Vera Drake (2004)
London, 1950: Vera Drake lives with her husband Stan and their grown-up children, Sid and Ethel. They are not rich, but they are a happy, close-knit family. Vera cleans houses, Stan is a mechanic in his brother's garage, Sid works for a tailor and Ethel works in a factory testing lightbulbs. But selfless Vera has a sideline, which she keeps secret from all those around her. Without accepting payment she helps young women to end their unwanted pregnancies.
Classification: Suitable only for persons of 12 years and over
Starring: Jim Broadbent, Lesley Manville, Ruth Sheen, Marion Bailey, Imelda Staunton, Richard Graham, Sandra Voe, Eddie Marsan, Philip Davis, Simon Chandler, Anna Keaveney, Sam Troughton, Alex Kelly, Sally Hawkins, Heather Craney
Director: Mike Leigh
Members Reviews
Reviewed by: Pete W
Slow moving but superb acting
Mike Leigh invokes the atmosphere of London in 1950 perfectly. Vera Drake is an ordinary caring housewife and mother with a secret which eventually shames herself and her family. The only slightly heavy handed part of the story overemphasises the "one law for the rich, one for the poor" point which the film makes. Excellent acting all round with not a weak cast member but Imelda Staunton is a revelation.
I found this review
Reviewed by: KB
Too Much crying
Maybe I'm not sensitive enough. i love all of Mike Leigh's films,his attention to detail and the moment is amazing. However compelling as this film was, and maybe it was due to watching it on a small sceen the constant scenes of Vera crying so much and on edge so much that she couldn't speak was fustrating, I found myself almost sceaming at the TV "just spit it out".. as she took five minutes to say.. 'I'm not sure'.
I found this review
Reviewed by: Jo Wise
Well worth watching
I really enjoyed this drama which, as with most Mike Leigh films concentrates on the personalities of the characters and the detail of their everyday lives rather than on action/ adventure. Interesting to see such the 50's houses with great attention to detail in the sets.Love the contrasts between the different classes and some great acting.
I found this review
Reviewed by: Stevo
good
excellent film
I found this review
Reviewed by: Z. F. from N.Somerset
Easy Viewing drama
This is like reading a good book with a nice cuppa and some chocolate. The film follows the life of vera and depicts life in the 50's very well. There are no surprises or dramatic ending but it is an enjoyable watch. It may appeal more to females than males because it probably isn't 'dramatic' enough.
I found this review
Vera Drake
 
Genres:
Drama

Run Time:
120 Minutes

Awards:
2004 Venice Film Festival: Golden Lion
2004 Venice Film Festival: Best Actress
2004 BAFTA: Best Direction
2004 BAFTA: Best Actress
2004 BAFTA: Best Costumes

Subtitles:
English Hard of Hearing

Languages:
English

Countries:
UK

BFI Classification:
Suitable only for persons of 12 years and over

Release Date:
11/04/2005

Production Year:
2004

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 1.85:1

Colour:
Colour

Special Features:
  • Cast and crew documentary
  • Trailer
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