Last Chance Harvey [DVD]

A few weeks ago, when I was staying with my daughter, we went to the video shop and hired this film 'blind' in that we knew nothing about it. We were both utterly charmed. Whether this slight but touching story (about a lonely middle aged American jingle writer (Hoffman) who comes over to London for his daughter's wedding only to discover she has asked to be given away by her stepfather, and his encounter with another lonely person (Thompson)), would have worked in the hands of two lesser actors I would doubt. But the truth is both Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson are not only at the very top of their form, they also clearly enjoyed working with each other to such an extent that the screen positively sizzles with their chemistry. Don't expect complex plot lines, or fast action - this is a romantic comedy of the best sort, beautifully acted by two masters of the craft, and all filmed in a London that has never looked better.

If you didn't get a chance to see this film in the cinema - give yourself a big treat and buy this. It's fabulous, funny, sad - all the elements in pure entertainment. Dustin Hoffman gives a moving performance, all the while injecting humour, fun and a feeling of - oh I wish I could meet someone like that into your day. Emma Thompson gives one of her best performances in this film. You just must watch this. You won't regret the few pounds it costs and will I am sure become one of your 'keep this for when you need cheering up' films.

It’s interesting seeing the characters adapting and developing their characters and behaviour. Sometimes you have to let go of the old and take a risk to make a relationship work. Sweet and a bit funny, relatable. Will watch this many times …..

This DVD arrived within 24 hours as I recall and was exactly what I ordered.

Love this film. Great acting all round and a simple love story makes this hugely enjoyable. Seen it twice and will definitely watch again. So good to watch a film without sex, bad language and violence. I am not a prude, but good films don't need to be vulgarized to succeed. Some of the best sitcoms (usually American - Frasier for example) prove some of the best viewing can be made without all the crudity that is increasingly used these days. It adds nothing.

I would actually give this four stars for the acting and three for the storyline which was somewhat unoriginal and without the quality of acting from Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson might have sunk like a stone. You had a wedding in some hotel with a few family disagreements and upsets thrown in along with a will they, won't they approach when you knew (eventually) they would. I found it a little difficult to believe in all the co-incidences of their various meetings or that Harvey the lead character would pursue Kate onto an airport bus and find her again in such a busy metropolis but this is a film after all so maybe this is a form of artistic license, either that or I've lived a sheltered life! The two lead actors are a joy to watch, very natural with a gentle, low key approach to romance. No jumping into bed for these two, only a kiss though this is a refreshing change and in some ways quite moving. You know and hope by the end that a relationship will probably develop although that is left open as they walk away together, a question mark over their future hangs in the air. It's great to find two older characters in a film handled with sensitivity and possessing great charm.

Two wonderfull lead actors Perfect Backdrop of London looking well, I lived there for many years and after I left I often felt homesick for it and movies like this are like beautiful memories and a mini break all in one. Highly recommended for the cast, the story and the scenery.

I ordered this product in good faith and find that, on receipt, I cannot play it on my DVD player as the operating system (if that is the word) is incompatible. I appreciated that it was imported from the US but did not realise the significance. No indication of this was given on the website. I will hope to return it.