Stiff Upper Lips

Stiff Upper Lips is a British comedy movie directed by Gary Sinyor and released in 1997. The movie's setting takes place in the Victorian era and follows the story of two young, socially elite men, Edward and Cedric, and their families' attempts to marry them off to suitable women.

Edward and Cedric are cousins who have grown up in a sheltered world full of wealth, status, and sophistication. They are brought up to conform to the Victorian-era cultural norms of stoicism, good breeding, and manners that signify superiority. The two young men believe these norms are the key to their happiness and social success. They are confident that the path to their joy and prosperity lies in marrying well-bred, well-connected women.

However, the story takes a hilarious twist when Edward and Cedric's fathers pass away in a hot air balloon accident, leaving their unmarried mothers to decide on their sons' futures. The two matriarchs are determined to see their boys wed in a grand manner while ensuring that the perfect women they choose meet their exacting standards of station and character.

As the story progresses, Edward and Cedric are introduced to a series of breathtakingly beautiful, eligible women of the same social stature as themselves. However, their well-intentioned mothers soon discover the women are not suitable wives for their sons, and their search for the ideal partner becomes increasingly frantic as they head into high society. The quest for the perfect match becomes more absurd and hilarious as the movie progresses.

The film is brimming with exquisite British humor as it pokes fun at British high society's expectations in the Victorian era. The movie points out how stifling these norms were, restricting almost everything from expressing feelings, having fun, or deviating from the socially accepted norms.

Stiff Upper Lips also satirizes the silliness and extravagance of the British upper class during the Victorian era. The movie's witty script, slapstick humor, and absurd situations offer a refreshing take on this period's customs and traditions. The portrayal of the characters' social pretense, their reluctance to admit to their emotions, or overly dramatizing their feelings adds a layer of comedy and entertainment to the movie.

While the movie is primarily a comedy, it also addresses some subtle themes of class, arranged marriage, and the influence of society on people's choices. The characters may appear stereotypical, but their struggles with limited social mobility, expectations, and family pressure are still relevant today.

The cast of Stiff Upper Lips is impressive, with David Artus playing the role of Edward and Kevin Furlong portraying Cedric. Nicholas Selby plays Mr. Smithers, the boys' butler, and Jane Lapotaire appears as Aunt Agnes. The supporting cast brings together talented British actors such as Sammi Davis, Prunella Scales, and Peter Ustinov, who deliver convincing performances.

In conclusion, Stiff Upper Lips is an entertaining and humorous movie that takes a delightful and satirical look at the British upper class during the Victorian era. The movie offers a refreshing take on the era's traditions and customs while poking fun at the absurdities of the times. With an excellent cast, an engaging storyline, and brilliant humor, it is a film that is worth watching.