Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit - Region 2 DVD

When Jess's mother begins to suspect the girls of "unnatural passions" she tries to destroy their relationship with the help of Pastor Finch (Kenneth Cranham) and his congregation. But their efforts--including a terrifying attempt at exorcism--only push Jess further away. Jess eventually understands that the only way to survive is to escape, and she sets her sights on a place at Oxford.

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit is both a broad comedy and a moving coming-of-age story. Charlotte Coleman is perfect as the teenage Jess, attempting to reconcile her religious devotion and her adolescent passion, but the film belongs to Geraldine McEwan as Jess's mother. McEwan obviously relishes Winterson's script, and she creates a character who is monstrous, ridiculous, and surprisingly sympathetic. It's a difficult role to carry off, but McEwan succeeds. Her performance is the high point of this award-winning, provocative film. --Simon Leake