clear worlds Enid Blyton created within her stories contrasted with the complexity of her own personal life. It sheds light on the ambitious and driven but as yet unpublished young woman, from the development of her rich imagination against the adversity of an imperfect childhood, two World Wars, and a first marriage ending in divorce to household name. One of the most recognised storytellers of all time, Enid Blytons charming characters and classic tales have enchanted countless generations of children for almost 80 years. Having sold over 500 million books in 40 countries, this film follows the woman behind the enduring and compelling stories such as the beloved Famous Five, Secret Seven, Malory Towers and Noddy series.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 82mins |
| Origin: | UNITED KINGDOM |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (23)
23 Member
Reviews
Babs Bopp
says
this was a Midday Movie that we only seen the ending.
Looked to be a good Movie, so we put in our queue.
We both enjoyed very much, however shocked that
Enid Blyton's personal life was so troubled.
Maria
says
My favourite author when I was a child. Hard to believe that such a gifted writer was such a heartless person. Good viewing.
Matt and Jodes
says
Good movie. Amazing how bitter and twisted such an ikon of children's literature was.
Cherrybrookchick
says
Dull and dreary. Didn't bother watching it fully. Enid Blyton may have been a good children's writer, the way she treated her husband and children was appalling. She seemed very self-involved. Sad really.
Lynne
says
Enid Blyton was not unlike Beatrix Potter in her determination and belief as an author and to have her stories published. Enid's ability to immerse herself in an imaginative world thus escaping the reality of her childhood is well portrayed and acted capturing the irony of one of the most popular children's authors of all time.
susi
says
I am so disturbed that such a loved children's author could be so abusive to her own children. Helena Bonham Carter is the most magnificent actress especially considering the complexity of the character she was acting.
Heather Patrick
says
I very much enjoyed the movie. I was quite shocked that a mother who wrote Childrens Stories loved by many for many many years, was such a horrible mother to her own two Children. It was a real eye opener such a self-centred person. Worth a watch.
Rosena
says
A real true to life bio. brilliant acting. Enid was not a nice person according to this movie. The designs sets were excellent
ANW
says
I am always interested in movies about writers or artists. This was a compelling look at Enid Blyton's life. Helena Bonham Carter is excellent as always, and without her I feel that the movie might not have held my interest. The movie is not boring, but the character of Enid portrayed in this film is not exactly likeable, and a lesser actor would have trouble getting the audience sympathies and understanding.
gerald
says
Shocked and suprisedat how an author of childrens books couls treat her own children in such a sterile manner. Well woth watching.
stafford
says
Dark dark movie.... it put all my love of Blytons books in doubt....
Nadine
says
A real eye-opener into this well-known children's author. Well acted.
thelydstar
says
I wanted to watch this so I could learn more about my favourite childhood author. I knew a bit about her life already, but this just confirmed my thoughts about her being somewhat unstable and living truly within the worlds she had created. This left me feeling extremely sorry for her poor children.
aj
says
Interesting to hear about the life behind the writer. The bonus features discussion by the film team enhanced the film viewing
Stephanie
says
Compelling movie. Watched 3 times due to my personal interest in Enid Blyton. Acting of the highest standard...must see...
NR
says
Enid is portrayed as a very self-centered person, with a lot of issues. No big suprises as I had read the biographies, but actually seeing it on the screen spoilt the image I have of the author with regard to her books, which I have always loved. Still, couldn't not see this movie. Well made, and good commentary by producer, directors.
Marg F
says
I think people got too caught up in "Enid"
mcnea
says
English films are not what they used to be, bad sound lacks the finishing touchs. sorry I got it out
Don T
says
Mommie Dearest revisited
Makes one really appreciate loving caring parents
Osti
says
A sad revealing biopic of the unhappy life of a famously successful writer. Bonham Carter is excellent as usual.
There is evidence from other sources that this biography is, as is claimed, as true to Blyton's life as a movie can be expected to be. So much the sadder.
There is evidence from other sources that this biography is, as is claimed, as true to Blyton's life as a movie can be expected to be. So much the sadder.
GlendaD
says
Well acted. Rather wish I hadn't watched it as it's now spoilt the impression I had of Enid Blyton. She was a very mixed up, selfish, bitter person if the movie is true to life. Don't know why such a person would want to write books for children when she didn't even have time for her own?
TN
says
A good film and reveals that Blyton was not all that her readers thought she was and would have wanted her to be. Well acted. Helena Bonham Carter does a good job of illustrating Blyton's unwillingness and inability to handle "real life", preferring to hide away in the fantasy worlds she constructed for her readers. Very sad really.
Deirdre R.
says
I was interested to see this as, like so many children of my generation, Enid Blyton stories were very much a part of my childhood. I credit her with encouraging me to be the avid reader I am today. Alas, this very ordinary biopic of a rather flawed and unpleasant woman, as remembered largely by her youngest daughter, makes slow and unenjoyable viewing - rather like 'Mommie Dearest' without the drama. Worth watching for interest's sake, but don't expect too much.