Run time: 96 mins

Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson reunite in this heartfelt tale of ageing, guilt and the horrors of war.

At nearly 90, Bernard is told that he can’t join an excursion to the 70th anniversary D-Day celebrations in France. His wife Rene tells him to just go on his own, and covers for him after he sneaks out of their care home, making his way by taxi, bus and ferry. Along the way, he befriends fellow veteran Arthur (John Standing), and they begin to realise that they have something more important to do relating to their experiences in 1944. Meanwhile, Rene finally comes clean as Bernie’s adventure hits the national news.

Caine delivers a delicately nuanced performance that’s deep and honest as Bernie honours a promise he made seven decades earlier. His scenes with Jackson bristle with magnetic chemistry. Jackson brings fiery determination and wit to Rene, continually catching everyone off guard. It’s a wonderful performance that reveals a new layer at every turn. Steady pacing allows these fine actors to create improv-style performances, so even when the script dips into emotionality, everything is infused with realism.

A fine salute to a generation who gave everything