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Beautiful Thing (1996)

Beautiful Thing (1996)
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In this alternately somber and witty coming-of-age drama, a pair of teenage boys growing up in a working-class neighborhood become aware of their homosexuality. Introspective Jamie (Glen Berry) is the son of Sandra (Linda Henry), a tough but warm-hearted barmaid who lives in a public housing block in a rough-and-tumble section of South London. Living a few doors away is Jamie's classmate Ste (Scott Neal), an athletic type who often has to take a beating from his hard-drinking father and hard-headed brother. One night, Jamie and Sandra discover that Ste has been kicked out of the apartment and has nowhere to spend the night; Jamie lets him stay at his place, and a casual closeness eventually stirs sexual feelings. While both were vaguely aware they might be gay, neither had ever acted on their impulses, and once Jamie and Ste decide that they're attracted to each other, neither is sure just what to do. Tony (Ben Daniels), Sandra's boyfriend, doesn't know what to think about Jamie's new lifestyle. Meanwhile, Jamie and Ste are themselves a bit puzzled by their neighbor Leah (Tameka Empson), a teenager obsessed with the life and music of Mama Cass Elliott. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Andrew FraserLinda Henry, (more)
Director(s):
Hettie MacDonald
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Beautiful Thing

In this alternately somber and witty coming-of-age drama, a pair of teenage boys growing up in a working-class neighborhood become aware of their homosexuality. Introspective Jamie (Glen Berry) is the son of Sandra (Linda Henry), a tough but warm-hearted barmaid who lives in a public housing block in a rough-and-tumble section of South London. Living a few doors away is Jamie's classmate Ste (Scott Neal), an athletic type who often has to take a beating from his hard-drinking father and hard-headed brother. One night, Jamie and Sandra discover that Ste has been kicked out of the apartment and has nowhere to spend the night; Jamie lets him stay at his place, and a casual closeness eventually stirs sexual feelings. While both were vaguely aware they might be gay, neither had ever acted on their impulses, and once Jamie and Ste decide that they're attracted to each other, neither is sure just what to do. Tony (Ben Daniels), Sandra's boyfriend, doesn't know what to think about Jamie's new lifestyle. Meanwhile, Jamie and Ste are themselves a bit puzzled by their neighbor Leah (Tameka Empson), a teenager obsessed with the life and music of Mama Cass Elliott. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
91 mins

Complete Cast of Beautiful Thing


Director(s):
Hettie MacDonald
Writer(s):
Jonathan Harvey
Producer(s):
Bill ShapterTony Garnett
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Not For Children, Adult Situations)
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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Member Reviews
 
Ryan A.

This movie was sweet and touching. The cast were great. Acting was great. Overall, I loved it. I mean, the two aussie boys are so adorable. I would recommend it.

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Paul C.

As I recall, when this movie was released in 1996, it was the first to deal with adolescents coming of age with their sexuality and does it very realistically without, as another reviewer said, all the stereotypes. The movie has some camp to it, which lightens some of the more brutal moments, and it is overall gay-positive. As I recall, it also manages to cover the favorite British film theme, class, at the same time.

Yes   |   No

 
Steven R.

An enjoyable film, with quite remarkable performances, especially from the actress who plays the mother and the actor playing her son. My only criticism is with the ending...a little bit unresolved.

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