The directorial debut of actor Andy Serkis is an unabashed tearjerker, wringing every last drop of emotion from an inspirational true story.
The film’s breezy tone seems to reflect the blithe spirit of its subject Robin Cavendish, who treated adversity as a nuisance.
Cavendish, played by Andrew Garfield, was a dashing young chap in the 1950s, set for a blissful life with his beloved Diana (Claire Foy) until tragedy struck.
After contracting polio in Kenya, Robin was left paralysed from the neck down and told he would be dependent on a respirator for whatever short life he might have left.
But he refused to accept such a fate and the film charts his determination to endure and challenge all the prejudices surrounding his condition.
Breathe fills you with admiration for a triumph against adversity.
Garfield captures the decency and good humour of Robin while Claire Foy makes Diana a sturdy force for good.
A stellar cast, including Hugh Bonneville, Tom Hollander and Diana Rigg, all add extra colour to this irresistible tale.