Evengyny
Thanks for the memories!
Matialth
Good concept, poorly executed.
Stellead
Don't listen to the Hype. It's awful
dracher
Mr Beresford has taken what I consider to be his usual film making approach to this poorly adapted screenplay from an excellent and workable novel. Mr Johnson is NOT a comedy, neither does it rely upon comedic aspects in its story line. Mr Johnson is a drama, sadly robbed of its drivers.The great problem with this film is the miscasting of two leading men, and the inability of the director to accurately shape the story, and to direct the individual performances. the character of Mr Johnson, is lacking in complexity and dimension, and Mr Brosnan's work is rather like a mimicry of every British colonial character ever sent up by any music hall comic or TV sketch comedy ever produced.The basic story is heartrendingly powerful, and the false world of Mr Johnson, fueled by his childlike desire to fulfill its requirements, should be the powerhouse of the whole undercurrent of the madhouse of British Imperialism, and the blind faith of those who attempted to live up to the impossible standards of its, so called, civilization.The novel hits the gong, but this screenplay, the miscasting, the absence of storytelling and of basic theatrical direction, robs Mr Johnson of its magic.
joyfully2-640-169166
The cinematography was truly lovely, it's natural colors blended with the story telling so thoroughly, I sat in the dark fascinated by this syncopation. The film has a huge cast, and filming in the African sun, it had to be a difficult. I loved the talent. Every character was real.I loved the story --the collision of two cultures at the beginning.Most of all I love the character of Mister Johnson as portrayed by Maynard Eziashi. His behavior seemed typical of the era. And African villagers seemed so gentle and accepting of foreign intrusion. Maybe it was that way in the beginning.Joyce Cary wrote a very sweet, sort of tragic story. I wish all films contained this truth, warmth and humanity.
akhilles84
This is a good drama with a very touching ending.Pierce Brosnan does one of his best roles ever as friend of "Mr.Johnson",a Nigerian who sees himself as englishman.The way this film ends makes it big.See this but take a few tissues if you are soft hearted. 7 out of 10
atrinc
This is a wonderful film that captures the flavor of working in the African bush more accurately than any film I've seen. The gentle cultural clash between Mr. Johnson and the road builder (Pierce Brosnan) is exactly as I've experienced it with so many workers. And Mr. Johnson's downfall caused by his inner conflict (being pulled from his traditional roots down into the beguiling but unaffordable Western abyss) could have been the autobiography of too many African funtionaires I've known.
