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Robert Carlyle, Tom Wilkinson, Mark Addy, Lesley Sharp, Emily Woof ... see more see more... , Steve Huison , Paul Barber , Hugo Speer , Dierdre Costello , William Snape , Paul Butterworth , Dave Hill , Andrew Livingston , Vinny Dhillon , Kate Layden , Joanna Swain , Diane Lane , Kate Rutter , June Broughton , Glenn Cunningham , Chris Brailsford , Steve Garti , Malcolm Pitt , Dennis Blanch , Daryl Fishwick , David Lonsdale , Muriel Hunt , Fiona Watts , Theresa Maduemezia , Fiona Nelson , British Steel Stocksbridge Band , Bruce Jones

Six guys with nothing left to lose try losing their clothing for fun and profit in this international hit comedy. Gaz (Robert Carlyle) and Dave (Mark Addy) are two former steelworkers in the British i... read more read more...ndustrial town of Sheffield who have been devastated by the economic downturn in their community. Gaz is threatened with losing visitation rights with his son if he can't pay his child support, while Dave feels emasculated by his inability to support his wife. One day, Gaz stops by a local pub for a drink and is told it's women only tonight -- the Chippendales male exotic dancing troupe is playing, and they are demanding a hefty cover charge. Gaz decides there's nothing a bunch of pantywaists from America can do that he and his pals can't do better, and decides to form his own crew of male strippers, called "Hard Steel." However, the local talent pool leaves a bit to be desired. Gaz isn't bad looking, but Dave is a bit heavy and very self conscious about it. Horse (Paul Barber) was probably hot stuff at Soul Night in the mid-70's, but his joints don't move like they used to. Guy (Hugo Speer) can't dance to save his life, but makes the troupe because ... well, let's say he and Dirk Diggler would have a lot to say to each other. Lomper (Steve Huison) is sometimes too busy attempting suicide to practice. And Gerald (Tom Wilkinson), their choreographer, isn't much on male exotic dancing -- ballroom dancing is more his speed. While "Hard Steel"'s performances are more amusing then enticing, for the first time since they lost their jobs the men have a reason to get up in the morning; joining the group has given them a circle of friendship, and a renewed sense of purpose. Combining broad comedy with believable and well-drawn characters, The Full Monty was a major box-office hit both in England and the United States and was nominated for Academy Awards as Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

73% liked it

162,993 ratings

Critics

95% liked it

43 critics

DVD Release Date: November 2, 1999

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Stats: 4,444 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (4,444)


  • May 18, 2012
    The Full Monty is a good little comedy with a great cast. I very enjoyed the film, and thought it was a fine film for what it was. If you're looking for a charming comedy, The Full Monty may not be the masterwork everyone has claimed it to be. However, it is a well acted film wit... read moreh a feel good tone. The cast are very good and there's not one character that you dislike. This is a well directed film, one that really stands out. The film is very good, but I found that the comedic delivery was at times short. I felt that the gags fell flat at times, but in the end the film told a good story. The film has some pretty decent gags going through it, but there's never anything hilarious going on. I felt that the film was good because of the cast, and story, and it has some laughs throughout the film. As far as this film being the greatest British comedy, it's far from it. The film is worth seeing and it manages to be a memorable and must see film. The cast make this film work well enough. The script is well written, and The Full Monty is a smart, but flawed comedy that manages to entertain due to its diverse characters and good cast. This may not be the best comedy that every critic has claimed it to be, but it's still worth watching. Robert Carlyle and company are fun to watch on-screen. This is a well crafted film, and though it has its flaws, it's a must see. Brilliantly acted and directed, The Full Monty is a good spirited flick that is simply charming.
  • September 8, 2010
    4 stars
  • May 31, 2010
    This movie is nothing short of incredible. Predictable and obvious, yes; but amazing all the same. It is certainly a feel-good movie, and pretty shallow, as well; but at the same time, there is a little bit of meat (no pun intended) if you are looking for it. The acting was reall... read morey good in the sense that every really seemed in touch with their character. The roles themselves were not noteworthy, per say, but they were portrayed in a noteworthy way. I would like to say more, but there really is nothing else to say. It is a sweet, funny movie: Sort of cheesy, sort of heartbreaking, and completely hilarious from start to finish.
  • March 25, 2010
    loved this movie! who wouldnt love the track "you can leave your hat on" by joe cocker
  • March 16, 2010
    Not a great flick, but it serves its purpose.
  • September 23, 2009
    When a new British Film is dubbed 'The best British film' it?s usually a good indication that it is in fact crap. This film is another reason the British film industry is in the shit, your mum likes it but she knows nothing about good film and can?t even remember the damn thing a... read morenyway! When any new film is dubbed ?The funniest comedy since The Full Monty? I avoid it like the plague. Rest in Peace British cinema, you once were great.
  • August 18, 2009
    Hilarious & touching with a beautiful music score and obviously far better than that crap Titanic
  • March 16, 2009
    Dave: Anti-wrinkle cream there may be, but anti-fat-bastard cream there is not.

    Despite the subject matter (male stripping), this is a very funny and original movie.

    The story involves a group of out-of-work men in England, who decide to put on their own strip show after seeing... read more how much money it can make. Fairly simple setup, with a number of personal stories handled along the way.

    A lot of the jokes come from the fact that these are inexperienced, out of work guys, who you do not want to see strip, but they each have their own problems, and know they could make a lot of money doing so.

    Police Inspector: So your daddy dances in front of you, does he?
    Nathan: Only when he's rehearsing.

    The movie plays like a sports movie, with the underdogs going against the odds, while everyone bets against them, in order to hopefully succeed in the end.

    We are treated to a lot of montage scenes of these guys learning how to dance and get routines down, as well as just seeing their lives and why they might need to do this.

    Robert Carlyle and Tom Wilkinson (in roles that don't need them to be so serious for a change) are very good in their roles, as a man trying to afford joint custody to be with his son and another man looking not feel like a failure in front of his wife.

    This whole movie is just very satisfying on a number of levels. Its funny, well put together in terms of its simplistic style and soundtrack, and makes for pleasing moments involving these characters. A joy to watch.

    Gaz: I don't suppose you could lend us a jacket...
    Dave: Oh, Gaz...
    Gaz: Oh, come on, Dave, it's not for me, it's a funeral.
    Dave: [pause] What color?
    Gaz: [pause] Orange.
    Dave: Orange?
    Gaz: *Black* for fuck's sake!
  • November 8, 2008
    Great British Cast, who wouldn't enjoy this film?
  • June 12, 2008
    Unbelievably nominated against "Titanic" for best picture.

Critic Reviews


Susan Wloszczyna
January 1, 2000
Susan Wloszczyna, USA Today

It's a familiar show-biz routine but one that's spangled with happy surprises and sharp acting.

Joyce Slaton
January 2, 2011
Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media

Who knew male strippers could be so sweet? Full Review

Michael Dequina
March 8, 2009
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com

Leaves the audience smiling and giggling, all the while painting a convincing and touching portrait of the downtrodden in England. Full Review

Emanuel Levy
December 19, 2007
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

The premise of this British comedy, out-of-work male strippers, is contrived and calculated, but the film exudes charm and optimism. Full Review

Ryan Cracknell
September 22, 2007
Ryan Cracknell, Calgary Movies

When it was first released in 1997, it made quite a name for itself, arguably in large part to the fact of its subject matter. A decade later, the shock factor is gone and what's left is a genuinely f... Full Review

Thomas Delapa
March 3, 2006
Thomas Delapa, Boulder Weekly

A crowd-pleasing blue-collar comedy, half funny and half sad. Full Review

Philip Martin
March 31, 2005
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

...a sweet, humane bit of entertainment that - unlike formulaic Hollywood movies - doesn't condescend to its audience.

Judith Egerton
June 25, 2004
Judith Egerton, Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY)

The briskly paced, high-spirited movie is complemented by a funny score that includes the old disco hit You Sexy Thing. Full Review

Pablo Villaca
May 31, 2002
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena

A única maneira que os protagonistas encontram de recuperar sua dignidade é tirando a roupa. Mas a vida não é repleta dessas peças? Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
February 28, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

A funny and fetching comedy about the resiliency of the human spirit. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Facts


    • Dave: Anti-wrinkle cream they may have. Anti-Fat Bastard cream they do not.

The Full Monty : Watch Free on TV


The Full Monty Trivia


  • From which film comes the line: "The lunchbox has landed!"?  Answer »
  • which movie features a song by tom jones which includes the phrase "you can leave your hat on"  Answer »
  • name this movie based on the audio clip song  Answer »
  • Name the movie from this quote: Anti-wrinkle Cream There May Be, But Anti-fat Bastard Cream There Is Not.  Answer »

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