Topsy-Turvy (1999)
Nudity, Low Level Coarse Language
| Director: | Mike Leigh |
| Actors: | Jim Broadbent, Timothy Spall, Shirley Henderson, Allan Corduner, Martin Savage |
Winner of the New York Film Critics Best Picture and Best Director awards, and Oscar winner for costume design and make-up, TOPSY TURVY combines all the elements of wonderful entertainment: Egos, Music, Women and Scandal.
For nearly a decade, Gilbert & Sullivan's collaborations have delighted and entertained the English people, but Sullivan has become disillusioned and longs to create more "serious" music. The two reach a creative impasse, barely able to agree on anything.
It's only when Gilbert's wife drags him out to a Japanese exhibition that the exposure to a different culture sparks the inspiration for what will eventually become one of their biggest successes, The Mikado.
| Status: | Normal |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 159mins |
| Origin: | UNITED KINGDOM |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 Enhanced |
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Member Reviews (10)
10 Member
Reviews
Nigel W
says
The kings of light opera have another triumph despite Sullivan’s desire to do more serious work. Overly long and somewhat plodding look at theatre life. Some of the scenes are drawn out and don’t really go anywhere. The wardrobe and sets are quite good though.
Cat C.
says
The ONLY Mike Leigh film I haven't adored. I have no appreciation of Gilbert and Sullivan, so probably a must for those fans.
Harry M.
says
I am a big Mike Leigh fan so got this because I love his film making style. This is a Mike Leigh film in many ways but it is also a very good musical too. It uses the musical numbers to great effect and the colour and vibrancy of the theatrical show are a large part of the film, espeically toward the end. I am not a big fan of musicals and find them hard to connect with so for me this was not as enjoyable as an hour and a half of intensely depressing urban drama that is Mike Leighs normal output but for those that like Mike Legh but don't want to be taken to the brink of despair this is a good film.
Michael C.
says
John O.
says
Fine acting, left-field humour, gentle pacing, joy.
Megan P.
says
A must for all Gilbert and Sullivan fans! Great acting by Jim Broadbent and Timothy Spall. Very English.
izzy
says
Mike Leigh left me gob smacked once again with his abilities as a Director. It is
such a different subject matter for him but he handles it with beautiful style.
Loved the portrayel of Gilbert & Sullivan, the way one particular operetta
evolved and the building of the characters working as actors in the Savoy
Theatre. Leigh gets the most out of his superb ensemble cast with enjoyable
performances from all. The Victorian sets are beautifully convincing with their
suffocating decoration.
David S.
says
I spent my teenage years immersed in G & S, and still enjoy their work. This movie is a most interesting tribute to the team that brought us these ageless operettas. Somehow, however, it is bit stiff and boring, especially the performances. Any school production of current times has more life. Were things so dead in those days? I doubt it.
Barry Lloyd
says
Perhaps a little too long but still a lovely evocative piece. Featuring witty dialogue and splendid presentations of G&S stage staples.
David Henderson
says
Fantastic movie - this is one of the best film about theatre ever made. If you are fan of Gilbert and Sullivan then Topsy Turvey is unmissable.