Right Words

As spring gives way to summer, below are some additional shows and films that I’ve taken in.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962). I’ve seen this classic about three times, and it’s rewarding each time. Peter O’Toole is astounding as the protagonist, T.E. Lawrence, a legendary figure in the Arab Revolt during WWI. What impressed me the most about Lawrence was his resolve to identify with the Arabs before he tried to lead them. It worked, and the rest is history.

Foyle’s War (2002 – 2015; 9 seasons). British detective series set in England during and immediately after WWII. I think that I enjoyed this series as much as Downton Abbey, though the subject matter is different and the cast much smaller. Michael Kitchen and Honeysuckle Weeks are a great pair, and the supporting and guest casts are quite good too. Each season has 3-4 episodes of 1.5-hour length (sans ads). I found each episode so engaging that I watched each season successively with few breaks.

Pressure (2026). Saw this excellent film in the theater with my boys, and all of us enjoyed it. Centers on the D-Day preparations rather than the assault, which is briefly covered at the close of the film. Sheds much light on the weather considerations for the assault, which were critical…and providential. Less of a time investment than Saving Private Ryan, and not nearly as gory, but certainly worth seeing. The acting was superb all around.