The Personal History of David Copperfield
Seen it?2019 | 119 min | Comedy
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
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. If you loved Paddington or Mary Poppins Returns, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Provocative satire that goes after everyone.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 59 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG: a parent's death or loss. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A fresh and distinctive take on Charles Dickens’ semi-autobiographical masterpiece, The Personal History of David Copperfield, set in the 1840s, chronicles the life of its iconic title character as he navigates a chaotic world to find his elusive place within it. From his unhappy childhood to the discovery of his gift as a storyteller and writer, David’s journey is by turns hilarious and tragic, but always full of life, colour and humanity.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 77 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.4 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 Golden Globe and 1 BAFTA.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$12 million worldwide on a $16 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 129K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Armando Iannucci
- Dev PatelDavid Copperfield
- Peter CapaldiMr. Micawber
- Ben WhishawUriah Heep
- Tilda SwintonBetsey Trotwood
- Gwendoline ChristieJane Murdstone
- Hugh LaurieMr. Dick
- Anthony WelshHam
- Aneurin BarnardSteerforth
- Divian LadwaDr. Chillip
- Rosalind EleazarAgnes