Secrets and Lies (1996)

Synopsis of Secrets and Lies

A family is forced to confront the personal issues they've been avoiding for years in this powerful, realistic drama. Cynthia (Brenda Blethyn) is a working-class British woman whose life has been a long series of painful disappointments. She's single with no romantic prospects and a dead-end job at a box factory. Her daughter Roxanne (Claire Rushbrook) works as a street sweeper and is chronically bitter. Cynthia helped raise her brother, Maurice (Timothy Spall), who is doing well as a photographer, but she rarely sees him and usually blames his wife, Monica (Phyllis Logan). One day, Cynthia receives a phone call from a woman named Hortense (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), who claims to be the daughter Cynthia put up for adoption years ago. Cynthia initially reacts with panic, but she agrees to meet Hortense and is surprised to discover that she's a successful and soft-spoken eye doctor -- and that she's black. Cynthia is soon convinced that Hortense is just who she claims to be, and they quickly form a friendship that gives Cynthia a new source of emotional strength. However, when Cynthia decides to introduce the family to her new "friend," it forces them to confront the lies and evasions that have kept them apart all these years. Largely improvised by director Mike Leigh and his cast, Secrets & Lies features standout work by Brenda Blethyn (who earned an Academy Award nomination as Best Actress), Marianne Jean-Baptiste (who was nominated as Best Supporting Actress), and Timothy Spall. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

142 mins

Director(s):

Mike Leigh

Writer(s):

Mike Leigh

Producer(s):

Simon Channing-Williams

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Questionable for Children, Profanity, Adult Situations)

• 1996 - Cannes Film Festival - Palme d'Or
• 1996 - Cannes Film Festival - Best Actress
• 1996 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
• 1996 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Director
• 1996 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Picture
• 1996 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Actress
• 1996 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Picture (Runner-up)
• 1996 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Director (Runner-up)
• 1996 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Actress - Runner-up

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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