Topsy-Turvy
Seen it?1999 | 160 min | Drama, Music, Comedy, History
Friday Night Flickearly ratingWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (89% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won 2 Oscars. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh and history buffs. If you loved Rocketman or The Madness of King George, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 40 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- It's long: 2 hr 40 min.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
For nearly a decade, Gilbert and Sullivan’s collaborations have delighted the English people. But in 1884, as a London heat wave cuts into the theater trade, their latest work, "Princess Ida", receives lukewarm press. In an effort to reconcile their creative differences and drawing inspiration from Japanese culture, they went on to create the hit opera "The Mikado", one of the duo's greatest successes.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 90 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.6 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 2 Oscars: Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Also nominated for 2 more Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$20 million worldwide on a $11 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 79K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Rocketman Friday Night FlickAnother musical music film, and a Friday Night Flick.
The Madness of King George Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed musical dramedy.
Cadillac Records
Weeknight WatchAnother historical drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Doors
Sunday Safe BetAnother music film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Battle of the Year
Monday Morning MaybeAnother musical music film. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Mike Leigh
- Jim BroadbentW. S. Gilbert
- Allan CordunerSir Arthur Sullivan
- Timothy SpallRichard Temple (The Mikado)
- Lesley ManvilleLucy Gilbert
- Ron CookRichard D'Oyly Carte
- Wendy NottinghamHelen Lenoir
- Kevin McKiddDurward Lely (Nanki-Poo)
- Shirley HendersonLeonora Braham (Yum-Yum)
- Dorothy AtkinsonJessie Bond
- Martin SavageGeorge Grossmith