Fridae

Based on a true story, this delightful cupcake of a film makes
life itself seem very much a delicious slice of bliss and sweetness.

It's the 30s and London is ablazed in a frightful condition of
war-time fear, and the Blitz is just around the corner. Nevermind
such tediousness of warfare and men killing each other off! Take
a breather, come inside and have a cup of tea while you're at it.
Welcome to the mad-cap world of Mrs Laura Henderson! Welcome to
The Windmill, where boys meet girls, and breasts. No, this is no
sleazy strip-club. Rather, The Windmill is an avenue for a little
harmless entertainment that comes with just a touch of female nudity
all in the manner of fun, and respite from reality's harsh bites.

Recent widow and an irrrpressible sprite of an old lady, Laura
Henderson, played darlingly by perenial Oscar favourite Dame Judi
Dench, is an amazing bundle of wit and zest. Once again she is a
contender for the Best Actress trophy at this year's Oscars. Watching
Dame Judi on screen never fails to bring back fond memories of the
most magical screen performances. She is nothing short of perfect
in every single frame!

Bob Hoskins is equally delightfully as the fuzzy, bearish Vivian
van Damm, Henderson's appointed artistic director and stage manager.
Gay crooner Will Young also makes an enchanting debut as The Windmill's
countertenor. In fact, Mrs Henderson Presents offers spectacular
performances all round, and it is a testament of the good acting
of the entire cast that the premise of the film is lifted from mere
smoke-and-mirrors. The grief of living in a war-torn era is etched
palpably on the faces of these singers and dancers, grounding their
campy and devil-may-care exploits on stage. This is comedy stripped
of all pretense and silly slapsticks, revealing a very naked heart
at its centrestage.

You'll laugh, you'll shed a tear or two, and you'll come out of
the cinema feeling warm and chirpy as if the sun has never been
more bright.