Exquisite and wholesome. Some works of art just help you relax a bit and take life slowly. 84 Charing Cross Road, is one such breezy real-life tale which effortlessly hints you to slow down and listen, for the world may offer serendipity just around the corner.

84 Charing Cross Road is a 1987 British-American drama film directed by David Jones. The screenplay by Hugh Whitemore is based on a play by James Roose-Evans, which itself was an adaptation of the 1970 epistolary memoir of the same name by Helene Hanff, a compilation of letters between herself and Frank Doel dating from 1949 to 1968. This is a non-fiction book, which turned into a drama and then into a feature film. I believe it must have bloomed as it progressed through the various media channels.

This came to me through recommendation list on Judy Dench and yet, she is just supporting actress in this one. The real chemistry is between Anne Bancroft as Helene Hanff and Anthony Hopkins as Frank Doel. Anne Bancroft vividly portrays Helene with wit and childlike freshness. Anthony Hopkins presents a well-mannered British guy throughout the film. As they get comfortable with letters, the chemistry and ease of communication improve and that shows in both of the performances. Judy Dench was nominated for BAFTA for a supporting role. Although she has less screen time, she still leaves a mark as the wife of Frank.

When a humorous script-reader in her New York apartment sees an ad in the Saturday Review of Literature for a bookstore in London that does mail order, she begins a very special correspondence and friendship with Frank Doel, the bookseller who works at Marks & Co., 84 Charing Cross Road.

This is a masterclass on how the passage of time is depicted on screen. The correspondence lasts for almost 20 years. Both Helene and Frank continue to live their lives in expected ways. Frank’s children grow up, Helene’s career gradually takes off from a simple script reader to an accomplished author. In this journey of life, the conversation between these two friends strengthens as true platonic care and affection for each other.

Throughout this journey of time, the central theme always remains the classics, hard to find, out of print books. If you are a bibliophile, this movie is for you. And if you are antiquarian, then probably don’t waste time reading further and go watch this. The book references, passages offer a solace very few things can. Literature and old books being the landscape, it has reflected well in the writing. The quips and occasional sarcasm of Helene leave you smirking throughout the narrative.

This leisurely paced drama is something we all need. Probably worth revisiting multiple times when the breakneck pace of the current life invariably bogs us down. Art like this tells us to slow down and cherish the experiences.