Brenda Blethyn
Biography: Brenda Anne Blethyn is an English actress who has worked in theatre, television, and film. Blethyn has received two Academy Award nominations, two SAG Award nominations, two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe Award nominations, winning one. In addition, she has won a BAFTA, an Empire Award and a Golden Lion, and has earned a Theater World Award and both a Critics' Circle Theatre Award and a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for her theatrical work. Born into a working class home in Ramsgate, Kent, Blethyn pursued an administrative career until her early 30s before enrolling in the Guildford School of Acting after the dissolution of her marriage in 1973. She subsequently joined the Royal National Theatre and received credits for her performances in Troilus and Cressida (1976) and Mysteries (1979). In 1981, Blethyn earned her first critical acclaim for Steaming. In 1980, Blethyn made her television debut in Mike Leigh's film Grown-Ups; then, after a modest number of guest spots in several productions, in the mid-1980s she garnered leading roles in the short-living sitcoms Chance in a Million and The Labours of Erica. Having followed her big screen debut with smaller supporting roles in films such as The Witches (1990) and A River Runs Through It (1992), she made her real cinema breakthrough with her role in the 1996 dramedy Secrets & Lies, for which she received rave reviews. Blethyn has since appeared in an eclectic range of films, including independent comedies such as Saving Grace (2000), Plots with a View (2002) and Clubland (2007), music-themed films like Little Voice (1998) and Beyond the Sea (2004) and big-budget dramas such as Pride & Prejudice (2005) and Atonement (2007). In addition, Blethyn has appeared in television productions including The Buddha of Suburbia (1993), Anne Frank: The Whole Story (2001), Belonging (2004) and War and Peace (2007). Her most recent leading role in TV drama is the title role in Vera (2011), playing Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope. Description above from the Wikipedia article Brenda Blethyn, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: February 20, 1946
Deathday: N/A
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Known For
A River Runs Through It
1992-10-09
A River Runs Through It
Overview: The Maclean brothers, Paul and Norman, live a relatively idyllic life in rural Montana, spending much of their time fly fishing. The sons of a minister, the boys eventually part company when Norman moves east to attend college, leaving his rebellious brother to find trouble back home. When Norman finally returns, the siblings resume their fishing outings, and assess where they've been and where they're going.
Genres: Drama Family
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1992-10-09
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The Witches
1990-05-25
The Witches
Overview: A young boy named Luke and his grandmother go on vacation only to discover their hotel is hosting an international witch convention, where the Grand High Witch is unveiling her master plan to turn all children into mice. Will Luke fall victim to the witches' plot before he can stop them?
Genres: Fantasy Family Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1990-05-25
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Saving Grace
2000-01-24
Saving Grace
Overview: Unexpectedly widowed, prim and proper housewife Grace Trevethyn finds herself in dire financial straits when she inherits massive debts her late husband had been accruing for years. Faced with losing her house, she decides to use her talent for horticulture and hatches a plan to grow potent marijuana which can be sold at an astronomical price, thus solving her financial crisis.
Genres: Crime Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2000-01-24
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Undertaking Betty
2002-12-04
Undertaking Betty
Overview: A politician's wife and the mortician who has secretly loved her for years plan to fake her death so they can run away together.
Genres: Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-12-04
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Pride & Prejudice
2005-09-16
Pride & Prejudice
Overview: A story of love and life among the landed English gentry during the Georgian era. Mr. Bennet is a gentleman living in Hertfordshire with his overbearing wife and five daughters, but if he dies their house will be inherited by a distant cousin whom they have never met, so the family's future happiness and security is dependent on the daughters making good marriages.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2005-09-16
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Atonement
2007-02-27
Atonement
Overview: As a 13-year-old, fledgling writer Briony Tallis irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister's lover of a crime he did not commit.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2007-02-27
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Secrets & Lies
1996-05-24
Secrets & Lies
Overview: After her adoptive mother dies, Hortense, a successful black optometrist, seeks out her birth mother. She's shocked when her research leads her to Cynthia, a working class white woman.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1996-05-24
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Girls' Night
1998-06-26
Girls' Night
Overview: Two British best friends and in-laws Dawn and Jackie work together at a factory. When Dawn is diagnosed with a brain tumor Jackie shares $100,000 she's got from her secret lover with Dawn to fulfil her dream - a visit to Las Vegas. They buy two tickets and fly there...
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1998-06-26
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Beyond the Sea
2004-11-16
Beyond the Sea
Overview: Based on the life and career of legendary entertainer, Bobby Darin, the biopic moves back and forth between his childhood and adulthood, to tell the tale of his life.
Genres: Drama Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2004-11-16
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Little Voice
1998-11-05
Little Voice
Overview: After the death of her father, Little Voice or LV becomes a virtual recluse, never going out and hardly ever saying a word. She just sits in her bedroom listening to her father's collection of old records of Shirley Bassey, Marilyn Monroe and various other famous female singers. But at night time, LV sings, imitating these great singers with surprising accuracy. One night she is overheard by one of her mother's boyfriends, who happens to be a talent agent. He manages to convince her that her talent is special and arranges for her to perform at the local night club, but several problems arise.
Genres: Comedy Drama Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1998-11-05
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Pumpkin
2002-06-28
Pumpkin
Overview: Carolyn's sorority sisters set their sights on the Sorority of the Year award and coaching challenged athletes is their ticket to the trophy. But when the queen of formals finds herself mentoring Pumpkin, a disabled athlete, their two worlds collide.
Genres: Comedy Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-06-28
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Dead Man Running
2009-01-29
Dead Man Running
Overview: A loan shark gives ex-con Nick a period of 24 hours in order to pay back the money he owes. Up against it, Nick involves his best mate on a multi-part mission in order to raise the cash before it's too late for them both
Genres: Action Crime Drama Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2009-01-29
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The Sleeping Dictionary
2003-01-31
The Sleeping Dictionary
Overview: A young Englishman is dispatched to Sarawak to become part of the British colonial government. He encounters some unorthodox local traditions, and finds himself faced with tough decisions of the heart involving the beautiful Selima, the unwitting object of his affections.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2003-01-31
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Sonny
2002-10-26
Sonny
Overview: New Orleans, 1981. Sonny Phillips, just discharged from the Army, returns home. The only life he's known is as a gigolo, working for his mother, but he wants to leave that behind. However, the job his Army buddy promised doesn't materialize, and he can't escape his past.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-10-26
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Pooh's Heffalump Movie
2005-02-11
Pooh's Heffalump Movie
Overview: Who or what exactly is a Heffalump? The lovable residents of the Hundred Acre Wood -- Winnie the Pooh, Rabbit, Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga and the rest of the pack -- embark on a journey of discovery in search of the elusive Heffalump. But as is always the case, this unusual road trip opens their eyes to so much more than just the creature they're seeking.
Genres: Family Animation Comedy Fantasy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2005-02-11
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Belonging
2004-09-12
Belonging
Overview: Jess (Brenda Blethyn) and town handyman Jacob (Kevin Whately) have been happily married 20 years, recently taking in a trio of Jacob's elderly relatives, including his mother (Rosemary Harris). Though the relations are demanding, kindhearted Jess -- who selflessly quit her job -- enjoys looking after them. But when Jacob disappears one day, Jess' life falls apart, and she must learn to cope with things on her own in this touching drama.
Genres: Drama Romance TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2004-09-12
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On a Clear Day
2005-08-18
On a Clear Day
Overview: After decades of laboring as a Glasgow shipbuilder, Frank Redmond, a no-nonsense 55-year-old working-class man, suddenly finds himself laid off. For the first time in his life, he is without a job or a sense of direction, and he's too proud to ask for guidance. His best mates - rascally Danny, timid Norman and cynical Eddie - are there for him, but Frank still feels desperately alone. An offhand remark from Danny inspires Frank to challenge himself. Already contemplating the state of his relationships with loving wife Joan and all-but-estranged son Rob, Frank is determined to shore up his own self-confidence. He will attempt the near impossible - swimming the English Channel.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2005-08-18
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Clubland
2007-06-28
Clubland
Overview: The shy son of an aging comedienne tries to find a balance between his demanding home life, his new girlfriend, and his mother's second chance at fame.
Genres: Drama Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2007-06-28
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London River
2009-02-09
London River
Overview: After traveling to London to check on their missing children in the wake of the 2005 terror attacks on the city, two strangers come to discover their respective children had been living together at the time of the attacks
Genres: Drama Mystery
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2009-02-09
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Music from Another Room
1998-04-24
Music from Another Room
Overview: Music From Another Room is a romantic comedy that follows the exploits of Danny, a young man who grew up believing he was destined to marry the girl he helped deliver as a five year old boy when his neighbor went into emergency labor. Twenty-five years later, Danny returns to his hometown and finds the irresistible Anna Swann but she finds it easy to resist him since she is already engaged to dreamboat Eric, a very practical match. In pursuit of Anna, Danny finds himself entangled with each of the eccentric Swanns including blind, sheltered Nina, cynical sister Karen, big brother Bill and dramatic mother Grace as he fights to prove that fate should never be messed with and passion should never be practical.
Genres: Comedy Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1998-04-24
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The Shawl
1989-03-14
The Shawl
Overview: Miss A, troubled by problems, consults a clairvoyant. Can he solve them for her by summoning the spirits? Or is he just a fraud, out to steal her money?
Genres: Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1989-03-14
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RKO 281
2000-04-07
RKO 281
Overview: In 1939, boy-wonder Orson Welles leaves New York, where he has succeeded in radio and theater, and, hired by RKO Pictures, moves to Hollywood with the purpose of making his first film.
Genres: Drama History TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2000-04-07
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Lovely & Amazing
2002-08-02
Lovely & Amazing
Overview: An intimate family portrait of four hapless but resilient women and the bittersweet lessons they learn in keeping up with the hectic demands of their individual neuroses. Each of the women seeks redemption in her own haphazard way, but whatever salvation they find is illusory and short-lived.
Genres: Comedy Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-08-02
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On the Nose
2001-10-23
On the Nose
Overview: Brendan is a janitor at a university who has a fondness for gambling, especially betting on horse races. However, he doesn't have much skill at it, and poorly considered bets have drained the bank account he'd set aside for his daughter's education. Brendan's wife has made Brendan promise to give up gambling, but when their daughter announces she's just been accepted to Trinity College in Ireland, Brendan has to come up with the tuition money, and fast. While doing his sweeping at work, Brendan makes a remarkable discovery - the preserved head of an aboriginal tribesman who, under proper conditions, can pick the winners in horse races.
Genres: Comedy Fantasy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2001-10-23
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The Yellow Bird
2002-06-06
The Yellow Bird
Overview: A young girl escapes the boredom of a small town existence in the 1930s.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-06-06
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In the Winter Dark
1998-09-10
In the Winter Dark
Overview: Fear of an unidentified livestock predator unites an Australian couple, an outcast, and an abandoned woman.
Genres: Drama Horror Mystery
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1998-09-10
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The Many Faces of... Michael Caine
2011-06-26
The Many Faces of... Michael Caine
Overview: This retrospective follows Sir Michael Caine's impressive career, featuring archive clips woven together with interviews from colleagues and critics. It covers his 50-year-long career with classic films like Zulu, The Ipcress File, The Italian Job, The Man Who Would Be King and Get Carter, plus the more recent controversial British film, Harry Brown.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2011-06-26
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Grown-Ups
1980-11-27
Grown-Ups
Overview: Dick and Mandy, a young working class couple, move into a council house in Canterbury, and find Mr. Butcher, one of their former teachers, living next door. Mandy's unmarried sister, Gloria, is constantly dropping in, and will not take any hints that the couple would prefer to be left alone, until her presence finally goads them to action.
Genres: Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1980-11-27
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Mary and Martha
2013-03-01
Mary and Martha
Overview: Wealthy American housewife Mary Morgan takes her bullied son George out of school for home education,including a trip to Southern Africa. Whilst in Mozambique George is bitten by a mosquito which crawls through a hole in his net and dies of malaria. After his funeral at home Mary feels a compulsion to return to Africa where she meets English woman Martha O'Connell,whose 24 year old son Ben, a teacher with voluntary service overseas,has also died of malaria. Ben gave his net to one of his pupils,believing adults cannot catch malaria. The two women are shocked to see the high death rate caused by the disease and,whilst Martha stays in Africa as a voluntary helper,Mary petitions the American government to change things. Martha turns up at Mary's house unannounced and,helped by Mary's ex-diplomat father,they address a senate committee on health spending,persuading them to do more to combat malaria. They meet with some success though a coda states that much more can be done.
Genres: Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2013-03-01
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Bedroom Farce
1980-09-28
Bedroom Farce
Overview: Trevor and Susannah, whose marraige is on the rocks, inflict their miseries on their nearest and dearest: three couples whose own relationships are tenuous at best. Taking place sequentially in the three beleaguered couples' bedrooms during one endless Saturday night of co-dependence and dysfunction, beds, tempers, and domestic order are ruffled, leading all the players to a hilariously touching epiphany.
Genres: TV Movie Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1980-09-28
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Tigger & Pooh and a Musical Too
2009-04-07
Tigger & Pooh and a Musical Too
Overview: Strike up the band with Pooh, Tigger, Darby and all your favorite friends in a spectacular full-length movie featuring seven original songs. It's a perfect day for a picnic, and you're invited! To thank Rabbit for planning this delightful event, his pals appoint him Mayor. But Rabbit has a lot to learn about what it takes to keep everyone in the Hundred Acre Wood one big, happy family! Join in the excitement as Pooh and the gang share laughter, surprises and the joys of friendship. Bursting with laughter, beloved characters and unforgettable new music, this instant family classic is the biggest showstopper ever!
Genres: Animation Family TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2009-04-07
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My Angel
2011-12-09
My Angel
Overview: Fifteen year old Eddie's mother falls very ill after a serious car accident. Eddie and his brother Stewart end up having to take care of themselves and one night when they have ran out of food and electricity, Eddie dreams that his mother asks him to find an angel's halo so that she can be saved. Will Eddie be able to save his mother in time for Christmas?
Genres: Comedy Drama Family
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2011-12-09
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The Calling
2010-04-23
The Calling
Overview: Joanna - a university student - leaves her course to become a nun.
Genres: Drama Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2010-04-23
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Two Men in Town
2014-05-07
Two Men in Town
Overview: A convict is released from prison in a small town in New Mexico. 18 years ago he killed a deputy. The then-and-now sheriff seeks revenge.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2014-05-07
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Inside the Golden Statue
1998-01-01
Inside the Golden Statue
Overview: A behind-the-scenes look at the preparations for the live broadcast of the 69th Annual Academy Awards ceremony.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1998-01-01
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Henry VI Part 1
1983-01-02
Henry VI Part 1
Overview: The life of King Henry the Sixth, in three parts.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1983-01-02
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Mysterious Creatures
2006-10-29
Mysterious Creatures
Overview: Feature-length ITV drama based on real events. Bill and Wendy Ainscow (Timothy Spall and Brenda Blethyn) are a middle class, middle-aged Birmingham couple locked in a deeply dysfunctional relationship with their 32-year-old daughter Lisa (Rebekah Staton). In a culmination of years spent unsuccessfully trying to obtain a diagnosis and get state help to deal with with Lisa's condition - which eventually turns out to be Asperger's syndrome - Bill and Wendy are ultimately driven to desperate measures with tragic consequences.
Genres: Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2006-10-29
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Night Train
1998-01-01
Night Train
Overview: A man released from jail, where he had served time for doctoring the books of a gangster, has to go into hiding from the gangster's men. He moves into a Dublin boarding house run by a woman and her timid daughter. The timid woman immediately takes a shine to the new boarder and to his train sets, which they each use as an escape from reality.
Genres: Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1998-01-01
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Say No to Strangers
1981-01-01
Say No to Strangers
Overview: A short film to warn children of sexual predators.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1981-01-01
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The Imitation Game
1980-04-24
The Imitation Game
Overview: Second World War drama - A young woman decides against working in a munitions factory, and lands a post with the signals corps attempting to crack the Enigma code.
Genres: Drama War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1980-04-24
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Fools
Fools
Overview: In 1553, England’s first Queen, Mary I, takes the throne. The country is on the brink of chaos, and ambitious Cardinal Pole plots to secure control. He has overlooked, however, a humble court jester, Jane Foole. The pious, and apparently humorless, Queen Mary finds relief in Foole's brilliant slapstick routines and the two women strike up an unlikely friendship.
Genres: Comedy History
Original Language: en
Release Date:
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The Bullion Boys
1993-10-24
The Bullion Boys
Overview: Based on a true story. In 1940, Britain's gold reserves were transferred for safety to Liverpool because of the threat of a German invasion. The top-secret operation was known only to a handful of security men and senior bank officials... and a group of Liverpool dockers who handle the move. Billy Mac, the dockers' leader, hatches an ingenious plan to steal some of the gold bars from under the noses of the guards.
Genres: TV Movie Comedy Crime Drama History Thriller War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1993-10-24
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Remember Me?
1997-01-02
Remember Me?
Overview: A domestic farce exposes the eccentricities of a "typical" middle class, suburban family who find their lives thrown into a crisis with the unexpected arrival of one of the wife's old flames.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1997-01-02
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Ethel & Ernest
2016-10-15
Ethel & Ernest
Overview: This hand drawn animated film, based on the award winning graphic novel by Raymond Briggs, is an intimate and affectionate depiction of the life and times of his parents, two ordinary Londoners living through extraordinary events.
Genres: Animation Drama War
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2016-10-15
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Floating Off
1983-08-24
Floating Off
Overview: Businessman Jack Humpage and his secretary Janice try to make an unconventional deal with a merchant bank before Humpage's son finds out.
Genres: Comedy Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1983-08-24
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Mike Leigh: Making Plays
1982-09-04
Mike Leigh: Making Plays
Overview: Writer and Director Mike Leigh discusses the techniques used to create his plays.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1982-09-04
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Claws
1987-10-04
Claws
Overview: A tale of cat lovers, the social circle they inhabit and the power struggles between them.
Genres: TV Movie Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1987-10-04
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Piccadilly Jim
2004-11-01
Piccadilly Jim
Overview: Set in the 1930s, an American with a scandalous reputation on both sides of the Atlantic must do an about-face in order to win back the woman of his dreams.
Genres: Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2004-11-01
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Raymond Briggs: Snowmen, Bogeymen and Milkmen
2018-12-31
Raymond Briggs: Snowmen, Bogeymen and Milkmen
Overview: Playful, moving portrait of Raymond Briggs, told through interviews with Raymond, animation illustrated by Chris Riddell, and contributions from friends and admirers.
Genres: Documentary TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2018-12-31
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King Lear
1982-09-19
King Lear
Overview: King Lear, old and tired, divides his kingdom among his daughters, giving great importance to their protestations of love for him. When Cordelia, youngest and most honest, refuses to idly flatter the old man in return for favor, he banishes her and turns for support to his remaining daughters. But Goneril and Regan have no love for him and instead plot to take all his power from him. In a parallel, Lear's loyal courtier Gloucester favors his illegitimate son Edmund after being told lies about his faithful son Edgar. Madness and tragedy befall both ill-starred fathers.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1982-09-19
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Daddy and Them
2001-10-26
Daddy and Them
Overview: Ruby and her husband Claude are a working-class couple who live in suburban Arkansas. As crazy as they are for each other, their relationship is far from harmonious. (The lack of money doesn't help matters, either.) In fact, their whole family is fraught with unresolved conflicts. Then Claude's uncle is arrested on a felony charge, and everyone rallies round. Ruby's mother Jewel and flirtatious sister Rose (Claude's ex-girlfriend) even fly in from Tennessee; but, far from being a source of support, Jewel seems only to want to break up Ruby and Claude.
Genres: Drama Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2001-10-26
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Blizzard
2003-05-15
Blizzard
Overview: A young girl's aunt tells her the tale of a young ice skater and an enchanted reindeer.
Genres: Family Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2003-05-15
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A Way of Life
2004-11-12
A Way of Life
Overview: At 17 Leigh-Anne Williams has a six month old baby to look after, with only the help of three teenage squatters who flog stolen gear to make ends meet. A neighbour (actually from Turkey) across the street becomes target to her growing paranoia that Social Services are going to take her daughter, Rebecca, away from her. Her behaviour becoming increasingly desperate as her delusions over her neighbour grow.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2004-11-12
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Strawberry Fields Forever
Strawberry Fields Forever
Overview: Steven Shepherd’s short life beheld just one very special day amidst his world of total and utter torment. He lived with his Grannie Nellie, who loved and cared for him dearly. The best day of his life was picking strawberries in the summer of 1966 because he had escaped the school bullies. He would return there just months later to stay for much longer.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date:
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Charlotte
2021-09-13
Charlotte
Overview: The true story of Charlotte Salomon, a young German-Jewish painter who comes of age in Berlin on the eve of the Second World War. Fiercely imaginative and deeply gifted, she dreams of becoming an artist. Her first love applauds her talent, which emboldens her resolve. When anti-Semitic policies inspire violent mobs, she escapes to the safety of the South of France. There she begins to paint again, and finds new love. But her work is interrupted, this time by a family tragedy that reveals an even darker secret. Believing that only an extraordinary act will save her, she embarks on the monumental adventure of painting her life story.
Genres: Animation Drama War History
Original Language: fr
Release Date: 2021-09-13
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King of the Teds
King of the Teds
Overview: Ron and Tina's lives are changed when long lost friend Nina calls, reawakening memories of when Ron was the charismatic 'King of the Teds' and both women loved him. A painful question carried for forty years will finally be answered.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date:
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