Official Movie Website Theatrical Release 2004 Home Video 3/29/05 MPAA Rating Rated R for depiction of strong thematic material Running Time 2 hours 5 minutes Directed by Mike Leigh Cast Imelda Staunton, Philip Davis, Peter Wight, Eddie Marsan, Adrian Scarborough, Sally Hawkins, Ruth Sheen Studio Fine Line Features |
VERA DRAKE
Seldom does a performance seem so real as Imelda
Staunton playing Vera Drake. With the precision of a
very talented actress, we are introduced to the
kindest, most devoted mother and wife that any
family could hope to have in their midst, Vera. When
she is not doting on her own family, she is out
helping others who are in need of her cheery,
efficient charms. There seems to be no end to the
goodness exuded by the very presence of this
woman.
But in addition to her duties at home, her visits
looking in on her invalid mother, her taking care of
ailing neighbors, Vera has another kind of helping up
her sleeve. Women who are in trouble are referred
to her for her skill at inducing miscarriages. And for
this, as with all of her other kindness', she takes no
compensation. But be warned, such interventions
are illegal in Vera's England of the 1950s. And so,
Vera Drake must face the law for her crimes.
Fine Line Features with the direction of Mike Leigh
pulled out all the stops when they assembled this
fine group of actors to present Vera Drake. The
names may not ring a bell on this side of the Atlantic,
but their talent speaks for itself. The period/drama
attraction of the setting of the story is top notch, too.
Staunton playing Vera Drake. With the precision of a
very talented actress, we are introduced to the
kindest, most devoted mother and wife that any
family could hope to have in their midst, Vera. When
she is not doting on her own family, she is out
helping others who are in need of her cheery,
efficient charms. There seems to be no end to the
goodness exuded by the very presence of this
woman.
But in addition to her duties at home, her visits
looking in on her invalid mother, her taking care of
ailing neighbors, Vera has another kind of helping up
her sleeve. Women who are in trouble are referred
to her for her skill at inducing miscarriages. And for
this, as with all of her other kindness', she takes no
compensation. But be warned, such interventions
are illegal in Vera's England of the 1950s. And so,
Vera Drake must face the law for her crimes.
Fine Line Features with the direction of Mike Leigh
pulled out all the stops when they assembled this
fine group of actors to present Vera Drake. The
names may not ring a bell on this side of the Atlantic,
but their talent speaks for itself. The period/drama
attraction of the setting of the story is top notch, too.
Brenda’s comments
Staunton's performance will make Vera
Drake go down as the benchmark of the
selfless women. What a good soul she is,
always thinking of others first. Her devotion
to her family, unquestionably, is tops. But
her desire to be helpful runs up against the
law, and the law will out. A great drama
packed with excellent performances
awaits you.
Staunton's performance will make Vera
Drake go down as the benchmark of the
selfless women. What a good soul she is,
always thinking of others first. Her devotion
to her family, unquestionably, is tops. But
her desire to be helpful runs up against the
law, and the law will out. A great drama
packed with excellent performances
awaits you.
Mary’s comments
Simply wonderful acting by Imelda Staunton
brings Vera to life. Each emotion is felt by
the audience as her world goes from full to
shattered. A very fine drama about a
controversial topic. There will be plenty of
fodder for discussion after the show.
Simply wonderful acting by Imelda Staunton
brings Vera to life. Each emotion is felt by
the audience as her world goes from full to
shattered. A very fine drama about a
controversial topic. There will be plenty of
fodder for discussion after the show.
© 2003 St. Louis Movie Review Weekly. All rights reserved, except where indicated.
All movie titles, pictures, etc...are the property of their respective studios.
All movie titles, pictures, etc...are the property of their respective studios.
| ST. LOUIS MOVIE REVIEW WEEKLY Brenda S. Ladd & Mary K. Morgan |
DVD Details
Disc Specs
Region 1
Keep Case
Widescreen 1.85
Audio
Dolby 5.1 Surround English
Dolby 2.0 Surround Stereo English
Additional Release Material
Trailers 1. Original Theatrical Trailer
Interactive Features
Scene Access
\DVD-ROM Features
Languages: English
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Running Time: 2 hrs. 5 mins.
Number of Discs: 1
Region 1
Keep Case
Widescreen 1.85
Audio
Dolby 5.1 Surround English
Dolby 2.0 Surround Stereo English
Additional Release Material
Trailers 1. Original Theatrical Trailer
Interactive Features
Scene Access
\DVD-ROM Features
Languages: English
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Running Time: 2 hrs. 5 mins.
Number of Discs: 1