Rating:7.5/10
Directed By: Farhad Safinia
Starring: Mel Gibson, Natalie Dormer, Sean Penn and more.
Synopsis: Based on the 1998 book `The Surgeon of Crowthorne’ by Simon Winchester, the life of Professor James Murray is portrayed as he begins work on compiling words for the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary in the mid-19th century. As he led the overseeing committee, the professor received over 10,000 entries from one source in particular – a patient at Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, Dr William Minor.
Personal review:
The acting and the story was phenomenal in this film based on the book “The Surgeon of Crowthorne”, however I feel like it could of achieved so much more. It’s a typical feel good movie which shows a wonderful yet strange friendship between two men whose main focus is to find the origin and meaning of English words for the first Oxford English Dictionary. Another wonderful relationship dynamic develops between widowed Eliza and her husband’s murderer and the renowned Dr. Minor (he was later diagnosed with schizophrenia which caused him to murder Eliza’s husband), this relationship is special because it shows the power of forgiveness and the power to choose love instead of holding onto past hurts. A must-watch for anyone who enjoys periodical movies and brilliant acting from Hollywood greats.
