Mr. Burton This is a heartfelt biographer documenting the transformative early days of Richard Jenkins, the son of a Welsh miner who becomes the legendary Richard Burton. Toby Jones will star as the famous Philip Burton. Philip Burton is a school teacher who shaped raw talent, and Harry Routey as a young, fiery Richie Jenkins, the film delves into lesser-known chapters of Burton’s life with sincerity. The film takes time to find its rhythm, but its brilliant performances and inspiring portrayal of Wales in the 1940s make for a compelling quest for mentoring, ambition and identity.
The film begins in 1942 on a rough, charcoal-covered street in Port Talbot, where Richie Jenkins (Routey) is a restless teenager caught between a dysfunctional family and the constraints of his working-class world. The scripts of Tom Bullough and Josh Hyams feel the initial pacing is dull, as remains in establishing the darkness of Richie’s situation. The cramped home of his alcoholic father, Dic (Steffan Rhodri), and his sister CIS (Aimee-FFion Edwards). These early scenes are atmospheric, but they can be felt repeatedly, as if the film is looking for its footing. However, this slow burn sets the stage for continuing emotional weight, grounding viewers with the stakes of Richie’s journey.
The story gains momentum when Philip Burton (Jones), a modest yet passionate English teacher, realizes Richie’s potential after assigning him Shakespeare. Henry v Prologue as punishment. What begins as a disciplinary task sparks Richie. Richie says, “I loved it!” This moment shows the turning point in the film, where the chemistry between Jones and Routey begins to shine. Jones infuses Philip with meticulous sadness, portraying a man whose theatrical dreams were bystandered by the war, and is now led to fostering a genius. Lawtey, meanwhile, captures Richie’s raw energy and vulnerability. His thick Welsh accents gradually change under Philip’s guidance.
The acting is definitely the heartbeat of the film. Toby Jones delivers a masterclass of modest emotions, and his Philip Burton delivers a complex character that balances quiet, implicit loneliness with selflessness. Lawtey’s performance is equally astounding, tracking Richie’s evolution into a young man in Richie’s Stardom cusp. His ability to embody Burton’s emerging charisma is nothing but seductive. Leslie Manville adds a touch of motherly kindness as a warm but underutilized Landradi Ma Smith.
Despite the start and start, Mr. Burton Attacks Stride as a character-driven drama that celebrates resilience and artistry. The film’s strength lies in its ability to care deeply about its central duo, even if you’re new to Burton’s legacy. By the time Richie stepped onto the Stratford stage, he felt the weight of his journey. Not as a future star, but as a young man who has found his voice through an unlikely mentor. For fans of the biography and fans attracted to the triumph over adversity, Mr. Burton It’s a rewarding watch. On a rainy Sunday afternoon, the film is a perfect companion, with some movements, beautifully acting, and is often reminded of how greatness comes from belief.
Mr. Burton will arrive at the cinema at Luna Palace on Thursday, August 14th, 2025.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
Source: OutLoud! Culture – outloudculture.com
