A new melancholic romcom, 'The Ballad of Wallis Island,' is presented as a reflection on British national character, emphasizing themes of acceptance of failure, self-deprecation, and a pragmatic approach to life's disappointments, contrasting with more aggressive or puffed-up notions of Britishness.
What is Britain’s elusive ‘national character’? The Ballad of Wallis Island might just tell us
British identity and societyCultureSocietyUK
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A new melancholic romcom, 'The Ballad of Wallis Island,' is presented as a reflection on British national character, emphasizing themes of acceptance of failure, self-deprecation, and a pragmatic approach to life's disappointments, contrasting with more aggressive or puffed-up notions of Britishness.
- 1 Recently: Polling showed only 41% of generation Z say they’re proud to be British.
- 2 This week: Reform party launched 'Doge'; Rachel Reeves made a speech on investing in infrastructure; extracts from Sarah Vine's memoir published.
- A re-evaluation of British national identity
- Potential for a more inclusive and self-aware sense of Britishness
- Critique of political attempts to evoke a 'Maga' spirit
What: The new film 'The Ballad of Wallis Island' is described as a reflection on British national character, portraying traits such as acceptance of failure, self-deprecation, and a comfort with imperfection. The article discusses how this contrasts with a 'make Britain great again' mentality and suggests a more relatable, tolerant, and embarrassed sense of national identity. It also touches on recent polling showing declining pride in Britishness among Generation Z.
When: This week (Reform party's Doge launch, Rachel Reeves's speech, Sarah Vine's memoir extracts); recently (polling on Gen Z pride).
Where: UK, Wales, Huddersfield, Kent county council.
Why: The article explores the concept of British national identity, particularly in the context of declining pride among younger generations and the contrast between political rhetoric and a more grounded, self-deprecating cultural representation. It seeks to define what a 'relatable British identity' might entail.
How: The author uses the new film 'The Ballad of Wallis Island' as a lens to examine British identity, drawing parallels with other cultural phenomena like Elizabeth Day's 'How to Fail' podcast and historical narratives of defeat. Political figures and their initiatives are also referenced to highlight the contrast in national self-perception.