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Mr. Burton

Play trailer Poster for Mr. Burton Mar 2026 2h 4m Biography Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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93% Tomatometer 42 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
Mr. Burton tells the true story of the relationship between Port Talbot schoolmaster Philip Burton and a wild young schoolboy called Richard Jenkins, the son of a wayward drunk. Richard dreamed of becoming an actor, but his ambitions were in danger of being derailed by a combination of family trouble, the pressure of war, and his own lack of discipline. Mr. Burton recognized the raw talent in his pupil, becoming his tutor, strict taskmaster and eventually his adoptive father.
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Mr. Burton

Mr. Burton

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Critics Consensus

A thoroughly evocative exploration of artistry and mentorship, Mr. Burton is vividly brought to life by the absorbing dynamic between stars Toby Jones and Harry Lawtey.

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Critics Reviews

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Stephen Farber The Hollywood Reporter Mar 20, 2026
The subject of mentorship is not treated frequently onscreen, but Mr. Burton may be remembered as one of the definitive explorations of the theme. Go to Full Review Guy Lodge Variety Mar 19, 2026
It’s a little disappointing that “Mr. Burton” remains so coy around Philip’s inner life and yearnings, though Jones’s graceful, precise performance in nuanced in its unspoken implications. Go to Full Review Sandra Hall Sydney Morning Herald Aug 14, 2025
3.5/5
In essence, it’s a great story, yet the final scenes, which take us out of Wales to London and Stratford, don’t quite work Go to Full Review William Schwartz Book & Film Globe May 18, 2026
The point that Burton makes to Jenkins, time and again, is that as an instructor, his role is not to encourage his pupil, but to see if his pupil feels compelled to succeed even when discouraged. Go to Full Review Tony Medley tonymedley.com Apr 29, 2026
9/10
If this isn’t the best biopic I’ve seen, it’s right up there with the best, highlighted by an Oscar(r)-quality performance by Toby Jones and an equally effective job by Harry Lawtey. It's long but well-directed and not too long. Go to Full Review Julio Fernando Navas Cinema Ecuador Apr 15, 2026
3.5/ 5
It might be formulaic, but Evan's noble attempt to celebrate an icon from Welsh cinema is inspiring and very well acted. [Full review in Spanish]. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Henry D @Henry_Domke Aug 27, 2026 A rich story about how a mentor appeared in Richard Burton’s life, recognized his potential, and selflessly guided him. Toby Jones was thoroughly convincing as that mentor. Harry Lawtey, an actor unknown to us, did a fine job transforming from a struggling teenager into a world-class actor with real gravitas. The production was good, and both the acting and the story were strong. See more Marilou W @RT93041725 Jul 24, 2026 The movie was wonderfully executed! We enjoyed it very much! See more Stephen C @bob25009 Mar 20, 2026 Based on a true story in 2 hours and 4 minutes. All ages admitted worldwide. See more bob C @RT46426964 Feb 25, 2026 Interesting but the lead isn’t up to it. Worth watching, but See more David H @RT75968152 Jan 17, 2026 Not entirely convinced by the Harry Lawtey casting but then how do you find a young Welsh actor capable of providing the sheer power and self destructive genius of Richard Burton? An intelligent and well meaning film. See more Robert C @RT61302063 Nov 15, 2025 I thought Toby Jones excellent in his part, but at 29, Harry Lawtey was at least 10 years too old to be taken seriously as a 17/18 yo Richard Burton. The AI genererated background images of an industrial Port Talbot were similarly unconvincing. If the producers cannot afford the real thing, stick to tight shots. I found all the obviously false scenic shots a distraction. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the movie, but it could have been so much better. See more Read all reviews
Mr. Burton

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Cast & Crew

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Marc Evans

Director

Toby Jones

Mr. Burton

Harry Lawtey

Rich

Lesley Manville

Ma Smith

Aimee-Ffion Edwards

Cis

Aneurin Barnard

Elfed

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Mr. Burton

Mr Burton (2025) Mr Burton (2025) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Mr. Burton tells the true story of the relationship between Port Talbot schoolmaster Philip Burton and a wild young schoolboy called Richard Jenkins, the son of a wayward drunk. Richard dreamed of becoming an actor, but his ambitions were in danger of being derailed by a combination of family trouble, the pressure of war, and his own lack of discipline. Mr. Burton recognized the raw talent in his pupil, becoming his tutor, strict taskmaster and eventually his adoptive father.
Director
Marc Evans
Producer
Ed Talfan, Hannah Thomas, Josh Hyams, Trevor Matthews
Screenwriter
Tom Bullough, Josh Hyams
Distributor
Samuel Goldwyn Films
Production Co
BBC Wales
Genre
Biography, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 20, 2026, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 20, 2026
Runtime
2h 4m
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