The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain
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The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain is a feel-good British drama set during World War I that focuses on community, teamwork, and national pride. It also pokes fun at the English and Welsh, playing into stereotypes. Hugh Grant stars as a cartographer who visits a Welsh village to measure the height of a local peak and prove whether it's a hill or a mountain. Though it's set during WWI, no actual fighting takes place in the village. But there are references to casualties and PTSD. There is drinking and smoking, as well as betting in a pub. Language includes "bloody hell" and "bugger," and there is also kissing, flirting, and sexual references. It's suggested pub landlord Morgan (Colm Meaney) has fathered many children in the village. Female characters are underdeveloped beyond love interests, and terms such as "woman" and "girl," are used in a derogatory way. However, the film is sweet and warm, with humorous moments and an uplifting story.
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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?
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
- In theaters: May 12, 1995
- On DVD or streaming: September 7, 1999
- Cast: Hugh Grant, Tara Fitzgerald, Colm Meaney
- Director: Christopher Monger
- Studio: Miramax
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: History, Science and Nature
- Character Strengths: Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 99 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: mild language
- Last updated: December 1, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Pride
Winning English dramedy has some language, risqué moments.
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How Green Was My Valley
Sentimental classic still tugs at the heartstrings.
-
Notting Hill
Breezy but amusing '90s romcom has sex, language.
For kids who love feel-good movies
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