Sixty Six (2006) User Reviews (26)

Slow start, exciting finish. Thoughtful and nice 'slice of life' family portrait

[bopdog · 8/10 · 4 November 2006]

I like all kinds of movies, and this quiet, thoughtful, 'homemade' kind of Brit-flick was enjoyable. There's not much of a plot--- a kid's approaching bar mitzvahs happens to fall on the same day as the 1966 soccer World Cup Final match. That scheduling conflict means no one will attend his event, and he has been taught and primed to expect the bar mitzvahs to be the most significant and important day in his life. So he is freaking out a bit--- but the soccer game is an issue only if Englands winds enough qualification games to enter the finals, and no one expects them to. Done. That's the plot. Obviously, the Big Day arrives; I leave it to you to discover how England fares, and how the kid's family life unfolds.

An important sub-plot is the kid's family. the dad is a retiring and overly-shy shlub, contrasted with his dynamic and 'life of the party', go-getter brother, the kid's uncle. The kid's older brother is a vicious bully, and his mom (Helena Bonham Carter) is the only loving, reasonable voice of strength in the family. Oh--- the kid's blind rabbi and bar mitzvahs coach, and Stephen Rae as the kid's physician also play a guiding roles for the boy.

Anyway--- things kind of creep along for the first half. It became a bit tedious, and I contemplated leaving. However, the second half was much perkier than the first, and the ending was genuinely exciting and thrilling. So, overall, while the pace was bit uneven, the end result was a pretty satisfying movie. In retrospect, I kind of wished the front end could have been a bit racier, or less 'portraiting' of the depressing family, or something. On balance, I liked it.

An enjoyable coming of age tale backed by a trifecta of great acting

[The_Amazing_Spy_Rises · 8/10 · 27 August 2008]

The coming of age tale is always one of the most enjoyable and heartfelt types of film, with Sixty Six proving that it is worth the viewer's time because of the wonderful character driven film that it is. It should be noted that because of the film's plot, you should immediately know that it won't be story driven outside of the characters' individual stories. To make it simple, if you know how the 1966 World Cup turned out, you know how this film is going to end. So, it is for that reason that I say, if you don't know how that World Cup ended, don't look it up. The film will tell you, and to be honest, it was one of the things that made it such a great movie for me. Knowing the outcome of the matches, however, doesn't take away from the experience.

In a character driven film, the performances are obviously the most important, and here we have a trifecta of awesomeness. First and foremost, in one of my favorite performances of the decade, Eddie Marsan really shows some muscle and range as Bernie's father, in one of the most silently moving performances of recent memory. The character by himself is a hell of a subject to study, a neurotic and paranoid man who has lost faith in his own life because of the lack of success in his family business, and feeling distant from his wife. Marsan pulls this off wonderfully. You can't help but feel bad for him, despite numerous bad choices in the film.

Helena Bonham Carter is, as usual, excellent as Bernie's mother. I really appreciated her towards the end of the film, when all of our characters have an epiphany. Youngster Gregg Sulkin is wonderful in his first role, and he should have plenty of work in the future. What you get from this film is a tad bit of predictability, yet where that hurts the film, the characters make up for it. Even supporting characters, such as one played by Stephen Rea, are as intriguing as the big three.

If you enjoy teary moments, boys becoming men in their life, and a bit of British humor, Sixty Six is bound to be enjoyable for you. I was very glad I caught it in the brief run it had in my theater, because it's definitely one of the better movies that has come out recently, in addition to providing a nice break from all the summer explosions. As for Brits looking for this film to see, odds are that it's already on DVD in your neck of the woods, as it was released in the UK about two years ago.

this film was heart warming

[lorraynesmith · 7/10 · 23 November 2006]

I thought that, though this film was admittedly little slow to take off, it picked up momentum and was captivating throughout the later stages. the story was indeed heartwarming ands quirky. It required a little patience but that paid off and I found the performances convincing and true to life. it did make me shed a tear at the end and the climax is rewarding, even though we know the outcome. I would say that it's well worth a viewing. The lead character is well played and the father figure is a sad yet endearing character. The build up to the finale is quite long but draws you in and I thought the screenplay was a little reminiscent of Mike Leigh's style. Go and see it -- you won't be disappointed overall!

Is this a remake of Das Mirakel von Bern?

[pmidha · 7/10 · 5 November 2006]

I saw this film last night and really enjoyed it but was struck by the mixture of hilarious comedy and deep pathos. Sometimes it is too painfully sad to be funny- maybe that's how comedy works! The last twenty minutes set me thinking how derivative the film is. Has anyone noticed a similarity between Das Mirakel von Bern and this film ? Both are about the troubled relationship between father and son; both centre on a world cup final; both feature a desperate race at the end to get to the final and both sets of parent/child jump over the ticket barrier to get to the game! I enjoyed both films in spite of their similarities; I think the writers could have injected even more humour into 66, even if there are some genuinely side-splitting moments

Release date in the US!

[fipoutreach1 · 14 July 2008]

The movie is coming out in the US in 2 weeks!!! go to 66thefilm.com for more info!!! It's a must see! There is a release in New York and LA and the movie is appearing in tons of Jewish Film Festivals all around the country. People, we can't let this film fail! Anyone have contact with a large group of people or would like to help get the word out let us at First Independent Pictures. We really believe in this film and know everyone will love it. Independent films need consumers to appreciate and watch them. The film:

Sixty Six is the quirky coming of age story of Bernie, a young boy seeking to overcome the awkwardness of pre-adolescence by having the perfect Bar Mitzvah. Bernie's quest for the perfect entry into manhood becomes threatened by his father's economic troubles and the UK World Cup series of 1966 during which underdog Britain beat Germany. With the entire country consumed by the game and the family overwhelmed by a string of bad luck, Bernie's plans for his big day continue to diminish in significance, until Bernie takes matters into his own hands and...with an ending that you'll just have to experience yourself.

Help us out guys!

It's got everything except the right number of laughs

[colinmetcalfe · 7/10 · 13 September 2011]

Another almost there movie. It is let down by the fact that it is meant to be a comedy, but it is just not funny enough. Everything else is bang on except perhaps some of the characterisations, the only one I really warmed to was the blind rabbi and his dog (which produces most of the laughs!)

I'm not from this world and it seems to really enjoy this film, it has to strike a chord. Well there was no resonance for me, I had to be made to laugh just using what was on the screen.

Regarding the laugh count I think the makers realised this was low too as demonstrated by the: 'what's that drink? It's a bloody Mary. Alright I was only asking' gag. Smacks of desperation I'm afraid.

Even so the nice warm ending was worth waiting for.

Deep water...

[xpat-55192 · 6/10 · 9 September 2019]

...and at times I noticed that my feet started kicking hard as I felt that I might start to go under. Acted superbly, but apart from a nearly redeem-all ending, it had me by the hair dragging me along behind it for passages of the film. Acting aside though, I would have to say if you haven't seen it - don't go out of your way.

A flawless gem

[eucalyptus9 · 10/10 · 20 February 2008]

There's been some good British movies produced of late. A while back I watched "This Is England" which was pretty good, although not one of Shane Meadows' best, in my opinion. But I note that it rates as 8.0 on IMDb, while this beautiful, magnificent, flawless gem of a movie only rates as 6.7.

Bernie is an overlooked, slightly neglected little Jewish kid who wants his bar mitzvah to outshine his older brother's. He wants it be in a swankier place, more guests, better presents. Mostly, what he wants is be recognized as someone important. But everything conspires against him - a series of disasters that befall his father, and the fateful scheduling of his bar mitzvah on the same day as the 1966 World Cup final, at which no-one really believes the English team will be present. But you never know. And if they do make it, nobody will want to attend Bernie's transition into a man. Bernie certainly does his best to prevent them from making it, from prayers, and curses and spells, to throwing darts at a picture of the team.

I laughed out loud several times during this movie (a rare occurrence these days, particularly when watching comedies). At other times, I was moved to tears. There's a scene towards the end in which Bernie's parents find the video taken of the older brother's bar mitzvah, which Bernie has plainly been watching. They turn it on, and there is the day, a joyful scene, no expense spared, lots of people, lots of gifts. What's also clear from the scenes that unfold is how Bernie is constantly overlooked, pushed aside, ignored. The director, having established the gist of the video, moves in for a long lingering look at Helena Bonham Carter's face (Bernie's mother). She's been the family's rock, the pillar of strength and loyalty. But in a masterpiece of acting (reminiscent of Nicole Kidman in the opera scene of "Birth", or Catalina Sandino Moreno walking through the airport in "Maria, Full Of Grace"), Bonham Carter's eyes reflect the dawning realization of how much she and her husband have neglected this little boy. The emotional forces raging within her are all reflected in minor changes of facial expression. This is a truly great actress.

The film itself is full of little profundities. The ending must strike at the heart of every father who's ever reflected on the mistakes he's made with his kids, or the times he's not been there for them.

A terrific film, one of the best I've seen in a long time. I can't find any fault with it, so it gets 10/10.

disappointing

[scruffyharry · 5/10 · 21 November 2006]

I was expecting a Jewish humour kind of film (like Jack Rosenthal's Barmitzvah Boy all those years ago). There *is* some humour, and some Jewish in-jokes, but mainly I found the film to be very sad. Like some other recent films about losers (e.g. Brassed Off) the pathos overwhelms the humour; contrast Full Monty, Billy Elliott, where the crapness of the situation is still treated humorously. I thought the film lacked Jewish characters and situations I could identify from my own childhood (where were the British vs Jewish conflicts, and the anti-semitism?) and I didn't like the rabbi (stereotype with that Ron Moody accent).

What *was* good, I thought, was the attention to detail by the props department. I was 13 in 1966 (in fact my best friend's barmitzvah WAS on that exact date ... nothing like in the film though: plenty of guests turned up, though quite a few snuck out into the car park during the game) and a few things caught my eye, notably the duffle bag, and the kids playing a horse-racing game whose name I forget which involves stretching a sheet of canvas over the table and turning a handle to make the horses "run" ... Robledo or something. And of course all the old cars.

Brilliant family film

[skippon · 10/10 · 30 September 2006]

How nice to watch a film suitable for children that is funny, compassionate and resonates with their problems. No animation, no talking animals, but a boy and his family, He gets picked on, ignored, and teach himself to grow up. My ten year old grandson rates this as one of his favourite films ever.

It is also very appealing on an adult level. Witty, perceptive and devoid of sentimentality,it is plain good fun.

The acting and writing are flawless and the recreation of 1966 is breath-taking. I am in awe of the production designer and the colourisers. It all works smoothly, although it did leave me wondering 'How did they do that?'.

Indulgent rubbish from a TV commercials director.

[benjaminmann · 1/10 · 12 August 2021]

Paul made enough money selling toothpaste etc to blow it all on an indulgence about his past.

Boring film that I'm sure he and his family enjoyed.

So true ... so true

[myschrec · 9/10 · 6 July 2009]

OK, perhaps my perception is biased by the fact that my Bar Mitzvah was in 1962, albeit Chicago. But this movie rang true on every count: the family business, the distracted (worried) father, the overprotective mother, the domineering brother (just like mine), and the exaggerated importance that (we) twelve year old boys desired of our "coming out party." The movie made me laugh out loud, and even audibly groan at the pathetic human foibles. Bernie's family was (almost, but not quite) as crazy as my own. But the central theme of the film was neither the craziness of family nor the anticipation of disaster. It was how Bernie and his family got through it all and learned core and timeless values. I do not want to spoil it, so I will just say that the ending was incredibly fulfilling. Every Rabbi should see this film. Every parent should see it with their twelve year old -- boy or girl, Jew or Gentile.

Loved this movie - laughed, laughed, laughed, and cried

[kimmerie-1 · 10/10 · 4 September 2008]

If you picture Helena Bonham Carter as a Jewish mother from the 1960's, beehive and all, that should be enough to make run to see Sixty Six.

Sixty six is the year. Bernie Reubens is the kid. The 13 year old kid to be exact. Bernie's the awkward, picked-on kid, the one living in the shadow of his popular older brother. The kid whose only luck is bad.

Lo and behold in his religious (Hebrew) classes, he learns that his impending Bar Mitzvah is the event that will change all that. For one day Bernie Reubens would be the center of the universe.

The quirky boy makes his Bar Mitzvah his obsession. In the backyard garage, he has a table set up, more like a shrine devoted to things Bar Mitzvah. Catering menus, a place setting, pictures, seating charts, everything to make this day his perfect one.

There's one glitch.

The World Cup falls on the same day. And, England could qualify for the finals. No one would come to Bernie's Bar Mitzvah if this happened.

Bernie makes it his singleminded mission to prevent England from competing in the finals. How he tries to do this is plain hysterical. Let's just say that there's some hocus pocus involved and tons of laughs.

There's another glitch. Bernie's dad's career takes a bad financial turn. Don't get me started about the father character. Played by actor Eddie Marsan, the odd elder Reubens is a cartoon-like character with amazing comedic timing. In a Mr. Magoo kind of way.

If I said what happens to Bernie is comedy of errors, I would be understating it. From bad to worse, and bad again, Bernie's day isn't looking like his dream Bar Mitzvah. But some bittersweet things happen between he and his dad. Enough to tug your heart. And, tug again.

Almost never have I been to a movie that made me laugh during the introduction and then tear up at the end. Even the credits are worth watching since the actors' names are superimposed over film footage of an actual '60's Bar Mitzvah, which happens, I'm assuming, to be that of the director's older brother. His was Bernie's dream day.

I only collect the odd movie DVD from the movies that I adore. As soon as this becomes available, it's mine. I'll have a Sixty Six party. Prerequisite, you must be born before that year.

Supposedly, Sixty Six is based on the director, Paul Weilland's life. I know some Brits who remember the World Cup of 1966 with special affection. And, I personally remember a variety of awkward boys confronting their manhood at many a Bar Mitzvah. (where I smoked my fist cigarette in the synagogue bathroom.) Then there's the dad stuff...more tugs. Go see it!

Great entertainment

[robdrummond · 9/10 · 12 April 2021]

Typical British "feel good" film. No guns no car chases - no murders just a great touching family story that keeps the best until the last

Lovely!

A Certified Crowd Pleaser

[Seamus2829 · 9/10 · 4 January 2009]

'Sixty-Six' is yet,another comedy from the United Kingdom that goes down easy without any unpleasant side effects (in short,a slight, albeit winning good time). The plot concerns Bernie Rubens,a young Jewish boy of English background who is about to make his Bar Mitzvah,only to find out that it's concurrent with England competing against Germany for the World Cup of 1966. Set against all of Bernie's teen angst is some nicely told tales of his eccentric father (Eddie Marsden,seen recently as the bitter automobile instructor in Mike Leigh's 'Happy Go Lucky'), who runs a small green grocer with his Uncle,his loving Mother (Helena Bonham Carter,always welcome on screen),his older Brother,Alvy, and a host of others. The film has a snappy,well written screenplay (loosly based on the director's own life & experiences when he had his Bar Mitzvah,and even contains some actual home movie footage of the festivities). Stephen Rea also has some slight,but nice screen time as a doctor. This is a film that has been getting some sketchy distribution in the United States,but is worth seeking out (it was originally released in 2006). Rated PG-13 by the MPAA,this film contains a bit of raunchy language,a flash of nudity & some adult situations. Okay for older teens.

Is Paul Weiland The Most Underrated Director In England?

[sebfarrell · 10/10 · 22 November 2006]

Personally, I think so. For those of you unaware of his work he is responsible for directing almost all of the Mr Bean programmes which have entertained generations of multi lingual people, he also directed my favourite film, Bernard and the Genie. For those of you unaware of this film please search for it now and look at some of the comments about it has received, its quite simply the best Christmas film ever recorded. He delivers simple but massively effective narratives which appeal to all ages, easy to watch films which last long in the memory of all those who watch them. I fear Sixty Six will not be well received due to poor marketing (who exactly did it appeal too? I only watched it on the strengh of its director) but having just watched it I can assure anyone thinking about giving it a go to just WATCH IT! Its hilariously funny and deeply moving and the story flows like a butterfly. I was utterly dismayed I was sharing the experience of Sixty Six with 4 other people knowing full well it would be enjoyed by thousands if not millions more. Paul Weiland please stand up and take your place as one of Englands finest directors/writers and for the love of all things sacred make more films and continue the 'Bernie' trend :)

ONE WORD: UNDER DOG.

[nogodnomasters · 10/10 · 2 June 2019]

Bernie Reuben (Gregg Sulkin) is ignored and picked on. He is "not very good at breathing." His father Manny (Eddie Marsan) is not very assertive and is an embarrassment. Bernie recalls the wonderful Bar Mitzvah his brother had and relishes the day when he has his celebration, a day that will belong to him. As that day approaches, his family undergoes various hardships, downsizing his celebration. To make matters worse, his bar mitzvah is scheduled the same day as the World Cup Final, July 30, 1966. Bernie realizes as his native England is in the tournament, they need to lose for him to have a large turnout.

The film is a comedy-drama. Some of the jokes are quick visuals such as a card that reads "Kimmel Kosher Katering." The soundtrack include tunes from the era.

No f-bombs, brief implied sex, male rear nudity.

What a bit of pure class and brings you memories of 66!

[shuichi_shindosan · 10/10 · 24 January 2007]

I am the one writing this review, but I am doing this review in the style of my dad. My dad has seen some of this movie and he stated, 'brings back memories!' That's an achievement to get any man to say. From the next paragraph I am going to be my dad writing what I feel he would say.

A truly amazing movie with pure elegance and sheer brilliance. An amazing story set in the most amazing time in British history, captivating a truly emotional time where British people could actually smile without being called creepy or disgusting! Back then we all lived in a more happy place, we wasn't scared to leave our doors unlocked and we appreciated our neighbours. I am not Jewish, so I don't know how many Jewish festivities go, but if I was Jewish, I would have been pleased to have such a great day on my Barmitsvah.

I went to the 1966 world cup final, the crowd was mostly British, but there was some Germs there. The British lead the screams. Back then is when stadiums really felt like you were there. We were cheering England on, we couldn't believe we were winning, the cheers supported the team! Bobby Moore, what a tackle! Bobby Charlton, get the ball up there my son!

Geoff Hurst, GOAL! 3-2 to england. What a shocker. After normal time, we go into extra time. The game was mad as it was, we were shocked! So were the English team. They didn't believe it. Seconds away from the finish, Germany almost scored, the ball gets kicked down the field. The England crowd just stayed quiet. Geoff was on the ball, a player coming towards him............he shoots with the left................ .........................GOAL!!!!

'They think it's all over, It is now!' What a game. ENGLAND WIN THE WORLD CUP! No one believed it. We screamed and hugged whoever we could get a hold of. We patted the England players as they walked up to see the queen. It was a game, there will never be one like it ever again.

The film brings magic back into England.

Worth the watch

[a_mobbs · 8/10 · 29 July 2021]

Funny, touching and nostalgic. Good harmless entertainment.

Pleasantly surprised

[michaelcrowther-97221 · 10/10 · 24 April 2021]

Started slowly, But ... bare with it, it gets better as the film go on. You won't be disappointed.

Delightfully Quaint

[daisyisabaker · 8/10 · 27 October 2021]

Fantastic acting in this Jewish British coming of age story. Brilliant story that keeps the audience's attention without them needing to be football fans.

Laugh a minute.

[onemckinney · 10/10 · 13 June 2021]

Tears were shed. I love this movie. Watching just before an England match also. Top quality British actors.

A Slow Build to a Perfect End

[deepfrieddodo · 8/10 · 2 July 2021]

A charming film which may start slowly but builds to a perfect conclusion. At surface value Sixty Six nicely weaves a mix of funny scenes into an overall darker context, but beneath that there is a great depth to the emotion and turmoil of each character. Marian in particular excels in his role and the right amount of passing emphasis is put on characteristics, such as OCD tendencies to flesh out the character without getting bogged down. The surrounding cast play their parts well, and the nostalgic kick creates the energy needed throughout. Archive footage spliced in adds a bit extra and really everything is capped off superbly at the end. A really enjoyable film.

Heart warming brilliant film

[ntenwmepj · 10/10 · 8 May 2021]

Just loved it, beautifully paced, great footage of the '66 World Cup final and a beautiful story. A pick me up film.

Moving, funny, different, entertaining.

[barberic-695-574135 · 8/10 · 10 August 2018]

Add this one to your movie collection, it´s well worth watching. Hard to believe that the story is actually "loosely" based on true events. Much of the success of this movie is down to the brilliant acting from the main characters. This one touches all the emotions. Will we be watching it again, absolutely.