CinemaClock Moncton

I made a point to see this film because I was interested to learn why Imelda Staunton received an oscar nomination. My conclusion is as follows: 1.2 hours was too long. 2. Imelda's acting was annoying and at times frustrating. I do not know why she was nominated. 3. The subplots were left unresolved. 4. I am glad I did not see this at the cinema..

One of Mike Leigh's finest movies. Definitely worth seeing, especially for Imelda Staunton's remarkable performance.

Simple story, long and boring, yet it may draw some 50's eyes due to supernatural performance. I enjoyed all the European style movies, yet without any ups and downs, it is pretty hard to stand..

An excellent movie with some fine acting. The depiction of the early 50s attitudes towards abortion in England was right on.

I had a sense to exit as the titles were scrolling at the beginning. I should have. The story was repetitive boring and totally predictable. If you choose to attend this drivel ask them to pay you a $1, 000. You'll need the money to book a week away for recovery. I'd rather watch "The return of the Blob" which until now rated as the worst movie I'd ever seen. Even the lousiest "Made for TV" movie is better than this. Save your mental health and stay home.

What a sad but wonderful portrayal of "the state of being" in which we all flounder. A masterpiece of character presentation and acting. Moodily and beautifully shot. Thoroughly worth "the price of admission" that conjures much thought and deliberation. A troubling essay of our recent history and "judicial system". Would that there were more windows into the hypocratic life we still lead for us to peer through with such uncomfortable clarity.

I was awed by Imelda Staunton's performance - when was the last time I saw such an amazing actress? Having said that, however, some parts of the film were too slow, some characters too narrowly sketched - as if the whole film was produced and filmed solely for the sake of bringing home one political idea. I would say that the film gets 5.5 and Ms. Staunton gets 10 - hence I rate this movie as 7.

It was sipmly grand. Reveting performance by all the actors. I am so happy that I did not know anyone in that movie except Imelda Staunton who was simply brilliant. Acting is so believable, you couldn't ask for more. Cinematography was simply good and very british, only Francois Truffaut, french réalisateur, who could take a simple story and turn it into a masterpiece. Bravo...

Very powerful storyline with fine performances from all the characters. No easy stereotyping with 'goodies, and 'baddies'. All the characters are highly believable and very well-developed, even the minor supporting ones. The authenticity of working-class London in the early fifties is top-class. Does a lot to add necessary nuance to the debate on abortion. The camera work is exceptional and the many relentless close-ups remind you of Bergman's 'Face to Face'.

[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
An excellent but flawed movie. The 'moral' - one law for the rich and another for the poor -is awkward; it's about fifteen minutes too long and at the end it seems to just peter out. But certainly worth seeing for the wonderful acting.

Very fine acting and character development (typical of Mike Leigh's work) but the result is, sadly, rather boring. Events seem to evolve as nature does--in the slow, plodding fashion of true lived experience--but, for my money, a more probing look at the complexity of individual women in post-war Britain was required. I was left feeling unmoved, restless. Vera Drake should have been retitled "Very Dry." Sorry Mike. But thanks for focusing on the richness of women and bravo to Staunton for her subdued performance.

A very believeable film that truly puts you into the ambience of post-war Britain and the social attitudes and mores of the time. The acting and cinematography were both excellent. I agree with the one reviewer who was thankful someone in Hollywood did not take this story. The only thing that was disappointing was that there was greater study into how women serviced by the likes of Vera Drake felt about their situations - but that is a minor point. This is a must-see film.

Everything associated with this movie is first class. Imelda Staunton’s portrayal of a 1950s working class housewife is brilliant. All the other actors – whether in smaller or larger roles – give exceptional performances. The characters in this film are so well drawn it should be used as a master class for Hollywood “actors”. Lucky cast and crew to be working with Mike Leigh – one of the greatest directors of our era. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

This film was done with such mastery, the characters were so real portraying what I believe was life post-war for so many Brits. Hollywood would have butchered it! Imelda Staunton was surperb, I was overcome with emotion and ached in my heart for her and her family.

[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
I went to this movie for one reason - because of the great ratings... I shall exercise more caution in future. If you have a depressive nature and enjoy getting aggravated about afronts to women's rights you will probably love this movie. The characters were well acted, that's because it was 90% character development and 10% story. Vera performs an abortion, gets caught and goes to jail. How do you make that last the 90 minutes. The replication of Britain in the 50s was painstakingly done and exactly how I remember it growing up there. Vera's husband even reminded me of my dad! However, Mr Leigh, with all his genious, left out the one thing that helped people survive Britain's stodgy, class ridden and shell shocked society, overcooked food, poor weather, and post war poverty... the humour. THE HUMOUR! This thing is downright depressing with nary a tidge of that chirpy British humour to carry it through. Not at all like "Secrets and Lies" which was great because it had a great balance of pathos AND humour. At least when you watch paint dry, you might get a buzz from the smell. The only feeling I got from this movie was a feeling of being ripped off and a downer mood. Not what you want on a rainy sunday when you have to go to work tommorow.

Imelda Staunton blows Hollywood and the Oscars away. Her rendition of Vera Drake is sublime «par excellence». The best role I have ever seen any actor play, and I am a real film buff. Staunton breaks the acting mold wide open, a spectacular moment in movie history!!

Stupendeous film. Mike Leigh is always a sure fire director. Brilliant subtle acting.

Set in the 1950's, this movie addresses an issue which is still a very hot potato, morally and politically. Yet the issue becomes secondary to the lives of the individuals portrayed in this outstanding film. If movies are an art form, this could be your model.

No-one can do this stuff like the Brits - gripping story acted wonderfully by all the cast and Imelda Staunton proves what she is made of - great actress, deserves to win some recognition for her portrayal of this sad character.

One of the best films I've seen in a long time, the acting is superb, this should be an Oscar nominated film (doubtful - but should be) It is a film that one thinks about after leaving the cinema and not many films can do that these days.

The best acting you'll see all year... Oscar nomination is a lock for Imelda Staunton!

A real masterpiece!!