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The Personal History of David Copperfield

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The Personal History of David Copperfield

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• Drama
• Comedy

• 2019
• Armando Iannucci
• 114 mins
• PG

Summary

Period comedy drama starring Dev Patel. When his mother remarries, young David is sent to work in his cruel stepfather's factory while lodging with the penniless Micawbers. Over the years, through his encounters with eccentric friends and slimy rivals, David gathers ideas for the stories that may yet make his fortune.

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IMDB

Review

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

Emma Simmonds

Charles Dickens enthusiast Armando Iannucci trades satire for sincerity as he takes on one of the Victorian novelist's crowning achievements. As well as directing, Iannucci co-wrote the screenplay with regular collaborator Simon Blackwell, and the pair seamlessly fuse the author's humorous touches with their own crooked comedy for a joyously funny, genuinely touching romp. An invigorating colour-blind approach to casting has Ranveer Jaiswal, Jairaj Varsani and Dev Patel playing the resilient David at different ages, as his upbringing takes one wrong turn after another. Springing from the screen like a pop-up book, this adaptation is deliciously cinematic, while the ensemble - which includes Peter Capaldi, Gwendoline Christie, Tilda Swinton and Hugh Laurie - could hardly be bettered, with Patel a thoroughly lovable protagonist. Iannucci's work is often steeped in cynicism but here his affection for the material is overwhelmingly evident; by adapting a beloved author, the director has finally found his heart.

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6.4/10

How to watch

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Streaming

• Sky Store

Credits

Cast

rolenameDavid CopperfieldDev PatelBetsey TrotwoodTilda SwintonMr DickHugh LaurieMr MicawberPeter CapaldiUriah HeepBen WhishawDaniel PeggottyPaul WhitehouseSteerforthAneurin BarnardPeggottyDaisy May CooperClara Copperfield / Dora SpenlowMorfydd ClarkMr WickfieldBenedict WongJane MurdstoneGwendoline ChristieMr MurdstoneDarren BoydHamAnthony WelshAgnes WickfieldRosalind EleazarMrs MicawberBronagh GallagherMrs SteerforthNikki Amuka-BirdJanetRuby Bentall

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Crew

rolenameDirectorArmando Iannucci

Details

Theatrical distributor

Lionsgate

Released on

2020-01-24

Languages

English | French

Guidance

Violence

Formats

Colour

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