Marvellous (BBC) [Blu-ray]

This is one of the best pieces of TV you'll ever see, based primarily on the actual life of Neil Baldwin, its 88 minutes that will make you see your life with a bigger smile.If it was a Hollywood release it would be up there for a good number of Oscar's including Best Film and Best Actor.Neil Baldwin may have been told that he had some form of learning difficulties but he doesn't choose to hear what society has to say to him. Neil Baldwin is of a clearer, saner mind, than many many people I have ever met. Society would tell him that he has boundaries that he must stay with in these, boundaries that he mustn't challenge, but he see's nothing but positiveness in everything. And to quote Mr Baldwin (Nello) "I've always wanted to be happy, so I decided to be"When Nello asks Lou Macari who his best ever signing is..? Watch the film a little further and get the tissues out for when Macari gives him the answer.You can't give this film more than 5 stars, but you'll want too, its utterly BRILLIANT.... Utterly 'Marvellous'!!!!!!!You'll laugh out loud, you'll cry, you'll see life the only way it should be looked at, and that's the best gift we will ever get..!!!Do your life a favour and watch it.

I've zero interest in football, I've never heard of Neil Baldwin and I didn't approach this film with particularly high expectations. However, this film is utterly brilliant and it's heart-warming story has plenty of moments that'll make you laugh and others that'll make you cry. I was going to write a longer review but I think to say any more would perhaps give too much away - suffice to say although this is a BBC TV production I would've happily have seen this at the cinema. There's something in this film for everybody and it doesn't tie itself down to any particular genre; I absolutely recommend this film to anyone who needs cheering up!

Toby Jones gives one of his greatest performances not as a particularly accurate impression of Neil Baldwin but allowing us to live with Neil in a way that shows the disarming impact that Neil has on others.Gemma Jones, as Neil's mum, is also outstanding and her undying love coupled with her exasperation for her son is so beautifully portrayed and her passing is heartbreaking.Don't forget, Gary Lineker is just club president...Neil is the boss and he draws the line at Port Vale!This is, quite simply, Marvellous.

"Marvellous" gets such good reviews precisely because of its positivity, back & forth play between the real "Nello" & Toby Jones as Nello.It leaves you wondering whether Nello is blessed or the folk that seem to meet him & experience his perspective.Either way if you watch this (likely more than once) you'll be part of "it" whatever "it" is, ..it seems to work on a grand scale.More than a comedic feel good movie I promise you, the quiet charisma of Nello has taken him places that have to be seen to be believed!Thanks Nello & crew of this film, it is something special.

Wonderful and utterly MARVELLOUS. I don't watch much telly but my favourites have been Ronnie Barker's "Open All Hours" and "Porridge" as well as Leonard Rossiter in "Rising Damp". Before that I loved Phil Silvers as Sergeant Bilko.When I saw this I thought it was the best television programme I had ever seen - and that's why I bought the DVD. We're playing it to all our family and friends and they all think it is MARVELLOUS.Toby Jones's portrayal of Neil Baldwin is wonderful - an Oscar is not good enough for Toby.But, Lou Macari's humanity, and humour, provided the basis for this WONDERFUL and MARVELLOUS piece of drama.Long live Neil Baldwin . Your story makes us feel so happy to know you, and to understand what you've endured and what heights you've achieved.And seeing and knowing this will make us all into better human beings. Long live Lou Macari also.

The best thing I watched on TV all year (2015). I was so pleased to find it on DVD. A remarkable and sensitive portrayal by Toby Jones, interjected with short chats with the subject of this true story, Neil Baldwin. Who can fail to be inspired by this man? his simple approach to life, always ready to pick himself up when others disparage him, ready to help anyone, and even more extraordinary, always ready to ask for help. I think his life is a testimony to the unconditional love of his Mum, who is beautifully played by Gemma Jones (BAFTA award for best supporting actress). She managed to raise him to believe in himself, despite what others describe as his difficulties. "Difficulties? What difficulties?"Other reviewers said:"The triumph of Marvellous is that it’s a feel-good film that feels good, not through any Hollywood schmaltz, but through the sheer force of Baldwin’s own optimistic personality." (Ellen E Jones, The Independent)"sweet and sharp... on the whole a great number of people emerge well from this film, including Stoke City’s former manager Lou Macari (played by Tony Curran but also popping in as himself) and many long-suffering clergy." (Sarah Crompton, The Daily Telegraph)"a wonderful, uplifting, life-affirming 90 minutes of television." (Jim White, The Sunday Telegraph)"2014's best TV programme." (Julie McDowall, Scotland's The Herald)