The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

British surveyors trigger a Welsh identity crisis when they reveal a beloved mountain is technically a hill, leading to shenanigans involving dirt, gin, and maybe, just maybe, a little romance.

🍿 The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Ffynnon Garw

In 1917, English cartographers Anson and Garrad arrive in the small Welsh village of Ffynnon Garw to measure what the locals proudly call their ‘mountain.’ The villagers are deeply attached to the mountain, viewing it as a symbol of their identity and heritage. They believe it to be the first mountain in Wales.

The Measurement

The cartographers measure the mountain and discover that it is only 984 feet tall, which is below the 1000 feet requirement to be officially classified as a mountain. The news devastates the villagers. They see this reclassification as a profound insult, threatening their sense of place and pride. Determined to rectify the situation, the community bands together to delay the Englishmen’s departure. They plan to add height to the ‘hill’ and transform it back into a mountain before the official reclassification occurs.

Building the Mountain

The villagers devise various schemes to keep Anson and Garrad in the village, while they secretly haul soil and rocks up the hill. They enlist the help of everyone, from children to the elderly. The process reveals the community’s resilience and resourcefulness. As the villagers work together, old feuds and rivalries resurface, testing the unity of their effort. Despite these challenges, their shared purpose drives them forward.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Anson (Hugh Grant): A kind English cartographer who finds himself caught between duty and the affections of a Welsh village and a local woman.
• Betty (Tara Fitzgerald): A charming Welsh woman from Cardiff who helps the villagers and develops a romance with Anson.
• Morgan the Goat (Colm Meaney): The scheming and charismatic pub owner who spearheads the effort to turn the hill into a mountain.
• Garrad (Ian McNeice): The pompous and dismissive senior English cartographer who antagonizes the Welsh villagers.
• Reverend Jones (Kenneth Griffith): The fiery and eccentric local Reverend who initially clashes with Morgan but unites with him to defend the village’s pride.
• Johnny Shellshocked (Ian Hart): A war veteran who is dealing with the horrors he has seen who is initially withdrawn but ultimately finds a place within his community.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Morgan the Goat: “If this isn’t a mountain, we might as well be in England.” – Expresses the villagers’ strong sense of Welsh identity and pride in their mountain.
• Rev. Robert Jones: “Have you no shame?” – Said to Morgan the Goat during one of their many arguments.
• Morgan the Goat: “No… I can’t think where I’ve left it!” – Morgan’s witty response to the Reverend, highlighting their long-standing feud.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,997,769
• Domestic Gross: $10,904,930
• Worldwide Gross: $10,904,930

💥 The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! It’s one of those hidden gems that you stumble upon and instantly fall for. The Welsh countryside is stunning, and the quirky characters are so endearing. The scene where the whole village is carrying dirt up the hill in the rain really got to me. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. If you’re looking for something feel-good and unique, definitely give this a watch!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in Welsh culture”
  • “People who enjoy feel-good stories”
  • “Hugh Grant fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some thematic elements related to war and loss”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A charmingly whimsical film, ‘The Englishman’ delivers a gentle narrative with strong performances, particularly from its ensemble Welsh cast. While its pace may not suit all tastes, its heart and humor resonate, offering a delightful escape.
• avclub.com: “Hugh Grant shines in this understated comedy, showcasing a different side of his acting range. The film’s strength lies in its subtle humor and well-developed characters, making it a standout in Grant’s filmography.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the charming depiction of Welsh village life.: Many praised the film’s gentle humor and heartwarming storyline.

Tara Fitzgerald’s performance as Betty was a standout for many audience members.: The film is praised for its feel-good nature and lighthearted entertainment.

Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and charming film, loved for its gentle humor and unique story, though its slow pace may not appeal to everyone.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on a story told to director Christopher Monger by his grandfather, about a real Welsh village and their efforts to maintain the status of their local ‘mountain’.”
• “Filming took place in Wales, utilizing the picturesque landscapes of Powys to create the film’s setting.”
• “The film’s title is unusually long, reflecting the quirky and whimsical nature of the story.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain?

Currently, ‘The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain’ is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check these services for availability in your region. Physical copies (DVDs and Blu-rays) can also be found through online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain, you might like these similar films:

• Local Hero (1983): Similar in its portrayal of a small community coming together to protect their way of life against outside forces.
• Waking Ned Devine (1998): A quirky comedy about a small Irish village that conspires to claim a lottery win.
• Whisky Galore! (1949): Classic Ealing comedy about a Scottish island community that salvages whisky from a shipwreck.

🛒 The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain Related Products

• Wales Map – National Geographic: Reference Wall Map: A beautifully detailed reference wall map of Wales, featuring topography and travel information.
• Men of Harlech – Sheet music: Downloadable sheet music of the traditional Welsh song ‘Men of Harlech’, as featured in the film.
• Welsh Dragon T-shirt: A high-quality T-shirt featuring the iconic Welsh Dragon.
• Whisky Galore! [Blu-ray]: A similar type of Ealing comedy film

🎧 Soundtrack

The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Men of Harlech” – performed by The Gwalia Male Voice Choir, London
• “Stephen Endelman – Theme” – performed by Stephen Endelman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

VeggieTales: The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill

Check out this hilarious VeggieTales clip that’s a pun on the movie’s title! It’s a cute and funny parody; you’ve gotta see Bob the Tomato’s take on the Welsh countryside!

Miramax Films/MGM Television logo

Remember watching this movie on TV back in the day? This quick clip shows the old Miramax/MGM logo from the broadcast. It’s a total nostalgia trip if you’re a 90s kid like me!

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