Mr Burton tells of Richard Burton... and also portrays his inspirational teacher and mentor, Philip Henry Burton or "PH."

The film is very impressive and engrossing, I was captivated by it and found myself completely absorbed. The subject matter is fascinating and the film conveys a most authentic atmosphere, set as it is in (early) nineteen forties industrial mining community of Pontrhdyfen, Port Talbot in South Wales. When it's factored in that this is not a high-budget production, this is a particular achievement. The music score by John Hardy contributes to the atmosphere, of course... this is also notable because John Hardy is the nephew of late actor Robert Hardy, who was a peer and friend of Richard Burton. 

The era is beautifully evoked. Wartime and the period in general, social and living conditions experienced in South Wales are interestingly conveyed by the locations as well as the sets and costumes and props. 

The release of Mr Burton in 2025 is especially significant in view of this being the centenary of Richard Burton's birth.

The cast is stellar. Harry Lawtey plays Richard Burton and Toby Jones plays Philip Henry Burton. Lesley Manville appears as landlady Ma Smith, Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Cis, Richard Burton's sister. Her husband, Elfed, is played by Aneurin Barnard and Richard Burton's father, Dic Jenkins, played by Steffan Rhodri. The whole cast give excellent performances. Special plaudits go to Harry Lawty and Toby Jones for each of their outstanding performances.

Mr Burton is directed by Marc Evans and written by Tom Bullough and Josh Hyams.

To be able to convey the essence of someone as well known, well remembered and unique as Richard Burton is no mean feat. Mr Philip Burton's portrayal is expressive and effectively understated.

Audience reaction was carried along in tandem with every nuance... humorous utterances onscreen, rapt attention to drama unfolding and certainly approval audible by the film's end. The affection for this film's subject matter was palpable. There is an amazing (and factually correct) scene where Richard Burton is standing atop the Welsh (Margam) mountain, with instructions to scream at the top of his voice until it doesn't hurt anymore! There's a lesson in projection!

There's a lot to be gleaned about the details of Richard Burton's early life and formative experience of acting and literature. His beginning in life and his roots were desperately poignant, resulting in him living with his older sister after the loss of his mother at a very young age. There are scenes depicted regarding Richard Burton's father which have been a source of debate over the years. Richard Burton was born Richard Jenkins and his teacher and mentor became his legal guardian, with Richard taking his name. Richard subsequently boarded at his home, moving out from the accommodation with his sister. 

Richard's story, like the back story of so many, is multi-layered. There is much texture to this account and much that is touched upon... also ultimately much more to be told in context of Richard Burton's whole life. 

Just to contemplate that little Richie Jenkins rose to such heights, to become Richard Burton... even managing somehow to make the journey from South Wales coal mines to mine for himself the world's largest and most famous diamond!

Surely, the original "Boy-o from the Valleys" made good.