Watch We Think the World of You

We Think the World of You is a British film based on the novel of the same name by J. R. Ackerley, and directed by Colin Gregg. The story follows Frank (Alan Bates), a middle-aged man who loves his dogs and works at a London garage. Frank's world takes a turn when his former lover, Johnny (Gary Oldman), winds up in prison and asks Frank to take care of his dog, Evie. It becomes evident that Evie is pregnant and soon Frank finds himself embroiled in the complicated lives of Johnny's eccentric family and their friends.

As the story unfolds, we see how Frank struggles to make sense of his life and relationships. The film portrays the lives of the characters in a raw and emotional way, highlighting the pain that they all feel from their pasts and the struggles they experience in the present. Frank is especially conflicted, as he loves Johnny but is also frustrated by his irresponsibility and the way he has left Evie and her unborn puppies in his care.

At points in the movie, the story is told from the point of view of the dogs, which is a unique perspective that heightens the emotional bond between audience and the animals. This approach shows the film's commitment to exploring the depth of the relationships between human and animals, and adds an unusual touch to the storytelling. For instance, the scene where the dogs are confronting their former owner Johnny in prison, and the overall issue of animal cruelty, are some of the most memorable moments of the movie.

One of the movie's most significant strengths is that it depicts the intricacies of human relationships without the need for physical intimacy. Rather than focusing on a traditional romantic plotline or on physical intimacy, the film portrays affection through the bond that the characters share with their pets. It shows the audience the vulnerability and the challenges of human connections without being explicit. We are drawn to Frank, Johnny, and their unconventional family by their desperate need for love, acceptance, and compassion.

The film features some remarkable performances by the cast, especially Alan Bates and Gary Oldman. Bates portrays Frank with great sensitivity and nuance, and his scenes with Evie and her puppies are particularly affecting. Oldman, on the other hand, plays Johnny with his characteristic, idiosyncratic style, and brings an erratic energy to the character that keeps the audience guessing. The supporting cast members, particularly Liz Smith as Johnny's mother, also add to the movie's depth by bringing their unique quirks and backgrounds to their roles.

We Think the World of You is not a fast-paced action movie, but a poignant exploration of human relationships and the powerful bond between humans and animals. It is well-written and well-directed, and the performances are beyond outstanding. The movie's realism comes from its tackling of ordinary struggles faced by people in society, and that is what makes it a powerful emotive film. It highlights the complexity of our relationships and the messiness of life without judgement or pretension. All in all, it's a thought-provoking, heart-warming, and well-crafted film.

We Think the World of You is a 1988 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.