Summer in February [DVD] [2013]

This is a most beautifully made film. The Photography is superb, as is the music. My father, Capt. Gilbert Evans R.E., was definitely in love with Florence (or Blote as she was known). My mother who was twenty two years younger than my father, was only nine in 1914 when the final events took place but she told my brother and me that my father had always told her before their marriage in 1932, that he had been in love with Florence and that there had been this awful tragedy. It must be remembered that the film is made from an historical novel; the line that runs through it is true, but inevitably some of the detail is fiction. The artists party at the end where Alfred Munnings called Florence a whore definitely happened, although in reality there is no evidence that she was pregnant. Cornwall comes over very strongly in the film although it is a pity that some of the filming could not have been done at Lamorna in the cove: the problem was that the cove no longer looks as it did in 1914: it now has two enormous car parks and modern buildings. My father was a classic Edwardian gentleman who was loved by all who knew him and Dan Stevens portrayed his character beautifully. All the parts are so well acted which shows the depth of their understanding of the story.My wife and I and one of my grandsons had the privilege of seeing some of the filming done at Prussia cove.David Evans

I was a bit disappointed in this film as I hoped it would give more insight into the artist's and their work. It centred on the love triangle of the main characters but I suppose this is what puts bums on seats and discs in players. Dan Stevens was an infuriatingly good chap and Dominic Cooper far too rakish to be real but with a hat like that he had to be a hairy-arsed cad. Emily Browning provided the eye candy. I would have liked to have seen more of Harold and Laura Knight who are the real stars of this group of artists. A good production and period feel but if you want to know about the artist's, read their biographies and go to the galleries.

Well played by largely unknown actors, an excellent production beautifully filmed. Recommended.

I am in a minority here, and it pains me to write a negative review for such a well acted and visually beautiful film, but as much as gorgeous scenes of the Cornish coast pre First World War, the film desperately needed some tangible chemistry between the leads, some concrete passion, some sparks. I was dying for any passionate reaction, for any reaction, to tell you the truth, other than longing stares and meaningful silences.So, the setting: the bohemian England in the beginning of the Twentieth Century, a community of artists in Cornwall. Cue the troubled girl hoping to become a painter, the arrogant and praised A.J. Munnings, and a beautiful and reluctant soldier, Gilbert Evans - here we have the love triangle. "Summer in February" sounds good, and looks good, but it is such a slow-moving romantic melodrama (based on a true story), the movie lacks any vibrant chemistry between lovers that a romantic story like this should have.It takes so much more than picturesque background, handsome (but tragic) leading actors to gain recognition of the fans of the romantic genre. I am a romantic, and I watch too many rom-coms, and had hope for something moving and unforgettable from "Summer in February" (and not necessarily a happy ending). The film ends, with beautiful music and disappointing anti-climax. Regardless of my 3 stars review, I think the film was a great tool of bringing the attention of viewers to A.J. Munnings, a talented painter who is not widely known. While the biography of Munnings is worth discovering, the film, based on a book by Jonathan Smith, did not translate well into the film.

Despite the bad reviews when it came out I think its one of those British films that, once seen, never leaves the psyche.The score, the photography and the sea is enough to go on with; even the character of poor old Munnings, served up on a platter of shallow bigotry and egoism by both script and Dominic Cooper, grows on you. Congratulations to cast, author, producers and all involved for giving us a glimpse into what would appear to have been a more civilised time, when British painting had reached its zenith and Cornwall was unspoilt by tourism and the motor car. I'm afraid we have to ignore the plight of the Cornish miners and fisherman and the terrifying conditions they often worked in then, but, hey, its only a film - but certainly one to watch.

I did not know this story at all before watching the dvd. Have read others comments of 'slow and boring', yes, it is slow, but it needs to be to capture the elegant, sensitive and emotional subtlety of the story. I did not get bored once, but found myself totally immersed in the storyline and superb acting. A very sad and intense film, dramatic Cornish scenery and lovely music. Great acting, authentic Edwardian costumes and a glimpse into a 1913 artists community. Emily Browning is new to me, but I was very impressed with her portrayal of Florence.This film is based on a true story, and I would recommend it highly, unless you like action, speed or violence, in which case, this is not the film for you. This is very moving and beautifully shot. Loved it.

I loved the book, and wanted to love the film, too. Unfortunately what I image must have been a need to pare-down to save production money made the seams show more than anyone involved would have hoped. Not exactly cringey, but in places rather clunky editing was obvious. The clunks in this film have helped me to see clunks in other films, and to notice when scene-to-scene transitions are accomplished seamlessly. -- but more importantly and completely unexpectedly, I came away with enormous respect for the invisible work that film and television editors are called to accomplish.