A captivating period drama centred on celebrated Irish literary icon Oscar Wilde with two Pride and Prejudice stars is currently available for streaming and represents essential viewing for cinema enthusiasts, following others who have savoured an “autobiographical masterpiece” and a “flawless” Florence Pugh production, reports the Irish Mirror.
The film was released in 2018 and garnered numerous award nominations alongside critical acclaim from viewers.
One individual penned in their top-rated IMDb review: “You watch this film and ache for past wrongs, while marveling [sic] at the greatness of a soul that sees beauty even in squalor and celebrates life to the utmost despite its pain.”
Another titled their 10/10 assessment: “Unbelievably fantastically made movie! ! !”
A third praised the production as an “acting masterclass” and elaborated: “This was an absorbing tale largely because I hadn’t a clue about Wilde’s last days. The acting was excellent, each actor delivering a completely believable naturalistic turn.”
The reviewer continued: “A tale of sadness and joy and redemption. Such an interesting movie.”
A further viewer remarked on IMDb: “Here is a film that is heartbreakingly sad and strangely uplifting at the same time, a real testament to Wilde’s genius, (it’s certainly the best Wilde movie to date), and one of the best LGBT-themed films of recent times. Unmissable.”
The Happy Prince debuted in 2018 and represented Hollywood star Rupert Everett’s inaugural directorial effort.
Alongside directing the picture, the My Best Friend’s Wedding performer also penned the screenplay and assumed the starring role as the literary mastermind. The film is described as the untold story of the final day of legendary Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, with the heartbreaking narrative beginning in 1897 and chronicling his liberation from jail following his imprisonment for homosexuality, which was criminalised in this era.
Wilde departed for Europe to flee his infamy and rekindle romance with a past lover.
He additionally attempted to reconcile with his separated spouse as his health began to deteriorate and he became increasingly frail.
The Happy Prince also features The Fall and Merlin’s Colin Morgan, Pride and Prejudice star Colin Firth, Emily Watson from Chernobyl, and Edwin Thomas.
Additional cast members include Tom Wilkinson, Anna Chancellor, Béatrice Dalle, Julian Wadham, and John Standing.
The film’s title derives from Wilde’s brief children’s tale The Happy Prince, which recounts a poignantly beautiful narrative of a jewel-encrusted golden statue and a swallow, who jointly assist a community of destitute residents at their own expense.
Considerable acclaim was lavished upon writer, director and leading actor Everett for The Happy Prince.
One critic proclaimed: “This is a considerable personal achievement for Rupert Everett who scripted, directed and starred in this film of Oscar Wild’s little known final years. The story is always interesting and the direction has moments of genius however it is Everett’s wonderful performance that lifts this film above the ordinary. This is a part that he seems to have been born to play and he captures all the pain and regret leading up to Wild’s death.”
One fan gushed: “Rupert’s Oscar is Oscar gold!” They elaborated: “A solid biopic about Oscar Wilde with a terrific Rupert Everett in the leading role. A great transformation not only physically but also his whole mechanisms as an actor are totally redefined.”
Another viewer stated: “If you are an admirer of Rupert Everett, you must see this film. if you are one of admirers of Oscar Wilde , you must see this film. I admit, I am both.”
Yet another chimed in: “Everett is Oscar Wilde scene by scene, word by word, in a personal, impressive manner.”
The Happy Prince is streaming on Prime Video for a fee
