The Railway Man: Movie Review

Based on a true story, “The Railway Man” follows the life of Eric Lomax, a man who was mentally and emotionally scarred from being tormented as a P.O.W. during World War II. Many years after the war, Eric (Colin Firth) has finally met the love of his life in Patti (Nicole Kidman).

Seemingly happy, the two get married and start a life together, but when Eric begins to become increasingly unstable, she seeks out the truth about what happened to Eric during the war from his friend and former brother in arms Finlay (Stellan Skarsgård). Finlay reluctantly shares as much as he can with Patti, although even he has no idea the extend of torture Eric had to endure.

“The Railway Man” takes us back to when Eric was a prisoner and Jeremy Irvine (War Horse), is absolutely fantastic here as the younger version of the now haunted Eric Lomax. Actually, the film is at its best when focused on the time in the Japanese labor camp. When we are taken back to the older Eric’s life, things tend to slow down a bit. Don’t get me wrong, Firth and Kidman are great, but it’s Irvine and the rest of the younger cast that keeps things moving.

Although I prefer the World War II elements of “The Railway Man” the most, it is what we learn about the real life Eric and his main tormentor before the end credits roll that is the real shocker here. “The Railway Man” has a powerful message and no matter how you feel about the film, I am sure the end will leave you with much to think about.

By: Marc Ferman