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The Mother
2003
The sensitive and controversial story of romance across the generation gap. A recently widowed woman May (an astonishing Anne Reid) seduces and develops a close, passionate and complex relationship with her own daughter's lover (an irresistible, bearded Daniel Craig). Powerful, believable performances make this a terrific taboo-.. Read more
| Starring | Anne Reid, Daniel Craig, Steven Mackintosh, Cathryn Bradshaw |
|---|---|
| Director | Roger Michell |
| Genres | Drama |
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The Mother
The sensitive and controversial story of romance across the generation gap. A recently widowed woman May (an astonishing Anne Reid) seduces and develops a close, passionate and complex relationship with her own daughter's lover (an irresistible, bearded Daniel Craig). Powerful, believable performances make this a terrific taboo-breaking love story from the director of NOTTING HILL.
| Starring | Anne Reid, Daniel Craig, Steven Mackintosh, Cathryn Bradshaw, Oliver Ford Davies |
|---|---|
| Director | Roger Michell |
| Studio | MOMENTUM PICTURES |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 47 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | English |
| Released | DVD: 24 May 2004 Production year: 2003 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (6)
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Not since a 75-year-old Ruth Gordon swept death-fixated youngster Bud Cort off his feet in Harold and Maude has a film so affectionately addressed the controversial theme of autumn—spring romance. While visiting her children in West London, recently widowed grandmother May (the wonderful Anne Reid) gradually finds herself in lust with Darren (Daniel Craig), the much younger handyman renovating her son's house. Darren happens to be having an affair with Paula (Cathryn Bradshaw), May's daughter, but it's not long before May and Darren begin a sexual relationship of their own. Roger Michell's film thankfully avoids the pitfalls of its toy-boy premise, focusing on May's late dash for freedom and how love can exist outside of commonly accepted boundaries. This is truly a British movie that challenges taboos insightfully, and with great emotional maturity.
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Effective domestic drama of the re-awakening of a woman in her 60s and an incisive account of modern family life, where a parent can be an unnecessary intrusion.
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Most helpful member's review
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33 out of 43 people found this review helpful
Why, Why, Why?
I attended a preview screening of this film and it?s the only film preview I've ever been to where more than half the audience walked out.
The ?story,? such as it is, concerns a bereaved grandmother who moves in with her daughter?s family and the complications which arise from her affair with a young feckless builder, who is also her other daughter?s lover! There is a lot of very explicit material, but who this might appeal to I can?t imagine.
The quality of the production is what you?d expect from a BBC 2 ?gritty? drama and the acting can?t be faulted, it?s the script that is the problem. If there was some sort of national scandal where a large percentage of grannies were in the habit of stealing their daughters boyfriends perhaps there would be a reason why this was made ? if there is such a trend, I?m blissfully unaware of it!
During the film there were many unintended laughs and even more groans from the audience - even after they thinned out. I have always had a policy of seeing a film through but this film came closest to making me leave before the end. See it at your own risk! -
Most recent members' review
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5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Good acting, but mostly unsympathetic characters.
From the start you can see how Mays life is stale and boring, and on the death of her husband, she goes to stay with her grown up children, who don't really want her.
I thought the childrens characters were pathetic, wingey, self absorbed creatures and quite frankly don't blame her for having afternoon liaisons with the lovely Daniel Craig (her daughters married lover).
I could symapthise with May, with her children always taking from her, finding some release with Daniel Craig's character until he finally turns on her as well.
Bit heavy, sometimes uncomfortable viewing (almost like watching your mum do it!!), doesn't really leave you with a nice lasting impression. But I agree with other reviews - Ann Reid was fantastic, and made it worth watching. -
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The sensitive and controversial story of romance across the generation gap. A recently widowed woman May (an astonishing Anne Reid) seduces and develops a close, passionate and complex relationship ... -