Tommy's Honour

Filmmaker Jason Connery's 19th-century drama about golf pioneers centers on Tom Morris, known as Old Tom (Peter Mullan), and his son, Young Tommy (Jack Lowden). Supporting his family of six, Old Tom works as a humble greens-keeper, caddy, and instructor at Scotland's renowned Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, where he's known as a superb competitor and four-time winner of the British Open. So it's not surprising that Young Tom makes his auspicious amateur debut in 1868 at the age of 17. Rebelling against authority, which is epitomized by the United Kingdom's stratified class division, Young Tom is determined to become a professional golfer instead of lugging clubs, teeing up balls, and catering to ill-mannered aristocrats. “Your station in life was set before you were born,” chides the club captain (Sam Neill). Inspired by Kevin Cook's titular 2007 nonfiction book, the film captures the rugged magnificence of Scotland's rustic links (which form a stark contrast to today's well-manicured courses). Challenging tradition with innovation, the Morrises embody the generational struggle between a dour, deferential father and a willful, ambitious son, throwing in additional conflict when Young Tom falls in love with a spunky older woman (Ophelia Lovibond) who has a scandalous past. Unfortunately, neither Mullan nor Lowden are real-life golfers, although Connery tries hard to disguise their ineptitude. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include a “Far and Sure” behind-the-scenes featurette featuring pro golfer Jordan Spieth (29 min.). Bottom line: a decent extras package for an uneven but often engaging golf drama.] (S. Granger)