This movie was not listed as a choice here at epinions and I asked the webmaster to add it. I got an email saying there was a problem getting it to say "Secrets and Lies" thus it is listed here as "Secrets."
I just had an opportunity to see this movie again (for the the third time) and had to write a review because it gets "three eyeballs" (that's my new ranking for a movie worth watching three times).
Describing a movie's plot is not always the best way to attract an audience but you obviously want some background about the movie. The story written and directed by Mike Leigh takes place in England. In this case Hortense (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) a young black 28 year old (or so) optometrist decides to look for her birth mother after the death of her adopted parents. In her search she comes to find that her birth mother is a working class white woman Cynthia (Brenda Blethyn). Now the fun begins.
Though the story is good the acting is the reason to see this film. The ensemble cast turns in at least four great performances beginning with Ms.Blethyn whose portrayal of Cynthia is one of the best performances you will ever see on film. ( I believe she was nominated for an academy award but I had trouble verifying that online). She is so pathetic, loveable and insecure you just want to reach out and hug her.
In contrast to Cynthia's display of raw emotion is Hortense whose main objective is not to get too overcome by all of the discoveries she is making about herself and her new mother. Marianne Jean-Baptiste manages to stay calm but conveys her feelings in very subtle facial expressions which really communicate her inner feelings.
Cynthia's brother Maurice (Timothy Spall)is a kettle of unresolved emotion which is bound to boil over before the movie is over. He is torn in every direction trying to keep his sister, wife and niece happy. Mr. Spall reminds me of a british version of John Goodman large and sensitive.
Finally the story reaches it's conclusion when Roxanne (Claire Rushbrook), Cynthia's younger daughter by a different father learns about her step-sister in a rather abrupt manner and at what appears to be an inappropriate time. Ms.Rushbrook is the quintessential picture of working class adolescent angst. It is painful to watch Roxanne do anything, she is so disgusted with her life and her mother it is palpable. The only seemingly bright spot in her life is her somewhat less sullen boyfriend.
This story and these characters would work well on the stage. It is not the kind of movie that requires great visuals because the story is in the psychology of the actors. However Mike Leigh's cinematic genius is in letting the actors do what they do best - ACT.
There are two particularly notable scenes. The first is when Hortense and Cynthia confirm their relationship during a conversation in a diner. The camera is fixed on the two of them sitting side by side in a booth. Director Leigh is careful not to break the spell with any unnecessary camera movement and the two actresses complete a beautiful one take scene which is several minutes long.
The second unbroken sequence is during a backyard picnic. This scene is as good as any piece of Buzzby Burkley precision choreography you have ever seen.
In addition to the main characters there are also Maurice's wife, his former business associate and his shop assistant who all have minor but significant parts to play. All of whom prove perform perfectly.
I compare this movie to "A Streetcar Named Desire" or "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" because of the flawless acting, smart direction and psychological family oriented subject matter. What is particularly noticeable is that this story is not about racial relationships. In fact the discussion of what may seem like the obvious "issue" is noticeable by its absence. Instead this movie concentrates on family relationships and how they are affected by secrets and lies.
1996 Film. Winner of the Palm d'Or at Cannes. Look for it on IFC, Bravo or Sundance cable channels or on video.
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