Vera Drake (2004) (Untitled Mike Leigh Project)

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Since I kept hearing good things about this movie, I was really eager to check it out. Since it was directed by Mike Leigh, one of the most heralded British directors, I was pretty sure I was in good hands. And, I wasn't disappointed. Indeed, it is a striking study about abortion in 1950s England with a fascinating central character, Vera Drake. Until then, Imelda Staunton was known for playing su... read more

Vera Drake is a selfless woman who is completely devoted to, and loved by, her working class family. She spends her days doting on them and caring for her sick neighbor and elderly mother. However, she also secretly visits women and helps them induce miscarriages for unwanted pregnancies. While the practice itself was illegal in 1950s England, Vera sees herself as simply helping women in need, and always does so with a smile and kind words of encouragement. When the authorities finally find her out, Vera's world and family life rapidly unravel.

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