The movie “Harold Fry’s Unexpected Departure” will be released on DVD on Friday, December 20, 2024! | Press release from Happinet Corporation

★The UK’s No. 1 smash hit! A film adaptation of a masterpiece novel that came second in the Booksellers’ Awards!

This must-see film was a huge hit in the UK, where it debuted at No. 1 among new films. It is based on the bestselling novel “Harold Fry’s Unexpected Journey” (Kodansha Bunko), which has been published in 37 countries around the world and has sold a total of 6 million copies. This masterpiece was nominated for the Man Booker Prize, the highest award in the British literary world, and won second place in the translated novel category of the 2014 Booksellers’ Awards in Japan. Harold continues to put one foot in front of the other in order to regain the life he had given up and to save the life of someone important to him. Along the way, he meets and parts with people with various circumstances, and by coming face to face with himself for the first time, Harold changes. What is the climax that awaits him at the end of the journey to convey the “certain feelings” he has hidden in his heart? This is a moving story that will help you rediscover the sadness, surprise, joy, and love that life brings by taking a step for someone else!

The lead character, Harold Fry, is played by Jim Broadbent, who won an Academy Award (R) and a Golden Globe Award for his work in Iris. His wife, Maureen, who is also transformed by her husband’s actions, is played by Penelope Wilton, who was awarded the Order of the British Empire and is widely known for her role in the hit TV series Downton Abbey. Queenie, who has only a short time left to live, is played by Linda Bassett, who appeared in The Hours. Earl Cave, the son of the world-famous musician Nick Cave and a model for high-end brands, plays Harold’s son David. The film is directed by Hettie MacDonald, who won a BAFTA Television Award for White Girl and was nominated for the same award for the drama version of Howards End. The screenplay was written by the original author, novelist Rachel Joyce, herself.

★A new masterpiece road movie that lets you enjoy Britain as if you were walking with the author

What makes the journey even more moving are the magnificent hills and the sky that stretches out beyond them, the cathedrals that are enveloped in a sacred atmosphere, and the typical British cityscapes lined with brick buildings. The spectacular scenery that spreads out as if gently embracing Harold soothes the hearts of the audience and invites them into the world that Harold sees. This road movie makes you feel as if you are walking along the road across Britain with him.

Details of “Harold Fry’s Unexpected Departure”

【story】

“There’s something I really want to tell you.”

Harold Fry is retired and lives an ordinary life with his wife Maureen. One day, he receives an unexpected letter from the far north. The sender is Queenie, a former co-worker at the brewery, who tells him that she is hospitalized in a hospice and will soon die. Harold leaves the house to send a reply, but changes his mind halfway through. There is a “certain feeling” that he really wants to tell Queenie. Harold calls the hospice and leaves a message saying, “As long as I’m walking, please keep living,” and starts walking empty-handed. Harold hopes that by continuing to walk, he will save Queenie’s life. There are 800 kilometers to go until his destination. His reckless attempt soon becomes a hot topic, and he sets off on a journey across Britain, with support from all over the country…!?

【cast】

Jim Broadbent

Penelope Wilton

Earl Cave

Linda Bassett

【staff】

Director: Hettie MacDonald

Original story and screenplay: Rachel Joyce “Harold Fry’s Unexpected Departure” (translated by Yoshiko Kamei / Kodansha Bunko)

Producer: Kevin Loader

Cinematographer: Kate McCullough Songs by: Sam Lee

Product details of “Harold Fry’s Unexpected Departure”

Release date: Friday, December 20, 2024

■DVD 4,620 yen (tax included) BIBF-3660

*Rental DVD released on the same day

———————————————————–

・Japanese version trailer

*Product specifications are subject to change.

Publisher: Happinet Media Marketing Co., Ltd.

Sold by: Happinet Media Marketing Co., Ltd.

© Pilgrimage Films Limited and The British Film Institute 2022