I missed Vera Drake when it was fleetingly shown in Paris cinemas, although I had heard excellent things about it, all of which turned out to be quite true.
A very interesting British movie, wonderfully directed and acted, Vera Drake is about a working class woman of the 50’s, and takes place in England. Vera is a good woman, who loves and is loved by her family and relatives. She helps a lot of people in her neighbourhood and as she puts it, she also helps out young girls in trouble. As in the UK of the 50’s, abortion was a crime, you can see what the subject of the movie is. I don’t want to tell you any more about the plot, as I recommend you get your hands on a copy of that movie and watch it. Whatever you think about abortion, the movie is a must. Imelda Staunton, who IS Vera is just incredible.
I watched and was fascinated by the movie and was so interested that I wanted to see what was in the bonuses. There was Imelda, talking about Vera, and it really took me some time to realise that there was the actress who had impersonated Vera. The whole cast is incredibly good.
The movie won two awards at 2004 Venice Film Festival - Golden Lion for Best Film & Volpi Cup for Best Actress.
Mike Leigh, the director, also directed a 1996 movie i also loved, Secrets and Lies
I’m SO glad you blogged about this movie, Claude. We rented it from Netflix a couple months ago and I was impressed as you were.
What a great part she played. I connected with the character of Vera Drake immediately. But what made it all the more profound is that it was, in fact, based on a true story.
Great review and thanks for sharing. This is one definitely worth watching!
Comment by Terri — March 30, 2007 @ 1:48 pm
I too saw this for the first time recently and was blown away. It led me to look for other films by Mike Leigh (director). Check out Topsy Turvy, Secrets and Lies, All or Nothing … for starters.
Comment by sixty-five — March 30, 2007 @ 4:13 pm
I’ve wanted to see Vera Drake for a while. I loved Secrets and Lies.
Comment by michelle — March 30, 2007 @ 7:37 pm
I’ve seen Secrets and Lies several times. Mike Leigh is an incredibly talented director. I’ll have to look for some more of his movies
Comment by Claude — March 30, 2007 @ 9:13 pm
I’m also a fan of Mike Leigh. I remember “Naked” as quite hard=hitting, though. Gritty.
Comment by Gail — April 3, 2007 @ 3:13 am