VividSimon Simply Perfect

Claysaba Excellent, Without a doubt!!

Limerculer A waste of 90 minutes of my life

Kayden This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

latinfineart This was an astonishing little film. What a performance from Elijah Wood. I did not know he had it in him. What can one say. Pitch perfect work. The Dylan Thomas character was great, and probably quite accurately portrayed, as a tormented soul. Great characters throughout, and excellent directing. The cinematography was breath takingly beautiful. If you are the literary sort, or enjoy poetry, this is quite a film. The locations were lovely, the sets were totally believable, the props were amazing, and the entire production was outstanding. If you are looking for a lot of action, take a pass. This film is all about drama.

stevelewis92 This film is the perfect example of why great writing, direction and performances will always be more important to creating great cinema than having oodles of cash and lavish visual effects. Shot in weeks not months, no one misses a beat in this story about an enigmatic, troubled genius. Wood and Jones are mesmerising as Brinnin and Thomas respectively and it's beautifully directed in black and white by Andy Goddard. Finally, a mention for Gruff Rhys whose haunting soundtrack perfectly augments a beautiful film. It amazes me that films like this have to fight to get made. One of the best films I've seen in the last few years. A must see whether a fan of Thomas or not.

spottedzebra Beautifully shot in black and white, this film offers a unique insight into Dylan Thomas' tortured soul...and more It's a sensitive yet gritty portrayal that keeps you hooked throughout. Celyn Jones and Elijah Wood have a natural chemistry on screen in their respective roles, with top class acting completing this gorgeous work of art. Jones' energy and dynamism in particular is enthralling. Thoroughly recommend viewing. Oh, and the cinematography is stunning. Loved the ethereal appearance of Thomas' wife. Ps For someone that has not taken an interest in Dylan Thomas before, I am now officially inspired to read his work. Could you ask for any more?

maggie_kruger If, like me, before watching Set Fire to the Stars, your knowledge of Dylan Thomas was at best passing, don't worry. As an introduction to, or companion piece to, the great man's poetry, it's beautifully made, with sensitive performances from Elijah Wood and Celyn Jones and amazing photography from Chris Seagers.Set in 1950s America (although shot entirely in an unrecognisable Swansea), academic John Brinnin (Wood) ferries Thomas (Jones) from party to public engagement, hoping to learn from him. As the film progresses we see his puppyish adoration fade into an almost parental love and disappointed frustration, as the mercurial Thomas delights and annoys in equal measure. It's a testament to both actors that at no point does the film tip into Odd Couple/Withnail and I territory, despite the game of emotional see-saw that Wood and Jones have to play. Supporting roles from Shirley Henderson, Steven Mackintosh and Kevin Eldon underpin the main performances nicely and is a solid nod to the acting talent available yet so often overlooked in the UK.The technical aspects also hit all the marks. Whilst black and white can sometimes used to give a film more weight than it actually possesses, here it works. During a second-act storytelling scene with Henderson and Eldon, there's an Expressionist feel adding to the atmosphere. Gruff Rhys' soundtrack takes you back to the 50s without resorting to Beat Generation cliché, and the title track will stay with you for days.Set Fire to the Stars is a clear demonstration of what the UK Film industry can achieve when it's not churning out identikit gangster films or saccharine Richard Curtis romcoms - measured, intelligent and with a clear love for its subject matter. Well worth a watch.