VERA DRAKE
Released: October 22, 2004
Mike Leigh is a great British director and "Vera Drake" is yet another amazing piece of movie making from this consumate pro. Vera Drake, the woman, is a sweet natured, wonderful human being who's good-as-gold demeanor cloaks a horrible secret - she assists in abortions for young women. The story takes place in the early 50s, a time when homemade abortions were especially frowned upon (not that they are any more acceptable today, of course). Vera's large, innocent heart clouds her judgment - she is doing criminal acts daily but doesn't see them as illegal. Imelda Staunton plays Vera and the rest of the cast is all unknown but amazing British actors. The only "name" actor is Jim Broadbent, who has a cameo near the end. This is not a happy Hollywood film. This fictional (but based on real situations) story is sad and heartbreaking. Vera Drake was wrong in the eye of the law but right in her own mind and the women that she helped. Pro or con, the abortion issue is a hot topic. This film sheds some light on a very real part of the abortion debate and does so without forcing a viewpoint on its audience. In short, Leigh has made a brilliant film with a very modest budget, again.
125 Minutes
Fine Line Features/ New Line Cinema/Warner Bros.