The Personal History of David Copperfield

Year

2019

Duration

119 minutes

Genres

Comedy, Period and Historical

Language

English

What is an Into Film Club?

Synopsis

Set in Victorian England but told with a modern sensibility, this version of Charles Dickens’ much-loved novel stars Dev Patel in the title role as David Copperfield, chronicling his journey from childhood into adulthood. After he is sent to work in a bottle factory by his mother’s new husband, the miserly and abusive Mr Murdstone, David discovers his love for language and resolves to become a writer. Escaping into the wider world, he meets a host of peculiar and wonderful characters including his outlandish aunt, Betsey Trotwood, and the cunning and singular Uriah Heep. Made with a diverse British cast, this broad and charming comedy from director Armando Ianucci is one of the most accessible and entertaining Dickens adaptations to date.

Director/s

Armando Iannucci

Cast (in alphabetical order)

Also available with this film on Into Film+

3 RESOURCES

Find the resources related to The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019) to use in your teaching

What is an Into Film Club?

Classification

mild violence, threat, brief bloody images

Find out more on the BBFC website

Also available with this film on Into Film+

3 RESOURCES

Find the resources related to The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019) to use in your teaching

Resources To Use With This Film

David Copperfield: Film Guide

A film guide that looks at The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019), exploring its key topics and themes through informal discussion

Suitable for 14–16

1 ppt

View resource

Related Films

Far From The Madding Crowd(2015)

In Victorian England, a headstrong woman becomes romantically involved with three different men whilst she tries to run a successful farm.

2 Reviews

Certificate

11–16 years 113 mins

Oliver!(1968)

Stream on Into Film+

Musical version of the famous Charles Dickens novel about the adventures of a Victorian orphan who falls in with a London street gang.

1,004 Reviews

Certificate

5–14 years 139 mins

Love & Friendship(2016)

Sharp, comedic adaptation of Jane Austen novella Lady Susan.

0 Reviews

Certificate

11+ years 93 mins

Great Expectations(1946)

Classic David Lean adaptation of the Dickens novel about an orphan with a mysterious benefactor.

27 Reviews

Certificate

11+ years 113 mins

Rate this film

Club Leaders can rate films! Help other club leaders decide if this film is suitable for use in their film club by giving it a rating.

Rate this film

Your rating

Click a star to rate this film

Ratings guide

Worked brilliantly
Went down well
Had some value
Did not enjoy it
Would not use again

Member rating

2 Reviews

Members rating breakdown

5 Star

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

View all reviews

Leader rating

This film has not been rated by a club leader yet. Be the first to rate this film.

Start an Into Film Club or Log in to rate this film

Sort reviews by

Viewing 0 of 0 Reviews found.

Into Film Clubs

Into Film Clubs provide opportunities to watch, review and make films.

Start an Into Film Club

Do I Need a Licence?

Information on which licences you need to show films in your education setting.

Find out more

How do Into Film Clubs work?

Find out more about what's involved in running your very own Into Film Club.

Find out more

Training

Learn to use film to raise literacy attainment and engage students.

Best of 2020: British Cinema

07 Dec 2020 BY Michael Prescott in Film Features

In the first of four blogs celebrating the many great titles that 2020 had to offer despite everything, we focus on our favourite British films of the year.

Reading time 7 mins

View Article

British coming-of-age drama 'Rocks' leads this week's New Releases

18 Sep 2020 in New Releases

London-set teen-drama Rocks finds a teenage girl and her brother battling to stay afloat whilst a new Dickens adaptation leads this week's DVD releases.

Reading time 3 mins

View Article

Young Reporter Eleanor with actor Dev Patel

Iannucci and Dev Patel on 'The Personal History of David Copperfield'

23 Jan 2020

Actor Dev Patel and director Armando Iannucci discuss the adapting Dickens' classic, the power of words, and forging the character of Copperfield himself.

Viewing time 7 mins

Play Video

The Personal History of David Copperfield Image 1 FilmNation

Iannucci does Dickens in 'The Personal History of David Copperfield'

24 Jan 2020 BY Michael Prescott in Film Features

The comic style of Armando Iannucci blends with the madcap characters of Charles Dickens in this fresh take on the classic rags-to-riches novel.

Reading time 6 mins

View Article

Into Film+ titles to treat your class with before the Easter Holidays

25 Mar 2022 in Into Film+

We've selected some of our favourite films on Into Film+ that can provide your students with a fun and rewarding treat before the Easter Holidays.

Reading time 4 mins

View Article

Literary adaptation The Goldfinch arrives on DVD for your Wishlist

22 Jan 2020

The Goldfinch tells a story of tragedy and forgery whilst one of Charles Dickens' most revered novels gets a comedic cinema release.

Reading time 2 mins

View Article