Coky Giedroyc Movies
- 2009
Tom Hardy starts along screen newcomer Charlotte Riley in this passionate new adaptation of Emily Brontë's timeless romance. Adopted into the wealthy Earnshaw family, mysterious gypsy boy Heathcliff forms a powerful romantic bond with his new stepsister Cathy. Realizing that he can never be with his one true soul mate, Heathcliff dedicates his entire life to seeking vengeance against anyone who dares come between them. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
As directed by Coky Giedroyc and originally screened on the BBC, this epic adaptation of Charles Dickens' second novel, the classic 1838 tome Oliver Twist, checks in at just under three hours. In the principal roles, it stars William Miller as Oliver, Timothy Spall (Intimacy) as Fagin, Adam Arnold as The Artful Dodger, Rob Brydon as Mr. Fang, Tom Hardy as Bill Sykes and Ruby Bentall as Charlotte. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
The shrewd, 44-year reign of coquettish Queen Elizabeth I is explored in vivid detail in this lavish historical drama starring Anne-Marie Duff in the title role and directed by Coky Giedroyc. Imprisoned in the Tower of London after being charged with treason and conspiracy by Queen Mary, young Elizabeth defies authority by maintaining her Protestant faith as England falls into chaos as a result of Henry VIII's historical break with the Catholic Church. Though both are bonded by blood to the oft-married Henry VIII, Elizabeth's and Mary's stubborn wills clash when Mary vows to reunite with Rome and the unbreakable Elizabeth makes the potentially fatal decision not to bend to Catholic pressure. Unexpectedly thrust onto the throne following Mary's untimely death, Elizabeth struggles to maintain control of a religiously divided nation as numerous enemies conspire against her and the pressures of a politically advantageous marriage become too powerful to resist. With every eligible bachelor in the land vying for her hand in marriage, Elizabeth offers nothing but rejection as she pines for the companionship of her handsome childhood friend Robert Dudley. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Anne-Marie Duff, Tom Hardy, (more)
- 1999
British director Coky Giedroyc's sophomore feature outing concerns a pair of working class women in Edinburgh, Scotland. Down-to-earth Ellen (Gina McKee), a noted cartoonist, invites her wacky, outgoing best friend Cora (Helena Bonham Carter) to a post-divorce party. Ellen is recovering from an ill-fated marriage to the rakish Daniel, a compulsive gambler and philanderer. Cora broke up with her love 'em and leave 'em French lover Claude, who left her with a child. Told largely through flashbacks, the film charts the rise and fall of the two relationships, remembered by the pair as they bond over drinks. Later, a revelation suddenly strains Cora and Ellen's old and dear friendship. Women Talking Dirty was screened at the 1999 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Helena Bonham Carter, Gina McKee, (more)
- 1996
The film begins in a London park where a teenage girl wearing pig tails, a short, childish skirt and carrying an ice cream cone sits upon a bench beside an older man and promptly performs a sexual act for him. The girl is Stella and the "stranger" is her pimp, Mr. Peters. As harsh as it is bittersweet, this drama follows Stella as she struggles to escape her grim life as a prostitute. As she fights for her freedom, Stella's childhood in Glasgow unfolds via flashback. Also blending into her stories are her many youthful fantasies and hopeful daydreams. Stella makes the decision to escape after one of her friends is badly beaten by gang leader Fitz. She takes with her the drug-addicted Eddie, a member of Fitz's gang, but Peters does not let her off so easily and has her gang raped by his own henchmen as a sort of parting shot. Stella and Eddie return to Glasgow where she vows to get revenge upon the family members whose lack of caring led her to run away. She then settles down for a better life, only to find herself forced to again face her recent past when Peters suddenly shows up. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kelly MacDonald, Ewan Stewart, (more)
