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Alison Steadman, Jim Broadbent, Timothy Spall, Claire Skinner, Jane Horrocks ... see more see more... , David Thewlis , Moya Brady , Stephen Rea , David Neilson , Jack Thorpe Baker , Harriet Thorpe

Mike Leigh's situation comedy about a lower middle-class family in the London suburbs is a slice-of-life chronicle that subtly reveals the pain and rage underneath the surface of day-to-day convention... read more read more...s. The youngish parents, Wendy (Alison Steadman) and Andy (Jim Broadbent) live with their 20-something twin daughters, Nicola (Jane Horrocks) and Natalie (Claire Skinner). Natalie, a plumber's assistant, is clean-cut and forever looks on the bright side of life. Nicola, who is unemployed, has nothing but contempt for conventionality. As the daughters deal with the obsessively sunny Wendy and the lackadaisical Andy, and confront a succession of ne'er-do-well friends and neighbors, a darker picture is painted of this normal family -- particularly Nicola, who is convinced she is fat and ugly (despite her emaciated appearance), with Natalie being a constant rebuke to her. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Flixster Users

87% liked it

3,830 ratings

Critics

100% liked it

11 critics

R, 1 hr. 45 min.

Directed by: Mike Leigh

Release Date: March 22, 1991

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DVD Release Date: March 29, 2005

Stats: 192 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (192)

  • RossCollinsUK
    November 17, 2010
    RossCollinsUK
    A portrait of Enfield chavdom in 1990. Crazy, ugly, genius.
  • SirPant
    April 13, 2010
    SirPant
    Classic Mike Leigh - Unpretentious, unsweetened social realism that is loved by the pretentious, is as sweet as sugar and will have the BFI mob stating things like 'I knew those people/I ate in the Regret Rien/It's funny because it's true' . I love it, I'm in no way admitting tha... read moret I'm pretentious in any way, I just love Mike Leigh's films but hate most other people who say they do, mainly the BFI mob. I hate the way Leigh has been treated by Hollywood but I feel it's nothing compared to how he's been treated in his own country and the city in which he resides. BFI and BAFTA owe him so much but always shit on him, it makes me quite upset for him! Not that he needs all these awards you understand, it would just be nice to see him rightfully recognised.
  • romy861
    February 5, 2009
    romy861
    This is a great movie. Jane Horrocks is excellent in it. Funny while being sad at the same time. Must watch it again sometime.
  • michaelcorleone
    September 10, 2009
    michaelcorleone
    What initially comes across as an absurd comedy is actually a sensitive and socially aware study of relationships within a family. This is a very funny film, but it manages to tap into all aspects of the emotional spectrum and works as a drama as well. All of the performances are... read more phenomenal. As a big David Thewlis fan, I was particularly amused by his cameo. I highly recommend this movie.
  • nanoqna
    January 16, 2007
    nanoqna
    everyones already said tis. but i think tis the best movie of the year. the charater is so real really makes me think.

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Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz
April 20, 2010
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

The director's wife at the time, Alison Steadman, stealing the show as Wendy the nurturing suburban housewife survivor. Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
July 18, 2003
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

Explores the personal and economic lives of a lower middle-class English family in hard times. Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
September 7, 2011
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

Click to read the article Full Review

Vincent Canby
May 20, 2003
Vincent Canby, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Desson Thomson
January 1, 2000
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

Click to read the article Full Review

Hal Hinson
January 1, 2000
Hal Hinson, Washington Post

Click to read the article Full Review

March 22, 1991
Entertainment Weekly

Click to read the article Full Review

Jon Niccum
October 7, 2005
Jon Niccum, Lawrence Journal-World

No review available.

Emanuel Levy
June 19, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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