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Vera Drake (2004) 7.7
Ratings:
7.7/10 from 16,003 users
Metascore: 83/100
Reviews: 155 user | 167 critic | 40 from Metacritic.com Abortionist Vera Drake finds her beliefs and practices clash with the mores of 1950s Britain--a conflict that leads to tragedy for her family. Director:Mike LeighWriter:Mike Leigh |
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Imelda Staunton | ... | ||
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Richard Graham | ... |
George
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| Eddie Marsan | ... |
Reg
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Anna Keaveney | ... |
Nellie
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Alex Kelly | ... |
Ethel
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| Daniel Mays | ... |
Sid
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| Philip Davis | ... |
Stan
(as Phil Davis)
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| Lesley Manville | ... |
Mrs. Wells
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| Sally Hawkins | ... |
Susan
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| Simon Chandler | ... |
Mr. Wells
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| Sam Troughton | ... | ||
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Marion Bailey | ... |
Mrs. Fowler
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Sandra Voe | ... |
Vera's Mother
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| Chris O'Dowd | ... |
Sid's Customer
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| Adrian Scarborough | ... |
Frank
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
Vera Drake is a selfless woman who is completely devoted to, and loved by, her working class family. She spends her days doting on them and caring for her sick neighbor and elderly mother. However, she also secretly visits women and helps them induce miscarriages for unwanted pregnancies. While the practice itself was illegal in 1950s England, Vera sees herself as simply helping women in need, and always does so with a smile and kind words of encouragement. When the authorities finally find her out, Vera's world and family life rapidly unravel. Written by Sujit R. Varma
Taglines:
Wife. Mother. Criminal.Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for depiction of strong thematic material | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Language:
EnglishRelease Date:
7 January 2005 (UK) See more »Also Known As:
El secreto de Vera Drake See more »Box Office
Budget:
$11,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
£266,010 (UK) (7 January 2005)Gross:
$3,753,806 (USA) (25 March 2005)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Dolby DigitalColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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(1888)
Written by Edward Elgar
By permission of Schott & Co Limited, London
Performed by Rosemary Warren-Green (violin) and Ian Brown (piano)
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Mike Leigh asked the actors to hum in the movie. Because they couldn't afford to buy rights to songs, the actors had to hum something generic. See more »Goofs
When the CID turn up at Vera's house, there is an overhead shot of their car parked right outside, sitting in the snow clad road. However there are no tire tracks in the snow, of the car making its approach. See more »Crazy Credits
After the end credits it says: "In loving memory of my parents, a doctor and a midwife." See more »Connections
Referenced in Saturday Night Live: Paul Giamatti/Ludacris featuring Sum-41 (2005) See more »Soundtracks
"Salut D'Amour (Liebesgruss), Op.12"(1888)
Written by Edward Elgar
By permission of Schott & Co Limited, London
Performed by Rosemary Warren-Green (violin) and Ian Brown (piano)
See more »
Mike Leigh has done it again. I adore "Secrets and Lies", my 2nd favorite film of all time and Leigh strikes gold again in the emotionally draining, brilliantly directed study of a 50's era abortionist in London. Imelda Staunton gives, yet another in Leigh's film, outstandingly powerful and true performance as Vera Drake. She a inner-city housewife and mother, who spends much of her free time trying to "help out" the poor ladies of 50's London who are unable to get legal abortions. Some may consider this a hot-topic issue film, but it's moreover an independent study of a woman and her life, and how her emotions play in her world. Every nuance of this film is perfectly crafted, from every performance, to the sets, and the cinematography. The emotions overflow steadily, especially after the traumatic dinner scene where the police arrive for Vera. The look of horror that Staunton displays and changes as she realizes what is happening is acting and direction at it's best. Why is it American films aren't able to capture this from it's performers? I can't praise this film enough and truly believe that this will be my favorite film of the year. It's a shame this film got only a small release and audiences seemed unmoved by it. I don't understand it. Hopefully DVD will allow those who missed it to catch up with it and relish in it's brilliance. It will be a rewarding experience for all to see. I am praying for Oscar noms all around, but especially for Staunton. It is clearly and without any doubt, the best female performance as of this date, this year.