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Vera Drake (2004)

Vera Drake (2004)
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Written and directed by Academy Award-nominee Mike Leigh and set in England during the 1950s, this movie revolves around Vera Drake (Imelda Staunton), whose unrelenting dedication to her family is well known throughout her blue-collar town. However, there are more people than her rapidly aging mother and ill neighbor who depend on Vera's care. Though abortion was illegal and, of course, widely frowned upon in the '50s, Vera sees women going through unwanted pregnancies the same as she would anyone else -- human beings deserving of treatment. With this in mind, she regularly induces miscarriages for those who need them, and her patients are consistently grateful for her gentleness and understanding. Unfortunately for Vera, the law doesn't see her as aiding those in need; they interpret the abortions as murder, as do most of the other people in her life. When Vera's activities are revealed, her family life and relationships with those around her -- including the ones she helped nurse back to health -- are put in jeopardy. Vera Drake also features performances from Jim Broadbent, Heather Craney, and Philip Davis. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

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Starring:
Imelda Staunton, Philip Davis, (more)
Director(s):
Mike Leigh
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Vera Drake

Written and directed by Academy Award-nominee Mike Leigh and set in England during the 1950s, this movie revolves around Vera Drake (Imelda Staunton), whose unrelenting dedication to her family is well known throughout her blue-collar town. However, there are more people than her rapidly aging mother and ill neighbor who depend on Vera's care. Though abortion was illegal and, of course, widely frowned upon in the '50s, Vera sees women going through unwanted pregnancies the same as she would anyone else -- human beings deserving of treatment. With this in mind, she regularly induces miscarriages for those who need them, and her patients are consistently grateful for her gentleness and understanding. Unfortunately for Vera, the law doesn't see her as aiding those in need; they interpret the abortions as murder, as do most of the other people in her life. When Vera's activities are revealed, her family life and relationships with those around her -- including the ones she helped nurse back to health -- are put in jeopardy. Vera Drake also features performances from Jim Broadbent, Heather Craney, and Philip Davis. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
125 mins

Complete Cast of Vera Drake


Director(s):
Mike Leigh
Writer(s):
Mike Leigh
Producer(s):
Simon Channing-Williams, Alain Sarde
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Adult Situations, Adult Language)
Categories:
Independent Films
Vera Drake Awards:
  • 2004 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Director
  • 2004 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Actress
  • 2004 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Costume Design
  • 2004 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Actress
  • 2004 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Actress
  • 2004 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Actress
  • 2004 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Actress
  • 2004 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Actress
  • 2004 - Venice International Film Festival - Best Actress
  • 2004 - Venice International Film Festival - Best Picture
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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    Anne G.

    Good cast. Dialogue works well. Knowing the conclusion did not make the movie any less watchable. A difficult subject, but a good reminder of the hardships imposed by conservative male lawmakers/judges on the female half of the population.

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    Kathy M.

    Outstanding performances, especially Imelda Staunton. Abortion is usually presented as a polarizing issue, but this film brings the big picture into focus. The viewer sees that there is more than just the right and the wrong, and that even those who accept the practical reality may anguish over the very real loss. The contrast of Vera's sorrow to the less remorseful, and the conflicting emotions of her family are poignant and thought-provoking.

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    SHERYL A M.

    Ms. Imelda Stauton played this part so incredibly well that I felt as though she was really Vera Drake. I think that most people could identify with this character rather or not they agree with her efforts to help unwed mothers.

    Yes   |   No

     
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