Queen and Country 2015
Directed by
John Boorman
Made by
BBC Worldwide Americas
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Queen and Country (2015). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
On the sun-drenched shores of Pharaoh’s Island, Bill (now 18) receives an important summons to national service, marking a significant turning point in his life. As he arrives at the army training camp, he forms an unexpected camaraderie with Percy, a fellow recruit who brings his unique sense of friendship to the mix. While their peers are dispatched to the front lines of the Korean War, Bill and Percy find themselves in the unique position of teaching typing to their fellow conscripts, a duty they fulfill with varying levels of enthusiasm.
Their days are further complicated by the stern presence of Sergeant-Major Bradley, a distinguished veteran of World War II known for his strict adherence to military discipline. A much-needed break from Bradley’s intense oversight comes courtesy of Redmond, the camp’s orderly, who teaches them the essential skill of “skiving” – cleverly avoiding duty whenever possible.
As Bill grapples with the complexities of military life, he becomes enamored with Ophelia, a stunning yet troubled woman from an upper-class background. Meanwhile, Percy is fascinated by Sophie, a vibrant student nurse who shows an interest in both him and Bill. During their breaks from camp, they indulge in the pleasures of civilian life, with Bill’s family inviting Percy over for a visit. The situation becomes more dynamic with the arrival of Dawn, Bill’s wayward sister, who finds herself charmed by Percy’s charisma. Ophelia features briefly in Bill’s life, only to slip away again to London, where her high-society connections are revealed in a heartfelt television broadcast from Westminster Abbey.
Bill’s life takes a serious turn when he discovers that Ophelia has once again been hospitalized due to her mental health struggles; following an emotional visit, he is met with rejection, leaving him heartbroken. It is during this vulnerable moment that Sophie steps in, guides him to an empty room, and tenderly helps him lose his virginity. Percy later shares his own tale of lost innocence with Bill, attributing it to Dawn’s influence.
As Percy becomes increasingly overwhelmed by the demands of army life, he hatches an audacious plan to steal the mess clock, a treasured gift from Queen Victoria to the Regiment. However, his partner-in-crime, Redmond, turns traitor, leading to Percy’s swift court martial and military imprisonment. With a heavy heart, Bill is assigned the grim task of escorting his handcuffed friend to confinement.
In a twist of fate, Dawn seizes the chance to accompany Bill on the train to prison, proclaiming her unwavering intention to wait for Percy’s release. Upon reaching the military hospital, Bill attempts to connect with Bradley, only to face a cold rejection from his once-comrade, who has succumbed to the pressures of Percy’s relentless harassment and is now left in a state of mental distress.
During a poignant encounter within the hospital wards, Bill finds solace in the company of Private Henderson, a veteran of the Korean War who lost a foot in battle. They share a moment of mutual understanding as they discuss their harrowing experiences. Back on the island, Sophie shines as she unexpectedly takes to the river for an impromptu performance. Armed with his new film camera, Bill captures her lively spirit before landing an unexpected splash into the water; it’s a romantic move that leaves them both breathless and exhilarated.
Timeline
Track the key events of Queen and Country (2015) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Bill Receives National Service Summons
Bill, now 18 years old, receives an important summons to national service, marking a pivotal change in his life. This summons sets the stage for his military journey and new experiences awaiting him.
Arrival at Army Training Camp
Upon arriving at the army training camp, Bill forms an unexpected camaraderie with Percy, a fellow recruit whose unique personality provides a refreshing friendship. Their bond becomes a crucial aspect of their military experience.
Teaching Typing to Conscripts
While their peers are sent off to the front lines of the Korean War, Bill and Percy find themselves assigned to teaching typing to their fellow conscripts. They take on this duty with varying enthusiasm, highlighting the humor and absurdity of their situation.
Introduction of Sergeant-Major Bradley
The arrival of Sergeant-Major Bradley, a disciplined veteran of World War II, brings a stern presence to the camp. His strict adherence to military discipline intensifies the pressure on Bill and Percy as they navigate their new environment.
Learning to 'Skive' with Redmond
Redmond, the camp's orderly, teaches Bill and Percy the essential skill of 'skiving' – how to cleverly avoid duty. This knowledge becomes a valuable tool for the two friends as they deal with the rigors of military life.
Bill Meets Ophelia
In the midst of military life, Bill becomes infatuated with Ophelia, a beautiful but troubled woman from an upper-class background. Their brief interactions showcase Bill's yearning for connection amidst his chaotic environment.
Percy and Sophie Develop a Bond
Percy becomes enchanted by Sophie, a lively student nurse who shows a mutual interest in him and Bill. Their budding connections complicate the friendships and feelings within their circle.
Dawn Visits Bill's Family
During a break from camp, Bill's family invites Percy over for a visit. This gathering takes a lively turn with the unexpected arrival of Bill's sister, Dawn, who quickly becomes charmed by Percy’s charisma.
Ophelia's Hospitalization
Bill's emotional journey intensifies when he learns that Ophelia has been hospitalized again due to her mental health struggles. He makes a heartfelt visit, but is met with rejection, leaving him feeling heartbroken and confused.
Sophie Helps Bill
In a vulnerable moment following his visit with Ophelia, Sophie steps in to provide comfort to Bill. This intimate encounter marks a significant moment in Bill’s transition from innocence to experience.
Percy's Audacious Plan
Feeling overwhelmed by military life, Percy devises a bold plan to steal the mess clock, a historic gift to the Regiment. However, his betrayal by partner Redmond leads to dire consequences, including court martial.
Bill Escorts Percy to Confinement
With a heavy heart, Bill is assigned the grim task of escorting his friend Percy, now court-martialed and handcuffed, to confinement. This moment underscores their deep friendship amid the harsh realities of military life.
Dawn's Determined Support
Dawn capitalizes on the opportunity to accompany Bill to the train station, vowing to wait for Percy’s release. Her determination adds a layer of complicity to the already strained dynamics among the friends.
Bill's Encounter with Sergeant-Major
Upon reaching the military hospital, Bill tries to connect with Sergeant-Major Bradley but faces a cold rejection. This meeting illustrates the pressures that his former comrade faces, burdened by the horrors of the past.
A Moment of Understanding
In a heartfelt encounter, Bill meets Private Henderson, a Korean War veteran who lost a foot in battle. Their conversation about shared suffering offers Bill a moment of clarity and solace amid the chaos.
Sophie’s Performance at the River
Back on the island, Sophie surprises everyone with an impromptu performance on the river. Bill captures this spirited moment with his film camera, but an unexpected splash leaves them both exhilarated and breathless.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Queen and Country (2015) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Bill
Bill is an 18-year-old recruit grappling with the complexities of military life while navigating his emotions towards Ophelia. He embodies youthful innocence but also faces heartache and moral dilemmas, showcasing growth as he befriends Percy and learns about personal relationships.
Percy
Percy is Bill's fellow recruit and source of joy amidst the stern military environment. His charm and quick thinking lead to humorous escapades, yet he also faces the harsh realities of army life and the consequences of his actions, showcasing the struggle between youth and responsibility.
Ophelia
Ophelia is a troubled woman from an upper-class background who captures Bill's heart. Her complexity lies in her struggles with mental health, giving her a sense of vulnerability that profoundly affects Bill. She symbolizes both aspiration and heartache in his life.
Sergeant-Major Bradley
A strict military figure with a seasoned past, Sergeant-Major Bradley enforces discipline in the camp. His character embodies the weight of prior experiences from World War II, contrasting with the young recruits’ idealism and adding to the narrative of tension and authority.
Dawn
Dawn is Bill's carefree and charismatic sister, bringing a lighthearted element to the story. Her spontaneity, especially her affection for Percy, adds layers to the familial dynamics and highlights themes of loyalty and the complexities of attraction amidst chaos.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Queen and Country (2015), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1950s
The movie takes place during the 1950s, a period marked by post-World War II recovery and the Korean War. This era was characterized by societal changes as young men were drafted and faced the challenges of military life, mingling with the complexities of love, friendship, and personal identity.
Location
Pharaoh's Island, London, Westminster Abbey
Pharaoh's Island serves as a sun-drenched backdrop where young men embark on their military journey. Known for its military training camps, it becomes a place of camaraderie, challenges, and personal growth amid the backdrop of the Korean War. In contrast, London represents high society and complex relationships, particularly highlighted by the elegant Westminster Abbey, known for its royal ceremonies.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Queen and Country (2015). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Heartbreak
Heartbreak is a central theme as characters navigate love and loss. Bill's emotional struggles with Ophelia, who battles mental health issues, highlight the vulnerability that comes with affection. Additionally, the pain of Percy’s circumstances serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of youthful decisions.
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War and Peace
The theme of war interlaces with the lives of the characters, particularly reflected in their military training and the looming Korean War. While preparing to serve, they find moments of peace in personal connections, revealing how war affects not only those in combat but also those at home.
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Friendship
Friendship blossoms in the face of adversity, as seen in the bond between Bill and Percy. Their experiences in military life and personal interactions illustrate the importance of support and loyalty amidst the chaos of war, leading them to forge deep connections despite the challenges they face.
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