The Happy Valley backdrop
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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is The Happy Valley Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1987)

In 1940 Kenya as their country prepares for war, the local aristocratic social set lives a decadent, self-indulgent lifestyle, that leads to murder. The same events were also dram...

✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Crime, Drama, History, TV Movie cinema, then The Happy Valley offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1987 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Crime films
Fans of Drama films
Fans of History films
Fans of TV Movie films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of The Happy Valley (1987), audiences are invited back into the world of Crime, Drama, History, TV Movie. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "In 1940 Kenya as their country prepares for war, the local aristocratic social set lives a decadent, self-indulgent lifestyle, that leads to murder. The same events were also dramatised in the feature film White Mischief, which was released seven months after the first transmission of The Happy Valley."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In The Happy Valley, Denholm Elliott delivers a serviceable performance that keeps the narrative moving. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Crime. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Happy Valley worth your time? If you appreciate Crime, Drama, History, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Happy Valley is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 88 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.

⏳ Time Investment

88MIN

At approximately 1.5 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.