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Director: Mike Leigh

Release Date: 7 January 2005

Tagline: Wife. Mother. Criminal.

Main Cast:

Imelda Staunton … Vera

Richard Graham … George

Eddie Marsan … Reg

Deserving of all its awards, Vera Drake is another superb film by Mike Leigh. It is set in 1950s England and is about a woman who is totally selfless and devoted to her family and to humanity in general. Vera is a hard working woman who ‘helps girls out’ i.e. she performs abortions. She takes no payment and is unaware that Nellie, a lifelong friend and the woman that puts the girls in touch with her, charges them. Nellie also runs a black market on scarce goods. Although her method is the safest possible, unfortunately, one  goes wrong and the girl nearly dies. Vera is then arrested and sent to prison.

Imelda Staunton is simply stunning.

One final note – giving this film a rating of 12A is ludicrous. Not only are scenes of abortion not suitable for young children, but I can’t think of many more films that any child could be more bored by.

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