The Bookshop - A Movie Review

Owning a bookshop is not the least bit lonely.

The Bookshop is a 2017 film. Taking place in England in 1959, a woman opens her own bookstore. Ignoring warnings from the conservative town, Florence is more than happy to meet new people and talk about books.

Anyone who is a book lover reading this review, I will tell you right now to put this film on your watch list. I enjoyed every moment of this film. The Bookshop is not your typical film. The moral of the story is a positive message. Stand your ground for what you love.

I have never related more to a character than Florence Green. Emily Mortimer was a powerhouse in the role. She is unsure and quiet, but that doesn’t stop her from standing her ground to get what she wants. In hopes that her bookshop will help the town gain an understanding of books, Florence is a humble figure.

Everyone is a great actor in The Bookshop. They play their characters so convincingly. Patricia Clarkson drew me to watch this film. I have become intrigued by her work as an actress. Channeling a cold personality, Violet is not the least bit impressed by this bookshop.

Hands down, Honor Kneafsey has become my new favorite child actress. Christine is a precious child who looks at the world differently from the other kids. Christine tells it like it is, especially to people half her age. That’s what I love about her. She is always listening closely. I adore the friendship between Florence and Christine.

Bill Nighy is wonderful on his part. I laughed at scenes where he gave the audience his review of the books Florence lent to him. Mr. Brandish is a nervous recluse. He also forms a bond with Florence. Interactions were studied closely in this film. Conversations felt real.

James North also did a good job as the pretentious Milo. Milo is annoying. Fixated on himself, he tries to hook up with any woman. He refuses to take no for an answer in his advances toward Florence.

Another reason why I added The Bookshop to my watch list is that it was directed by the fabulous Isabel Coixet. I recommend that you check out more of Coixet’s films, like Learning to Drive. She has intuitive direction and reflective concentration on characters.

Scenes were set up well. We get a sense of how Florence feels. She feels like an outsider at the party making her uncomfortable while the bookshop was made up with a comfortable atmosphere. I relate to this so much. Often, there’s no music in a scene.

Examining the topic of reading, Coixet instills how important the exercise is. I love to read. Reading is another world. Like others, sometimes we fall out of it distracted by media or technology which has been rampant since the time period of The Bookshop.

This film is a great example of how to make your own business. Know what you’re getting into. Florence is still learning about the business which doesn’t stop her from enjoying every moment. Most importantly, don’t listen to anyone’s criticism. We have to believe in people.

The best lesson in The Bookshop is subtle. Sometimes it’s a better idea to walk away from problems. Confront them to your own degree but don’t let problems overtake your life. Move on to concentrate on your passions. That is a deep message.

Put The Bookshop on your watch list. This has become one of my new favorite films. It’s a good film for any book lover.