X
- 2004
- R
- Fine Line Features
- 2 h 5 m
- 2004
- R
- Fine Line Features
- 2 h 5 m
Directed By: Mike Leigh
Written By: Mike Leigh
- 2004
- R
- Fine Line Features
- 2 h 5 m
- 2004
- R
- Fine Line Features
- 2 h 5 m
Vera Drake
6.7
Where to Watch
Directed By: Mike Leigh
Written By: Mike Leigh
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 40 Critic Reviews
83
90% Positive
36 Reviews
36 Reviews
10% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 40 Critic Reviews
83
90% Positive
36 Reviews
36 Reviews
10% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
The strength of Leigh's film is that it is not a message picture, but a deep and true portrait of these lives.
Stunning and compassionate period drama.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 33 User Ratings
6.7
73% Positive
24 Ratings
24 Ratings
9% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
18% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 33 User Ratings
6.7
73% Positive
24 Ratings
24 Ratings
9% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
18% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
Here the greatest success was to focus on a sensitive topic without showing any partisanship, leaving the viewer the role of being the judge. To highlight Imelda Staunton, as the abortion practitioner.
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This movie gave me much more pleasure than I expected. Being abortion such a difficult, controversial topic, I was guessing to find a militant, politicized film, in which I would probably lose interest very quickly, as I already have my ideas on this topic relatively defined. But that's not what happened: this film will take the theme in another way, giving the main character a candor and naïveté that hardly marry with any intention of subjective indoctrination.
Everything takes place during the 1950s, when Great Britain was still a conservative country with a series of laws and regulations that were highly restrictive in various aspects of life and morals. Vera Drake is a popular, ordinary woman who runs her house, cooks, does the shopping for her family and takes care of her children and husband with all the affection she can. She could be either the mother or the grandmother of any of us! But she does something that no one knows: she "helps women" to have an abortion when they are pregnant without having wanted it (for not wanting the scandal of an early pregnancy or before marriage, for having been **** or just because they already have enough children). She does it for free, never charged for it, does not seek publicity and does things discreetly, driven by the duty to help those in a desperate situation. However, she commits a crime, in the eyes of society and strict British morals. Therefore, she is bothered by the authorities after one of her "patients" is admitted to the hospital, with serious complications arising from her procedure.
If I wanted, I had enough material with this film for a long discussion around abortion. But being a complex, fracturing and controversial topic, and one that is discussed in the public square with such regularity, I will avoid this discussion, which I feel does not have its proper place here. What interests us is the film. The story told is very simple, without artifice and sometimes sounds improvised, but it gives each character the necessary time to develop. The strong point of the film is the conception of the main character, which is very palatable and friendly. Even those who disagree with Vera Drake's way of thinking and acting will feel a certain affection for her, for her naïveté and innate kindness. I don't know if it was intentional, but I'm sorry the script has so little story to tell.
Another strong point of the film is the weight and quality of the cast, and their work. Imelda Staunton is an actress that the public will know for her short, but remarkable, participation in the "Harry Potter" films, but this is, without a doubt, the best cinematographic work of the actress to date. She is phenomenal here, she gave herself entirely to this work, and it is her performance that gives life and body to the entire film. There are some amazing scenes, but I especially remember the close-up of her face when the police show up, and her cheerful face gradually starts to show seriousness, then worry, fear and real anguish. In fact, the scene in which the police show up to arrest her is, by far, the most tense and dramatic moment in the film. Alongside Staunton, we also have great actors like Jim Broadbent, Richard Graham, Eddie Marsan, Alex Kelly, Daniel Mays or Phil Davis. Everyone did a really good job.
Technically, it's a low-key movie. It was directed by Mike Leigh, who had to play with few resources and a very low budget. Perhaps that explains why the sets, although beautifully designed, seem so claustrophobic, in particular Vera Drake's house, where everyone seems to huddle together for dinner. The use of period furniture and props was well accomplished and everything has a touch of realism. One detail that impressed me was the teapot cover, made of knitted wool. There is virtually no soundtrack, given the small budget, but the film works that way, and the foggy and somewhat somber cinematography gives the film a more dated look.
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As an evocation of English working-class life half a century ago, it feels utterly authentic, and is ennobled -- not too strong a word, I think -- by Imelda Staunton's performance in the title role.
Confirms Leigh's reputation as one of the world's master filmmakers - and showcases Staunton as one of its great actresses.
Marvellous, though it is smaller in emotional range than such earlier Mike Leigh films as the goofy bourgeois satire "High Hopes" (1988), the candid and piercing "Secrets & Lies" (1996), and the splendid theatrical spectacle "Topsy-Turvy" (1999).
Leigh's directing is lean and tight. In Imelda Staunton as Vera, he has an actress who can make her only two emotions interesting.
The film's screenplay is thick with major lapses in logic, resulting in a story that ultimately makes little sense.
A beautiful film with a original and interesting story, with a brilliant performance of Imelda Stauton, a moving film, one of the best movies of 2004.
Report
Production Company
Les Films Alain Sarde,
UK Film Council,
Inside Track Productions,
Thin Man Films,
Film Council Premiere Fund,
Ingenious Film Partners,
Inside Track 1,
National Lottery through UK Film Council,
Untitled 03
Release Date Oct 10, 2004
Duration 2 h 5 m
Rating R
Tagline Wife. Mother. Criminal.
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 3 Nominations
Golden Globes, USA
• 1 Nomination
BAFTA Awards
• 3 Wins & 11 Nominations
