Parents' Guide to The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain

Movie PG 1995 99 minutes
The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain movie poster

Common Sense Media Review

Kat Halstead By Kat Halstead , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 10+

British drama celebrates community, plays into stereotypes.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 10+?

Any Positive Content?

  • The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain Trailer
  • The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain: Hugh Grant walks up a hill with green scenery in the background.
  • The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain: Tara Fitzgerald and Hugh Grant look into the distance, with villagers carrying buckets up a hill behind them.
  • The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain: Hugh Grant stands n the rain wearing waterproofs.

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What's the Story?

In THE ENGLISHMAN WHO WENT UP A HILL BUT CAME DOWN A MOUNTAIN, cartographers Reginald (Hugh Grant) and George (Ian McNeice) visit a Welsh village in order to measure the height of a local peak. But when pub landlord Morgan (Colm Meaney) and the other villagers discover their prized mountain could be categorized as a hill if it doesn't reach 1,000 feet, they must come together to protect the source of their local pride.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

As its leading star, Grant's unique brand of polite bashfulness adds to the sweet, easy charm of a film that centers around community, teamwork, and local and national pride. The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain is an easy journey from start to finish, holding its relatively slight story with a warmth and humor to match the natural beauty of its location.

The movie plays into Welsh and English stereotypes, but mostly with fondness and a knowing wink. Meaney is likable as the rebellious womanizer of the town, while McNeice, Tara Fitzgerald, and Kenneth Griffith all make the most of their supporting roles, though characters aren't drawn with huge amounts of complexity. It's a simple, nostalgic watch with a predictable plot whose dramatic peaks are more rolling hills than mountains.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the way The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain portrayed English and Welsh people. What kinds of characteristics did it associate with each country? Why must we be careful of stereotyping people?

  • How did the village come together? Why are teamwork and perseverance such important character strengths? Can you think of a time when you've displayed these traits?

  • The hill/mountain in the film had such an important presence that it almost becomes its own character. What did it represent for the villagers? Can you think of other films where an aspect of the scenery has taken on a prominent role? If so, what do you think it represented?

  • The movie is set during World War I. In what ways was the war referenced and how was it present in the village, even though no fighting took place there? How to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.

Movie Details

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The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain movie poster

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