Latest news with #TheirFinest
Western Telegraph
4 days ago
- Western Telegraph
Freshwater West: Pembrokeshire beach a surfers' paradise
Freshwater West Beach, located on Wales' exposed west coast, has been a backdrop for several films, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. In the Harry Potter film, the beach was where Dobby the house elf died and was buried. There was even a gravestone for the character, which became a pilgrimage site for fans. The sandy beach, backed by the extensive dune system of Broomhill Burrows, is a surfers' paradise, with the best waves in the county. A Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority spokesperson said: "Freshwater West is a popular beach throughout the year with surfers, dog walkers, and families. "The Dobby's grave memorial has been enjoyed by many who have made the pilgrimage to the Pembrokeshire site over the years. "However, the increasing numbers of visitors has brought a greater pressure on the wider environment and facilities. "Therefore, we have taken the decision to relocate the memorial to a more sustainable location to ensure it doesn't damage the wider environment and to help keep Freshwater West a special place for people and nature." The south-westerly facing beach is suitable only for experienced and strong swimming surfers due to the strong rip currents. The beach also offers activities such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. The beach is dog-friendly, allowing dogs all year round. Facilities include toilets and parking, although parking can be limited when the waves are good. From spring to early autumn, the Café Mor operates out of the southern car park. Freshwater West Beach is also a place of historical significance, once used by smugglers to stash their loot. The thatched shack on the foreshore was a rebuilt shelter used for drying a type of seaweed used for making Lavabread, a Welsh specialty. In 2015, the beach was used as a location for the film "Their Finest," starring Gemma Arterton and Sam Claflin, where it portrayed Dunkirk. Visitors are advised to check tide times to ensure they have enough beach space and do not get cut off by the incoming tide. The fragile dunes mean camping and barbecues are not allowed.
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Period drama war film will 'rip your heart out' but you only have days to watch it
The period drama now available to stream on BBC iPlayer - but won't be for much longer A film hailed as "very British", offering a unique perspective on the second world war, is set to depart from BBC iPlayer in just a few days. Set against the backdrop of the 1940 London Blitz, a screenwriter named Catrin and an impromptu cast and crew unite to create a film aimed at lifting national spirits and encouraging America to enter the war. Their Finest (2016) follows the journey of young woman, Catrin Cole (Gemma Arterton), who is recruited by the Ministry of Information to pen scripts for propaganda films. Working alongside another screenwriter and an actor, they endeavour to produce a movie that will elevate national morale and persuade America to join the war - all while navigating the tumultuous environment of the London Blitz and the aftermath of the Dunkirk evacuation. Catrin and her team encounter numerous obstacles along the way, including the relentless bombings. She subsequently collaborates with fellow screenwriter Buckley (Sam Claflin) and quirky actor Ambrose Hilliard (Bill Nighy), discovering her voice, exploring the potency of storytelling, and dealing with the intricacies of war. Although fictional, the film draws inspiration from the real-life efforts of the British film industry to bolster the war effort. On the film reviewing platform Rotten Tomatoes - where the film boasts a sparkling 91% fresh score - fans commend this touch of reality as one of the film's most compelling aspects. "Nearly faultless. Great cast, perfectly directed. A perfect combination of the richest subject in history (WW2), great script, a warm romance, tragedy and poignancy," one viewer penned. Their Finest skilfully intertwines narratives of love, self-discovery, loss and sorrow while focusing on the characters' mission. "A delight from start to finish, except for the part where the film rips your heart out," another critic expressed, with another adding: "A very English movie and incredibly well done." The further shared: "Tremendous cast and performances supporting an excellent story and script. Both heart wrenching and uplifting. Add to your watch list." The star-studded cast includes Arterton, Claflin and Nighy, as well as Jeremy Irons, Jack Huston, Helen McCrory, Eddie Marsan and Jake Lacy. Their Finest is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer, but will be leaving the platform on June 7.
