Watch The Bench

The Bench is a 2007 drama film directed by Robert Coombes and starring Granville Finkle, Stephen Collinson, Robert Coombes, and Alun Davies. The movie takes an intimate look at a group of friends, all of whom regularly sit on a bench at a local park. The film explores their stories, their trials and tribulations, and their relationships with each other.

The bench is a central location in the film and serves as a metaphor for the characters and the way they interact with each other. It is a place of comfort, where the friends can share their thoughts and feelings freely. The bench also acts as a mirror, reflecting their struggles and successes back to them.

The movie explores themes of friendship, love, ageing, and identity. The characters range in age from their 20s to their 60s, and their discussions reflect the concerns of each age group. They talk about their careers, their relationships, their hopes, and their fears.

Granville Finkle plays the role of Frank, the oldest member of the group. He is a retired businessman who spends his days on the bench, offering advice and wisdom to his friends. Stephen Collinson portrays Chris, a successful lawyer who struggles with his work-life balance. Robert Coombes plays Mike, an artist who is grappling with the idea of success and the commercialization of his work. And Alun Davies plays Dave, a young man who is trying to find his place in the world.

The Bench is a character-driven film, and the actors deliver nuanced performances that bring the characters to life. The dialogue is natural and unforced, and the pacing is slow and methodical, allowing the emotions and relationships to unfold naturally.

The film is shot on location in a park in the UK, and the natural setting provides a beautiful backdrop for the characters' stories. The cinematography captures the changing seasons and the beauty of the park, showing how the park changes over time, much like the characters themselves.

One of the film's strengths is its focus on the characters' internal struggles. The Bench doesn't rely on plot twists or dramatic plot points to keep the audience engaged. Instead, it delves deep into the characters' struggles and how they cope with them. The movie doesn't offer easy answers or solutions, but it presents a realistic portrayal of how people deal with the challenges of life.

The Bench is a contemplative movie that invites the audience to reflect on their own lives and relationships. The film shows that no matter one's age or background, everyone has struggles and challenges that they must overcome. The bench serves as a reminder that we all need a place of solace where we can connect with others and share our thoughts and feelings.

In conclusion, The Bench is a beautifully crafted movie that explores the complexities of the human condition. With its sensitive portrayal of the characters' lives and relationships, the movie invites the audience to reflect on their own lives and the people they hold dear. The film is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of having a place of refuge where we can find solace and support.