Resurrected *** (1989, David Thewlis, Tom Bell, Rita Tushingham, Michael Pollitt, Rudi Davies, William Hoyland, Evan Stewart, Christopher Fulford) – Classic Movie Review 11,714

Debut director Paul Greengrass’s 1989 British drama Resurrected is written by Martin Allen and stars David Thewlis as Kevin Deakin, a British private soldier pronounced dead during the Falklands War, who reappears some weeks later, apparently afflicted with amnesia.

He is greeted back home as a hero, but back in his unit he is subjected to a kangaroo court martial as a deserter.

Resurrected is a tough, uncomfortable film, unevenly made, but the acting is excellent, particularly by Thewlis, and Tom Bell and Rita Tushingham as his parents. It is an adult drama with disturbing scenes.

Also notable in the cast are Michael Pollitt, Rudi Davies, William Hoyland, Evan Stewart, Christopher Fulford and David Lonsdale.

It is based on the actual story of British soldier Philip Williams, who was presumed dead and left behind in the Falklands but was accused of desertion when he reappeared seven weeks after the Falklands War ended.

It premiered at the 39th Berlin International Film Festival in February 1989.

Resurrected is directed by Paul Greengrass, runs 92 minutes, is made by Castle Pictures, Hobo Film Enterprises, St Pancras, Film Four International and British Screen, is written by Martin Allen, is shot by Ivan Strasburg, is produced by Tara Prem and Adrian Hughes, is scored by John Keane, and designed by Chris Burke.

The cast are: David Thewlis as Kevin Deakin, Tom Bell as Mr Deakin, Rita Tushingham as Mrs Deakin, Rudi Davies as Julie, Michael Pollitt as Gregory Deakin, Christopher Fulford as Slaven, Ewan Stewart as Corporal Byker, David Lonsdale as Hibbert, Peter Gunn as Bonner, William Hoyland as Captain Sinclair, Mark Wing-Davey as Major Dunbar, Gary Mavers as Johnny Fodden, Kenny Ireland as Denzil Clausen, Philomena McDonagh as Ileen Clausen, Lorraine Ashbourne as Reeva, Michelle O’hare as Nurse 1, Steve Coogan as Youth 2.

 © Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 11,714

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