Their Finest
2016, Comedy/Romance, 1h 57m
173 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Carried along by a winning performance from Gemma Arterton, Their Finest smoothly combines comedy and wartime drama to crowd-pleasing effect. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Their Finest Videos
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Movie Info
In 1940, a married woman (Gemma Arterton) and a screenwriter (Sam Claflin) develop a growing attraction while working together on a propaganda film about the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk, France.
Cast & Crew
Gemma Arterton
Catrin Cole
Catrin Cole
Sam Claflin
Tom Buckley
Tom Buckley
Bill Nighy
Ambrose Hilliard, Uncle Frank
Ambrose Hilliard, Uncle Frank
Helen McCrory
Sophie Smith
Sophie Smith
Jack Huston
Ellis Cole
Ellis Cole
Richard E. Grant
Roger Swain
Roger Swain
Critic Reviews for Their Finest
Audience Reviews for Their Finest
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Dec 11, 2018Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin, Bill Nighy, and a stellar cast of British character actors shine a light on the movie making process in which fact gives way to truth in order to tell a compelling story. There is humor and pathos, intrigue and great courage, hardships and sacrifices, all set during the siege of London. Directed by Lone Scherfig, based on a novel by Lissa Evans, I can highly recommend it.Mark A Super Reviewer
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Jun 08, 2017Being released the same year as Christopher Nolan's 'Dunkirk' coming in July, it seems a little coincidental similar referenced film is also released. 'Their Finest' is really about 1940's propaganda film making at the height of WWII, where an unlikely ensemble band together to make something incredible. I must say ever since I saw 'Prince of Persia' in 2012 I've always had a huge crush on Gemma Arterton and this film holds no bars as this is an outstanding performance from her as a Welsh screenwriter, while her chemistry and relationships with the other cast members is superbly delightful. It is in itself a piece of social commentary on the world war 2 period, also on past film industry practices. Admirable as it is as a small scale drama, whilst throwing smart pieces of comedy and romance into it's mix as it's one of the most unique and well accomplished pieces of British Cinema I've seen this year alone. I highly recommend this delightfully crowd pleasing underrated British flick that should be on people watch list this year even if you are definitely thinking of seeing Dunkirk in July.Luke E Super Reviewer
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May 25, 2017"They don't make movies like they used to ..." goes the common complaint, but here is a work that directly contradicts that. Set in wartime Britain, a woman gets hired to work on a inspirational movie about women during the war. Drenched in nostalgia for a simpler time it mostly succeeds insofar as romcoms go.Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
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May 04, 2017Movies about making movies tend to lend themselves to a bit more depth. Paralleling the act of creation with the creation itself gives a level of self-awareness that can elevate a film. This is certainly the case in "Their Finest", a decidedly classy production. Gemma Arterton, an actress more commonly seen in the US in big budget action roles, gives one of her more reserved performances as a screenwriter for the British film industry during WWII. She is hired on by the Ministry of Information to write for a film about Dunkirk to encourage US involvement in the war and raise morale in Britain. Coping with her personal life and her rarely attained position amidst a war is arduous, and you feel her triumphs and losses in a story that rides the line between comedy, war drama, romance, and meta-narrative. There are plenty of "you-go-girl" moments bolstering the theme of female empowerment. Joining her on her journey is Bill Nighy as an hilariously pompous aging actor coming to terms with the future. They both face the problems of war in their quest for purpose, becoming examples of the dignified resolve that defined the British people during those dire years. The biggest surprise is how effectively the movie within the movie motivates and informs the emotional tone of these arcs. I got choked up by the end, even with the schmaltzy throwback acting style. Ultimately, "Their Finest" serves as a great reminder why we go to movies: not for reality but for the truth.K Nife C Super Reviewer
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