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Family Life (1971/I) More at IMDbPro »


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Overview

User Rating:
7.9/10   366 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 18% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
David Mercer (play)
David Mercer (screenplay)
Release Date:
December 1971 (UK) more
Genre:
Plot:
A teenage girl suffers a nervous breakdown. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
5 wins & 1 nomination more
NewsDesk:
(9 articles)
Enid and The Queen in 3D | TV review
 (From The Guardian - TV News. 17 November 2009, 3:21 AM, PST)

Macpherson: 'Single motherhood is great'
 (From digitalspy. 16 November 2009, 1:18 AM, PST)

User Comments:
Simple Review for a Complex Film more (6 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Sandy Ratcliff ... Janice Baildon
Bill Dean ... Mr. Baildon
Grace Cave ... Mrs. Baildon
Malcolm Tierney ... Tim
Hilary Martin ... Barbara Baildon
Michael Riddall ... Dr. Donaldson
Alan MacNaughton ... Mr. Caswell
Johnny Gee ... Man in Garden
Bernard Atha
Edwin Brown
Freddie Clemson
Alec Coleman
Jack Connell
Ellis Dale
Terry Duggan
more
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
Wednesday's Child
more
Runtime:
108 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Iceland:12 | France:Unrated | Australia:M | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 (video rating) (2002) | UK:AA (original rating)
Filming Locations:
Company:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Director Bille August cites "Family Life" as one of his greatest influences. more
Movie Connections:

FAQ

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1 out of 2 people found the following comment useful.
Simple Review for a Complex Film, 5 July 2008
10/10
Author: babycarrot67 from Columbus, Ohio

"Family Life" is truly a harrowing viewing experience. There is not one second in the film where it seems like the actors on the screen are acting, this film seems totally real from beginning to end, almost like an intense dramatic version of today's reality television programs. The dialog is so seemingly non-scripted and the out-of-control family situations are so vivid that the viewer feels like an invited guest in a home where, immediately after entering, is witness to arguments and strife that come out of nowhere and are as overtaking as a swift house fire. This film reminded me of many such situations that I witnessed as a child in various relatives' homes. A dinner table scene involving a sibling and grandchildren is the best example of this type of all-too-real situation, with the grandparents acting as though the young grandchildren are not going to be harmed by all the verbal jousting despite the fact they are in the direct line of fire. It is also hard to take sides in this scene because everyone on the screen is so incredibly desperate and in need of help. The viewer will probably fear the worst for the characters and ultimately will not be disappointed -- a tragic slice of "Family Life" indeed.

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