The Girl in the Cafe (2005)
Infrequent coarse language
| Director: | David Yates |
| Actors: | Bill Nighy, Kelly Macdonald, Meneka Das, Anton Lesser, Paul Ritter, Ken Stott, Federico Zanni, Penny Downie |
Love can't change what's wrong in the world. But it's a start.
From award-winning screenwriter Richard Curtis (Love Actually and Four Weddings and a Funeral) comes The Girl in the Cafe, a funny, touching love story with a powerful humanitarian message.
Mild-mannered Lawrence is a dedicated civil servant who doesn't have much going on in his life except his job. But that changes when he meets Gina, a mysterious, attractive woman whom he impulsively invites to the G8 conference in Iceland, a very important event for the world - and Lawrence's career. As the conference on world poverty progresses, Gina makes her displeasures with the G8 conference leaders well-known, much to Lawrence's chagrin. Together, this unlikely couple might just change history... or at least his employment status.
| Status: | LongWait |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 93mins |
| Origin: | UNITED KINGDOM |
| Aspect Ratio: |
If you like this, try these:
Member Reviews (150)
150 Member
Reviews
Nola
says
Excellent movie.
Tricia
says
This movie was refreshing after so many American shows which are overloaded with violence and self-importance.
JR01
says
Loved this movie. Funny with some very touching moments as well. Nice to see that love can find the not-so-good- looking and the not-so-young........even my husband liked the story.
Kev
says
What a pleasant surprize this movie was. I can't recall what made me select it in the first place, but I was not disappointed.
A very subtle movie, not for everyone.
The movie goes from been an OK movie to a good movie with one great scene towards the end of the movie. Its a mixture a mild humorous romantic comedy with a deep message threaded through it.
If you choose to watch this movie, please be patient, you will be rewarded.
MLV
says
Beautiully done. Quietly and brilliantly acted. Powerful message. I loved it and will be pondering on it for quite some time, maybe until we have a generation that chooses to be great.
Barb
says
This movie is highly recommended for a reason. Finally a movie that takes it’s time in the right places, deals with human issues, honest emotions and remains perfectly imperfect. I wasn't a Bill Knightly fan before. I am now. What a performance!
Bruce
says
An enjoyable watch without reaching any great heights
Ann E.
says
Don't know how you could call this a comedy? I did enjoy this unusual story but foud it very slow, good acting by the two leeds (Kelly MacDonald
Zakgirl
says
Kelly MacDonald and Bill Nighy play an unlikely duo in this thought provoking film. An enjoyable flick made me laugh, cry and I came away with profound emotions. I only wish it was a longer feature. I felt a bit ripped-off as far as movie-length.
Not for entertainment alone this movie.
I enjoyed it and I wonder if others will.
Jenny
says
Very slow movie and quite odd, but not a bad watch. English actors the girl not a big name but does ok.
Peggy P.
says
One of the best dark comedy you find. It was slow to start with but as the script rolls on there was more to it than a love story.
Stephen P.
says
Come on Bill Nighy has cornered the acting market when it comes to slightly bashful 60 year old posh blokes....oh Oz really!
gol
says
Hired this on member's recommendations, they were right it is a delightful thought provoking movie written by the brilliant Richard Curtis. The story deals with pompous incompetent politicians trying to address child poverty at a G 20 conference, coupled with a romantic comedy excellently portrayed by Bill Nighy as a boring workaholic who meets damaged shy Kerry Mc Donald. ( loved her accent ). I accept the possibility that two opposites could attract however the main flaw in the script was a lack of a security check on the girl, it was a bit far fetched that's all seeing her mix with PM'S & Presidents. Actually we both watched it again so we could absorb the wonderful words said by McDonald to the politicians, ...so true but will still never happen and a child in the world will die every 3 seconds.. Recommended for a quality night's viewing
Sussan
says
Full of surprises and fairly uplifting. It would be nice if one person had the power to do so much in reality.
Timothy
says
brilliant
Janine
says
A fairly slow moving story but enjoyable.
Christy G.
says
So boring...and also the actor is a way toooooo old! not good looking at all~
Ricky
says
A wonderful performance by Bill Nighy as well as a heartwarming plot!
Jodie
says
I enjoyed the plot of this BBC production. Some may find it slow as it took a while to establish the relationship between the main characters. I was entertained and would recommend it to those who think how their acts may positively influence the lives of others.
Wayne W.
says
Best film I've seen for some time. Seems slow and measured yet it's thoroughly engrossing. You won't notice the time pass. Sensitive, thoughtful and yet often, surprisingly darkly funny. A chance encounter between a young woman and a middle aged senior public servant blossoms into an unlikely romance but there is far more to this movie than just that. I am sure that the the Coen brothers must have seen the wonderfully expressive face and performance of the lead lady, Kelly McDonald before they cast her in their Best Picture winner "No country for old men". Don't miss this film.
Yvette B.
says
Just love Bill Nighy! This movie is touching and funny.
Susan M.
says
Thought provoking and beautifully acted.
Anne B.
says
Very slow put me to sleep would recommend if you have insomnia
Anita S.
says
I really enjoyed this gentle, meandering film. The acting was great and the story was very different than the usual, soppy romance.
Gay B.
says
Loved it! Great to see the 'top dogs' being told a thing or two. Loved the gentle comedy with no swearing, gratuitous sex or violence. One for the thinking person!
Suzy B.
says
Excellent - made me smile nearly the whole was through. A beautifully British restrained plot and superb acting. Totally uplifiting.
Kevin Y.
says
Excellent movie, enjoyed it very much. Bill Nighy is very talented.
Maria C.
says
A movie clever in its attempt of illustrating that it isn’t about which side is right, but about the power of one voice: to remain silent is a curse, to speak up is a great victory.
Margaret H.
says
Enjoyed this movie
Stuart H.
says
A very quirky and enjoyable film, reminded me a little bit of lost in translation. Good acting by the leads. Bill Nighy was very good and it was well written.
K D.
says
A movie with a conscience - what else would you expect from the BBC ? Delightful if subtle dark comedy. Enjoyable and I can't wait for a follow up where the older woman gets the younger boy !
Colin Y.
says
This is a slow, mood film. Good performances, good dialogue, but nothing really happens. Worth a look if you feel like a slow paced, but rather interesting mood film.
Alan S.
says
Definitely a character driven script - not a film for the action junkies. There were some hold your breath moments. Well worth seeing. A brilliant performance, as always, by Bill Nighy.
Pam F.
says
Loved it, a lovely movie, without swearing, sex or violence, what a refreshing change. a nice uplifting story, of two lonely people from two different walks of life.
Clare B.
says
Amanda A.
says
Unrealistic story line but entertaining enough to watch it through!
Sue M.
says
Jodie D.
says
Mention of this flicks links to my fave all time movie Love Actually, & also the very excellent Four Weddings & a Funeral, had me pretty excited about this one. Perhaps my expectations were way too high since I was left unsatisfied by the end. The film lacks momentum. Bill Nighy's constant squirming throughout the whole thing drove me nuts - I much preferred his aging rock star character in Love Actually - & made it even more unlikely to me that this beautiful woman would find him so appealing. The G8 portion of the storyline helped speed things along but it was inconceivable that this woman who's only claim to fame we're told is that she's spent time in gaol, can be seated at a table with the leaders of the world in the blink of an eye. Nonetheless, there were some funny moments, & the albeit unlikely romance, so it didn't completely disappoint.
Vicky
says
Carol K.
says
was a slow movie, enjoyed it but wouldn's watch again, not one for the men
Alex H.
says
Excellent!!!
Alex H.
says
A delightfully funny insight into the goveernements greed by a simple but perceptive scottish girl. Sensitive acting - very funny.
Alison M.
says
Clare B.
says
Kind of creepy old man soap opera-ish, but nice in a flawed way. Wow that would tempt anyone to watch!!!!
Jessica G.
says
Awful. Not a love story, actually a story about world hunger/health in third world countries and the injustice of it with a not-believable unromantic romance thrown in to try and boost the script. Weak plot that goes absolutely nowhere.Terrible script the great actors can do nothing with. Hated it.
Tracey B.
says
Great movie. easy to watch. Obvious message was to stand up for what you believe in.
Bill V.
says
I really enjoyed this movie. A good story line that didn't get to complex. A good movie that was a pleasure to watch
Ronnie M.
says
John B.
says
Ian R.
says
Bill Nighy is superb in this black comedy - can anyone be so awkward with women. Public servants will squirm in several scenes. You'll know what I mean when the scene arises.
Anthony R.
says
Vicki A.
says
At first I though, blimey bit slow, however I persevered and it was quite good, still a bit slow in dialogue, yet quite quitty and interestiing.
Jarrod R.
says
I expected a rom com and got more than that. This is an excellent story.
K H.
says
Rhoda J.
says
Beautifully scripted and acted - I thought this was an excellent movie. Reminds you that one voice can make a difference.
Jan D.
says
Melissa R.
says
Kerrie D.
says
slow movie which was very frustrating in terms of a love story. Story line good but took a long time to get to it.
Michael M.
says
A GREAT BUT SIMPLE MOVIE. MAIN ACTORS PLAYED THEIR ROLES BEAUTIFULLY. IT IS A PITY AMERICANS CAN'T MAKE MOVIES LIKE THESE. MY FAVOURITE FILM FOR 2007
Anna H.
says
We liked it. Not a fast paced movie at all but it was intriguing and easy to watch. Powerful message and the 2 main characters were great. Very well acted and captivating movie.
Larissa M.
says
A little slow to start, but stick with it. Different from the norm, which is nice. I like Bill, great actor.
Ross K.
says
I would have to admit that this is a "feel good" movie, no gun fights, no car chases, no sex, no violence.......but very enjoyable
Marjory J.
says
Pauline P.
says
Makes you feel like one person's actions CAN change the world.
Denise M.
says
I did not enjoy this movie at all and neither did the rest of the family
Malinda N.
says
Catherine K.
says
A strange but lovely film. Slow moving but I (and a lot of other people) like that.
Bill Nighy is great and so is his co-star.
Antje F.
says
I really liked this, I thought it was a romance with a difference
Denise M.
says
Aderito P.
says
quicksticks
says
I loved the quietly clever way this movie demonstrated that communicating and connecting doesn't always need to be done extravagantly and vociferously to be effective. And Bill Nighy, with his usual display of wit, was perfect for his role. A feel-good movie I will watch again.
Janice A.
says
enjoyed it
Robyn K.
says
Tracy C.
says
Colleen C.
says
I enjoyed this non-violent, non-swearing (almost!) entertaining movie. Bill Nighy is just brilliant!
Sue A.
says
Louise L.
says
Paul V.
says
A deliberately slow moving movie but the acting of both lead characters holds your interest and the plot is current and relevant.
Bill Nghy is superb and plays a complex introverted soul and makes you feel for him every second he is on screen.
Grace H.
says
Fabulously witty while also managing to convey a serious point. Bill Nighy is at his self-conscious, awkward best. Intelligent and enjoyable.
Anna V.
says
I enjoyed this movie - l thought that it had quite a powerful message on world poverty.
Jodie C.
says
Frank M.
says
Susan S.
says
Rather an unlikely tale, but worth viewing for Bill Nighy's delightfully understated performance
Ruth S.
says
Bill Nighy gives the performance of his career in this original and touching BBC production of two lonely people who find themselves in the centre of the disturbing bureaucracy involved in global issues - in this case - world poverty. A must see.
Barbara C.
says
Different and enjoyable.
Marie D.
says
An odd little film, the main actor was infuriatingingly dopey, and a bit of a weak character, but the story unfolded surprisingly and turned out to be quite good.
Joanne H.
says
an interesting romance flick. The ending made me a bit sad with the whole look at the world we really live in. Bit of a reality check.
Kathleen J.
says
well done, solid performances and worthwhile viewing, give it a go!
Shen Z.
says
Cheryl B.
says
One word, DIFFERENT.
Mandy W.
says
This was a fantastically funny and emotionally heartfelt movie. Could watch it again and again.
Ruth C.
says
Bill C.
says
Geri T.
says
Interesting movie, good settings and characters
H.L
says
Stacey M.
says
What a long winded movie this is. Not what I expected at all - although there is hidden meaning, a total Yawn fest!
Fiona I.
says
I didn't even bother to watch the last half hour!
Brenda W.
says
The movie was funny,sad in parts and very amusing,Bill Nighy is excellent as usual and the female lead part exceptional acting.
a Must see.
Vanessa A.
says
Lindsay M.
says
entertaining film with a charming heroine
Gwen A.
says
different and very enjoyable good movie
Marvyn F.
says
both gerry and i really enjoyed "the girl in the cafe". it was funny,gentle,and pertinant to the climate of the state of the world today, and the apathy of people who accept "that's the way things are!"
Frances R.
says
a very slow and mundane movie able to predict what happens in the first half hour.
Janice D.
says
Norma R.
says
enjoyed the story in this one. well done.
Jose and Josephine
says
Hmm well one should definately learn more about a person before they throw them to the wolves!!
Debra A.
says
I really enjoyed this movie. Romance gone wrong unfortunately, and politics about world poverty sounds pretty boring. But this movie is anything but. Must see movie if you want a great story line as well as intelligent and interesting plot line. I thought this was absolutely great, and watched it twice. Cheers. Deb.
Levina C.
says
Emma F.
says
Janice Y.
says
Lynne N.
says
Great movie for anyone with any opinion at all about the way the world runs
Robbie L.
says
Jillian M.
says
a little slow, but it finally gets there
Kirsty P.
says
Alittle slow to start but it captivated to the end. I don't know how i haven't heard of this movie before. Morally correct but amusing at the same time. Not to self righteous. Just right!
Naida C.
says
Not at all what I was expecting, quite political, with a loose story line.
Shannon M.
says
A remarkable and inspirational film. It loses a star because its a little slow, especially in the begining
Brett H.
says
Enjoyed the movie. Good capture of the English reserve by Bill Nighy.
Shannon M.
says
A remarkable and inspirational film. It loses a star because its a little slow,
Marie-Helene L.
says
Loved it!Beautifully acted with real life characters and such an interesting background of politics and world famine.The love story and the setting is just perfect!A gorgeous slow moment of cinema.
Tim M.
says
While no award winner, this movie still had some quality acting relative to anything hollywood throw at us. Story line is a bit "iffy" to say the least.
Jodi M.
says
Kathryn W.
says
Beutiful and powerful. This movie captivated me.
Warren B.
says
One of the best movies we've seen in a while. A bit slow to start, but great acting, story, and flow.
Philip S.
says
Cindy H.
says
Wonderful performances, really great!
Friederike E.
says
I liked it i wanted to give it an excellet, not a don´t bother!
Friederike E.
says
Sad love story - just as I like it. Well the world poverty thing was a bit overdone but true
Philip H.
says
We enjoyed the movie. It had a good story, excellent characters superbly acted.
Oliver W.
says
Melinda
says
An alright movie about an old guy that meets a girl that changes his perspective on life, as his opinions change to end up opposing views of his political group. Losing everything his girl and his job, things seem bad and so he meets the girl once again and she reveals her past which changes everything and gives him a stronger will. A journey of a guy finding his personality and juggling work with play when he realises that working isn’t the only thing to live for in life.
Jacqui E.
says
Mindnumbingly dull! That is all I have to say
Di B.
says
Amy H.
says
Bit slow, but watchable
Marie A.
says
Really enjoyed this movie as it was different from the norm. Would recommend it to others for sure.
Bev M.
says
Alan C.
says
Very emotional film, makes you laugh and want to shed a tear at the same time.
Zainab Z.
says
Paullette H.
says
My husband thought this was a girly movie and planned to struggle to sit thru it with me. He was surprised that he actually thought it was a good movie in the end.
Ron P.
says
It is O.K.
Ian C.
says
A little different but bare with it, worth it and has an interesting story line behind the main plot
Nicole S.
says
I was pleasantly surprised. Romance was sweet, but it really makes you think about the world today.
Trenna B.
says
A bit slow but worthwhile
Alicia M.
says
ok, you have to have the patience to watch something like this though.
Nancy P.
says
Genevieve B.
says
Sarah C.
says
Fantastic messages, simple filming and funny moments.
Kylie
says
Sophia S.
says
Although the movie is slow, you don't see the time passing. The dialogue is great - dark comedy - really worth watching.
Harry B.
says
Oh No!!!!
Irene H.
says
This movie is an intellectual delight! Not only do you get the love story, but you get the brain involved as well! Terrific writing and awesome dark comedy!