Vera Drake

Fantastic film, & a real insight into 1950s working class environment. Superb acting

Good film

This wasn't what I expected an d I agree with what someone else said in that it was very much; here is Vera being lovely, here she is performing backstreet abortions, here she is getting arrested, here she is going to jail. But on reflection, is that a bad thing? I think I expected, considering the subject matter, a big exploration of the politics, morals, differences between the classes at the time etc. but I think the point was that we just see it for what it is (like looking through a window into their lives, nothing more) and draw our own conclusions. There is the other story line of the well-to-do young lady getting an abortion and shows why and how she goes about it and that really makes the film speak for itself, how she is shown to play the system to get the abortion, how difficult it was, the lack of compassion and the expense of it, which the poor could never hope to raise. I do think the scenes where Vera is arrested, and cries and cries and cries is excessive - I did get a bit bored - (although for those who say she cries out of guilt, I disagreed, I think it's clear from when she is arrested that she fears for her family, having upset them, the shame she has brought on them but it is also very, very clear that she felt a strong compulsion to help those young girls which overshadowed her desire to not break the law). I think I expected a grittier, more action film (maybe showing how she got into it and a bit more discussion about all the issues surrounding it) and at first I felt disappointed by it but in its own way, its simple, clean way it was a good film and a (mostly) enjoyable one. It's also true to the times it set in which is interesting in itself and the other characters are interesting to watch.

Brilliant, watched it twice

Great item, fast delivery and well worth the price. Fully recommend this seller.

Really good portrayal of life back then, before laws were changed too! A most debatable subject, even more so in current times! One should never pass judgment, for each case has entirely different circumstances and possible outcomes. It would have been nice to know what happened to the other woman, the one who knew Vera since school, without spoiling the film. Personally, I felt The other woman should have been the one charged with the wrong doing and a more lenient sentence on poor Vera who seems to have copped the lot, when in fact is a product of hard times and empathy, turning out in a way, a victim herself of crime! Empathy is the key to the argument! Like I said a debatable subject and I already know the opposition. I found the film, interesting from different angles, thought provoking and sad too from different perspectives. I would recommend this film, even to put forward a different perspective in harder times. Cheers X

Imelda Staunton is right up there with Maggie Smith & Julie Walters. I love her acting, I really enjoyed all the characters in this movie, The Brits do get it right when it comes to drama with quality acting. the dialogue is as clear as a bell, sorry to say this isnt always the case with a lot of movies. What has happened to articulation? Others could learn a lot from this movie. The subject of the movie is a hard one to tackle but they did it with finesse. The sets were very realistic as were the costumes. Hats off to the director and Producers.

sad film but well played by the actors/actresses too watched it so many times and makes you cry

Quick delivery of excellent DVD. Vera Drake, Mike Leigh's presentation of the realities of British women prior to the legalization of abortion clinics. Brilliant movie making of a difficult part of history.

Una visión sobre la hipocresía de la sociedad ante el aborto en la sociedad inglesa de mediados del siglo XX. Excelentes interpretaciones y una puesta en escena muy buena. La recomiendo al cien por cien.

La protagonista è una donna d'animo buono che aiuta tutti, soprattutto le persone vecchie, malate e le ragazze in difficoltà praticando aborti clandestini senza farsi pagare un centesimo per puro spirito di aiuto a perone che ne hanno bisogno. Tutto va bene fin quando... Insomma un bellissimo film sul controverso tema dell'aborto. Da vedere perché fa capire quanto sia importante per qualsiasi donna poter decidere su una questione così delicata.

This is a carefully crafted film that captures well the struggles of the working class, the division of class in English society, social control of society, and the strength of the social and family networks that allow poor working folks to survive in the face of adversity. These complex themes are explored through a straight forward, non-complicated narrative that is enhanced with outstanding performances by the entire cast. Thefilm is neither pro-abortion or con-abortion. It offers a realistic view of the process and the players and leaves judgement to the viewer. The compelling story and main character, Vera, keep you engaged. Vera is a cheerful, giving, warm, compassionate, loving person who is the keystone of her family and social network. Phil Davis plays her husband Stan and his performance is also of the highest level. This hardworking and honest housekeeper performs abortions for poor girls for free, seeing her actions as helpful. The film is certainly more about social class and privilege as much as it is about illegal abortions. We see both poor and rich girls becoming pregnant and we see wealthy girls using the established medical community to assist them with an unwanted pregnancy whereas we see poor girls faced with fewer options. Likewise we see society physicians willing to perform an abortion if a rich girl happens to have suicide in the family and mentions that she is so stressed that she is thinking about suicide. The physicians are protected but the poor abortionist working to help poor girls in trouble faces considerable punishment. Yet, the film is carefully made and the rich pregnant girl in the story evokes as much sympathy as do the pregnant poor girls in the story. They are all victims of a social structure that punishes the female if she is pregnant but is not concerned with the father of the child, be he a rich or poor man. The police act as agents of social control in the film and yet they were highly personal and sympathetic characters. The humanity of the chief detective shone through and it was obvious that this man tries to do his duty within the confines of the law yet feels compassion for those caught in the criminal justice legal system. So if sexism, classism are oppressive social structures, how to the poor women survive? This film would indicate that strong families and strong social networks are key to survival. We are introduced to no less than 23 characters in the first 30 minutes of the film and yet we quickly see how they are structured in the larger social network. Vera is a vital part of her family and social network and yet when she gets into trouble, the social network first reacts with shock but then rebounds and offers the emotional and fiscal support needed to overcome the current crisis. This is a thoughtful film. Each character is complex and well developed. There is a strong sense of justice as a human developed and delivered process. The court system seemed to impart justice, for Vera was indeed an abortionist, no matter how much you feel for this loving motherly little lady. No characters were stereotypes or cartoons. Even the arresting police are seen as part of the social fabric in which they play a role in the most humane manner possible. After you see the film I suspect you will reflect on how well conceptualized, written, directed and performed was this dramatic presentation. Imelda Staunton's dramatic skills are immense, as were all the actors. In an odd way, this film about abortion makes you feel better about the human condition, primarily because when the forces of justice prevail, it is our common humanity and those that love us that allow us to absorb the punishment and move on.

Keine typische Star-Besetzung, doch absolut HERVORRAGEND gespielt. Gehört zu der Kategorie, die man nicht so schnell vergisst. Reichlich ausgezeichnet und das zu Recht. Keine spektakuläre Geschichte, eigentlich eine so alte wie die Welt. Dennoch fesselnd. Es lohnt sich, den Film anzusehen.