Secrets and Lies (1996)
Mature themes, Sexual references
| Director: | Mike Leigh |
| Actors: | Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Brenda Blethyn, Timothy Spall, Mike Leigh |
After the death of her adoptive mother, Hortense (Marianne Jean-Baptiste: Spy Game, 28 Days), a young professional black woman, goes in search of her birth mother, Cynthia (Brenda Blethyn: Clubland, Pride & Prejudice). Intrigue turns to bemusement when she discovers that her mother is in fact a working-class white woman who has a 20 year-old daughter. As they come to terms with their new found bond, Cynthia takes Hortense to a family barbeque, which triggers the unravelling of the family’s secrets and lies.
| Status: | LongWait |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 87mins |
| Origin: | UNITED KINGDOM |
| Aspect Ratio: | 4:3 |
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Member Reviews (17)
17 Member
Reviews
beth
says
Great movie just goes to show you get caught out soon than expexted
gol
says
Saw this when it first came out and still love it. I agree with all of the positive reviews, so not worth repeating. If you are considering hiring, realize it is not light entertainment, but a raw emotional ride into how a family tries to cope with secrets and lies. Typical brilliant British script, Brenda Blethyn magnificent, coupled with great acting all round . One for true movie buffs. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Elisa
says
Easy to fall asleep on the couch watching this one.
Ann
says
Crapp movie
Jack K.
says
Don’t let the title give the impression it’s a cinematic soap opera. This fly-on-the-wall scrutiny of a flawed British family is about finding oneself and one’s origins through the power of love. At times funny, often sad, and ultimately uplifting, it’s a compelling reach-for-the-tissues drama as much for its story about a adopted young middle class woman finding her biological mother as the powerful acting. Brenda Blethyn (Oscar nominated) is factory worker Cynthia, a fearful, lonely single mother trying to get along with her morose 20 year old daughter, Roxanne. Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Timothy Spall, and Phyllis Logan give multi-layered performances respectively as Hortense, Roxanne’s half-sister, Maurice, Cynthia’s photographer brother and his wife Monica. Four and a half stars.
Mark L.
says
Not an uplifting movie but definately one for those interested in the intricacies of human relationships. This movie focuses on all those hidden skeltons in the cupboard of a seemingly average family. Very well done!
yeo44
says
this was a enjoyable realistic movie, showed how it was taboo haveing a child out of wedlock was , and the tramitic effect the situation had on the unwed mother at the time, and the complications that occured for the future generation and acceptence of the situationnthough not a polished soficated story, but very realistic
Cat C.
says
Terry S.
says
excellent British movie
Moira W.
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Jonah K.
says
Terry S.
says
How secrets and lies can cause misery and suffering in any family. great performances all round. wonderful warm characters.
Coralie C.
says
not too bad but can be a little boring at times
Kornelis V.
says
Barbara M.
says
For all mothers who have lost children to adoption as I have, this is a classic - our experiences so different - but the underlying pain of the loss never goes away - a death by adoption!
Robyn C.
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HB.
says
Intense, depressing but brilliant. I suggest you follow this up with a happy movie or don't be alone. Script a tad corny at parts, particularly the end, but covered a great deal.