Breathe - Thoughts

Love, romance, drama, action, adventure - all within 1hr 45m

Firstly, I’d like to start with an apology to readers of this newsletter who are unable to access BBC iPLAYER.

I will try to give you enough information without ruining the storyline for those who choose to watch the film in the next 19 days before it is removed from the BBC platform.

Breathe (2017) 1hr 40m is based on a true story, so you can find out more information elsewhere.

However, let me tell you this is a tender and dramatic story of love, romance, innovation, determination, and joy.

“Inspiring true story from BBC Films. Abruptly paralysed and reliant on a mechanical respirator, Robin Cavendish believes his life is over, but his wife Diana it determined to improve his prospects - even if it kills him. 

With family and friends rallying round, the couple tackle obstacles and prejudices through the 1960s and beyond.”

The screen opens to the scenes of rolling British countryside, and the following message appears on the screen: "What follows is true..."

Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, and Tom Hollander star in this film.

• Side note, I’m wondering just how many films does Tom Hollander appear in as multiple characters - I recall seeing him act as three different people in the recently watched The King’s Man (2021).

Back to the cast of Breathe.

But wait, let me take a small deviation relating to Andrew Garfield who is an acting force to be admired.

I first remember seeing him as Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012 and 2014), but recognised his outstanding skills in the 2016 film Hacksaw Ridge (2hrs 19m) as the Seventh-day Adventist Army Medic Desmond T. Doss at the Battle of Okinawa - another true story which resulted in conscientious objector Doss becoming the first man in American history to receive the Medal of Honor without every firing a single shot.

Garfield is again superb in Breathe as the main character Robin Cavendish.

I know the family of Robin Cavendish agree because the son depicted in the film, Jonathan, was the main producer on this film.

The end credits state:

Jonathan has become a film producer.

This film is a tribute to his mother, and to his father

who chose to live and see him grow up.

The director also has a sterling resume, one Andy Serkis who is also well known for his chameleon-like acting skills, and as an author; this was his directorial debut for the story of the parents of his for his friend (and producer), Jonathan Cavendish.

The music throughout the film is composed by the prodigious talent of Nitin Sawhney, who has scored over 60 films.

Other contributors, as cast members, include Hugh Bonneville and a couple of small powerful appearances from Diana Rigg, and Amit Shah.

Breathe is a film about how the power of love from one human being to another can make a huge difference to personal outcomes. Yes, it’s somewhat simple, sentimental and uplifting, but it does not distract from the power of this true story, or the hardships that sudden and disabling illnesses bring upon families and relationships.

Watch it if you can.

You have just over a fortnight (from the delivery of this newsletter) on BBC iPLAYER, but I’m sure it’s available elsewhere too.

MHM rating 4*

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