Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-26 03:27:10

Keep This Secret

Imagine Buffy and Jodie as foul-mouthed, spiteful white trash and you get the picture of this family affair from hell.If you want someone to blame, see Mike Leigh. The British writer and director has been making ugly, challenging, and consistently winning dramas for twenty-five years, and it's about time he gained some popular attention. Here it's Hortense (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) who gets Leigh's star treatment. She's a black optometrist in search of her biological mommy who, it turns out, is a comical cockney white woman named Cynthia (Brenda Blethyn). With more courage than I have, Hortense shares coffee with the poor, disheveled woman. This scene is a gem of slow-burning recognition and pain, as Cynthia realizes that the successful black woman before her is indeed her child. The two then meet again and develop a fast friendship. Meanwhile Cyn's chubby brother--a gentle soul named Maurice (Timothy Spall)--is busy keeping his photography studio solvent. Too bad he can't do the same for his family (Do these people belong on Jerry Springer, or what?).Leigh makes the ordinary transcendent. The picture-perfect moments Maurice captures on film is the metaphor Leigh splendidly uses to make us aware of the life lived between the camera clicks--life that often forces us to hide the Secrets and Lies buried within our own hearts.

2012-05-25 13:03:03

Secret and Lies - Chinese Import

Movie is superlative. DVD is very poor. It has no DVD menu. It is impossible to turn the Chinese subtitles off.

Ryan-46 2012-05-11 21:22:26

Real, beautiful, and raw...spectacular acting.

Some of the most spectacular acting that I have ever seen. It made me cry,which is rare. Real, beautiful, and powerful.

yaseminturkish 2012-05-11 07:55:25

It is no secret or lie that Brenda Blethyn is a gifted actress

What begins as a fairly pedestrian paint by numbers British family dramabecomes anything but by the time the credits for Secrets and Lies begin toroll. Superbly acted and helped along by the big reveal of all the secretsand lies at the end the film continues to resonate in my mindtoday.Brenda Blethyn has never received much credit for her incredible portrayalof Cynthia Purley and most of that has to do with the highly over-ratedperformance of Francis McDormand as a fairly boring and typical NorthDakotan police officer in Fargo. While Emily Watson and Breaking the Wavesdeserved Academy Awards in 1996, Brenda Blethyn and Secrets and Lies come ina close second. There was something very real about Cynthia Purley'sworking class status and desire to fulfill her obligations to her newfounddaughter. Cynthia was by no means the sharpest tool in the shed and thescreenplay does an excellent job of conveying the fact that she pretty muchhas no clue who Hortense's father is and frankly has little idea aboutresponsibility in general. Her other daughter Roxanne is essentiallyCynthia at 21 with more of an attitude and it is little wonder that the twoare constantly at odds. The most refreshing aspect of Secrets and Lies is the refreshing bond thatis eventually shared between Cynthia (Brenda Blethyn) and Hortense (MarianneJean-Baptiste). These are two women who have absolutely nothing in commonsave their blood-types. Hortense is a well-educated Black optometrist witha sense of duty and responsibility while Cynthia is an under-educated Whitefactory worker with little idea about what correct behavior entails. Whatis wonderful is the little moments they share at an Italian restaurant wherethe dialogue is excellent. Remember when Cynthia ironically mentions thatshe wishes she could have been a mid-wife because she loves children to arather bewildered Hortense? And how sweet and adorable did Brenda Blethynplay Cynthia with her cute little voice and her adorable way of beingvirtually idiotic but forgivable at the same time. The woman gave herdaughter away but proves that she is a good mom in her own right despite herflaws. I could have done without the side story with Timothy Spall and hisinfertile wife because this is a film that is perfectly capable of beingcarried on the shoulders of Blethyn and Jean-Baptiste. There are somepowerful scenes with the often verbally and physically abusive Roxanne andmost delightful are the times when Roxanne is stunned to see her motherleaving for her "dates" with Hortense.An excellent rental that proves that American family drama doesn't hold acandle to the punch that the Brits pack.

grumpy-13 2012-05-05 17:11:52

The lies of everyday life

I was shocked to read Jeremy Bargers description of this amazing film as"overrated". Mike Leigh has a uniquely British style that touches on thesublime. "Secrets and Lies" is one of the best films of the 90`s, anddeservedly was recognised by the Oscar panel.This sensitive exploration of class divisions and the poisonous nature ofsecrets was incredibly touching. In this film, Leigh fully appreciates theclass differences that (still) haunt British society, without resorting tocheap ideological shots. This is a film not about adoption, but class.Allcharacters have flaws, yet are fundamentally decent people trapped byexpectations and upbringing. Leighsempathy for the characters shine through every scene; he refuses to makejudgements.If you like warm films, that nevertheless refuse to give cheap responses toreal human emotions and problems, then "Secrets..." is perfect. See in onTV, video, or satellite, but see it.

2012-05-04 20:39:19

superb acting

A heart warming look at very personal issues that affect the actions of certain individuals. Inspiration to be more open with loved ones.

Carlos Mario Pineda E. 2012-05-04 01:53:46

Jeremy Barger, have you ever seen movies before?

I have seen many Mike Leigh's films and they are very strong, conscious,deeply and when somebody comes near one must knows how Leigh proposelife...Secrets and lies explore the deep human condition about women situation, howthe socety can hit and wound and how those women can face it. The brother isthe kind of man nobody finds easy in this actual moment and the photographyis the way to go to the human soul if somebody can not see it, I must saythis person is not intelligent at all so take a good course about life andmovies and try to see Secrets and Lies in a few years

harry-76 2012-05-03 14:59:54

Half and Half . . .

. . . about equally scripted and improvised, "Secrets and Lies" is arisk-taking venture from Writer-director Mike Leigh.Well cast, with actors who give their all to "living" their roles, theycreate naturalistic scenes which are deeply felt. The risk here is having scenes which may run on, begging for directorialtightening. Yet, for Leigh to "interfere" might be to defeat his stylisticintention.There's nothing lacking in the cast's effort to realize their characters and"discover" where their reactions may lead; certainly a ring of truth iscreated. At the same time, this 142 minute production seems rather lengthyand drawn out (made more so by the BBC America telecast with commercialbreaks). As intense and earnest as are these actors, Dick Pope's cinematographyconversely seems dull and diffuse (particularly in long-range and mediumshots) with quite drab color. Too, Andrew Dickson's original score soundsvery dreary; in fact, much of this production looked like it was shot withan ordinary videocamera. This is a film one may either like or dislike very much, with little middleground. Obviously it has its admirers, and they can appreciate a grittyworking class Brit study on dysfunctional relations and efforts to healfamily wounds.

2012-05-03 04:51:41

On How Life Is

This superbly acted and written drama is certainly one of the best british movies of the 90`s, dealing with human feelings and relationhips in an unique, realistic and powerful way. Like the best british movies out there, it wisely combines drama and comedy, creating a meaningful portrayal of life.The story focuses a young black woman`s (Marianne Jean-Baptiste)quest to find her real mother who abandoned her as a child (Brenda Blethyn). Problem is, her mother`s life is currently a mess and that new element ends up generating some problems, conflicts and tensions in the family.Mike Leigh`s direction offers time and room for his actors to develop the characters, creating three-dimensional individuals who seem real everyday people. The scenes are very well crafted, with close attention to detail and strong, credible dialogue. The performances are all terrific and natural, and the story flows well although the pace is a bit slow at times. It`s certainly one of the most interesting movies about family ties and the need of belonging somewhere, also focusing the differences and personality flaws that keep people away from each other.At times sad and moving, in other moments cheerful and uplifting, "Secrets & Lies" presents the necessary but at times difficult experience of family reunion in a realistic way. A worthwile, poignant drama with much to recommend.

ginger_sonny 2012-05-02 13:51:57

superb comedy/drama

Mike Leigh's superb comedy-drama of family relationships. Heart-rending,bitter and delightful by turn Leigh's modern classic captured a brace of Oscar nominations but went homeempty handed in the face of The English Patient's near clean sweep. EvenBlethyn's Cannes-winning performance lost out to Frances McDormand's Fargoturn (hard to challenge this decision, although in any other year thebrilliant Blethyn would have deserved to win). The film eventually racked upa considerable number of awards, its Oscar success aside.The story, every bit as believable and real as the rest of Leigh's work,centres on a woman, Cynthia Purley (Blethyn ), whose mid-life crisis isfurther exacerbated by the appearance on the scene of the daughter she gaveaway at birth, the wonderfully named Hortense Cumberbatch (Baptiste) - ayoung, beautiful, professional black woman who causes a few eyebrows to beraised in the family, and forces Cynthia to come to terms with her past.Alternating between high comedy, scathing one-liners (Blethyn tellingdaughter Rushbrook she has a face like a "slapped arse" is a moment totreasure) and tear-jerking poignancy, with Spall, Rushbrook and Baptiste alloffering strong support, this is nothing short of superb.VerdictA genuine hit for Mike Leigh, Secrets And Lies has the coarse grain of reallife, sympathetically and affirmingly fashioned.

irby03 2012-05-02 17:19:30

An emotional drama-spoiler

Secrets & Lies is a realism drama which shows the affects secrets and lieshave on Brenda Blethyn Rose Purley's (Brenda Blethyn) life and the livesconnected to her. Mike Leigh (Director) explorers the emotions anddecisionthe character's make as a result of these deceptions.The Secrets begin to unfold when an adopted black woman named MarianneCumberbatch (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) in London, searches for her naturalbirth mother named Cynthia Rose Purley, played by Brenda Blethyn (won thebest actress award at Cannes for this performance). Marianne not onlydiscovers her natural birth mother, she discovers her true racialcharacteristics. The lies start to thicken when Brenda Blethyn decide notto tell her family of the forgotten child she had many years ago. BrendaBlethyn and Marianne do begin a relationship which gives Brenda Blethynthecourage to peel away layers of hidden shame, fears, Secrets & Lies. Onlytofind out she is not the only one in the family that has been keepingSecrets& Lies.The emotions Brenda Blethyn feels about herself; entrapment, low selfesteem, disrespect and being ashame of herself and what her life hasbecame,mirror how her youngest daughter Roxanne (played by Claire Rushbrook)feelabout Brenda Blethyn throughout the film. For example Brenda Blethynargueswith Claire Rushbrook. Claire Rushbrook screams some very disrespectfulwords to her mother then the scene cross cut to Claire Rushbrook beingcomforted by the sexual satisfaction of her boyfriend while Brenda Blethynwas left alone and crying.By Claire Rushbrook displaying her sexual aggressions very freely this wasacontradiction on the unspoken sexual horrors and feelings of entrapmentandconfinement Brenda Blethyn must have encountered resulting in her unwantedpregnancy. The War Zone is another realism film that touches on theunspoken horrors of sexuality and how it destroys the emotional stabilityofa human being for years to come.Mike Leigh the director of this film used a variety of techniques; shots,angels and lighting to capture the reaction and emotion he wants out oftheaudience. Mike took me on a photography journey within the first 60secondsof the film. Mike let the viewer get just close enough to the charactersatMaurice Purley's (Timothy Spall), photo session to start looking for astoryin each person. Timothy Spall (who plays Brenda Blethyn's brother)photography shot's consist of; up close but wide shots to establish apersonal visual contact. Mike Leigh uses the tight frame, long shot fortheemotion of fear and pain. For example the audience is drawn into BrendaBlethyn's emotions when she receives her first phone call from herforgottenchild, Marianne. The camera is fixed on the long narrow hallway whileBrenda Blethyn is pacing back and forth, in and out of the camera's range.The freedom Brenda Blethyn starts to feel when she's facing her life'struth, is showed by Mike changing the shots of the film close,restrictedshots to wide angle shots that include the world around her.The emotions and decision the character's have as a result of BrendaBlethyn's Secrets & Lies soon do not compare to the whole family's Secrets&Lies. But it soon ends on a high note and a wide full family shot.

David Whitcraft 2012-05-01 20:21:50

superb!

One of my all-time favorite movies! - should have won the oscar for best picture (much better than English Patient). A great exporatory in human character!

dead47548 2012-04-26 07:04:40

Leigh does it again.

Once again, Mike Leigh crafts a film that leaves me completelyemotionally drained by the time the credits roll. The film is immenselysuspenseful, and this suspense doesn't come in the Hitchcockian'physical danger around every corner' kind of way. We are exposed tothe various secrets and lies formed in this dysfunctional family veryearly on, and the entire film is just a slow buildup until everythingexplodes and it is out in the open. We are forced to sit and wait forthe inevitable collision of all the painfully awkward secrets that thisfamily contains. Behind all of this is a beautifully operatic scorethat creates the perfect ambiance to the entire work. As with Leigh'searlier work Naked, he creates an ensemble of strong, detailed andincredibly flawed characters. Everyone has so much inner emotionalpain, that when they all end up in a room together your heart explodeswith the uncomfortable anguish of every secret revealed. It's a seriesof savage beatings, one right after the other, that rips your emotionalcore into pieces and leaves them to be stomped on in the dirt. Ofcourse behind all of this is a beautiful moral, and that's where thefilm really shines. Behind all of the pain and gut-wrenching heartache,there is a wonderful story that perfectly depicts the folly of secretsand lies. We see that being truthful and honest for your entire life isultimately the best decision, regardless of how hard it may be. Lettingall of the emotional pain build up over the course of decades will onlylead to an even more painful conclusion. In the end, it's better tosimply be honest and trustworthy.

2012-04-26 02:51:42

6 Stars: The Truth Shall Set You Free

Over-the-top emotionally, boldly going where few films ever dare to go, Mike Leigh's "Secrets and Lies" never fails, even after many repeated viewings, to impress with its naked, in-your-face emotionalism. Just when you think that Leigh's characters can go no further, cannot possibly peel away another layer to reveal a truth about themselves...a character or characters does just that.Roxanne's (Claire Rushbrook) birthday "party" at her brother Maurice's (a terrific performance by Timothy Spall) house is one of the greatest scenes ever committed to film: all the secrets and lies of this family are revealed, reviled and laid out for all to accept or not. Think "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" times 10 as the old saying the truth shall set you free is applied generously as the wine flows in this scene. All of the characters attain a kind of redemption through speaking the truth: simple in concept but so very difficult in practice.Brenda Blethyn's Cynthia is a big basket of exposed nerve endings all of which are , at the drop of a hat, ready to explode...and explode they do by way of a performance that on the one hand grates on your nerves while on the other simply tugs at your heart. You will hate Cynthia at times but ultimately she cannot, as Willy Loman by way of Arthur Miller says...be ignored."Secrets and Lies" is one of the greatest films ever made. It makes its play not only for your mind and succeeds but it also makes a play for your heart and soul...and succeeds in a way that only the greatest films do: with a simple re-telling of those things we all recognize as the truths of life.

2012-04-25 04:37:17

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent

This review is from: Secrets and Lies (DVD) The first time I heard of this movie was on Roger & Ebert when they were reviewing it and then I was able to see it on cable and was glued to the tv every time it came on. Loved the way the different stories were told and how they interwined at the "birthday party". The acting was excellent and it is great to watch other cinema besides the U.S.

2012-04-24 18:22:30

Fantastic!

Just watched this movie with my Fiance on Sunday night. The funny thing was that at first my Fiance kept on saying how boring the movie was. But by the first 20 minutes or so, he was engrossed. At the end of the movie he had to admit that it was an excellent film - funny with very touching moments throughout. A must see!

kenjha 2012-04-24 03:35:31

Emotional and Engaging

A successful young black woman learns that the woman who gave her upfor adoption is a working class white woman. While it takes a while toget going and it turns melodramatic at times, this comedy-drama isquite engaging. Leigh uses long takes for many of his scenes, lettingthe emotions build and adding a sense of realism to the interactions.He also elicits marvelous performances from his entire cast, whoapparently were encouraged to improvise. Blethyn is superb as a womanwith self-esteem issues who often carries on like a blithering idiot.Spall is likable as her supportive brother. Jean-Baptiste hits theright notes as the woman who seeks out her birth mother.

2012-04-23 15:57:48

AMAZING...WHAT IS ESSENTIAL IS INVISIBLE TO THE EYE.

ABSOLUTELY ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES EVER! It is so touching and so beautiful. Cynthia's brother is the one who really says it all when they are at the birthday dinner...you MUST see it to hear what it is...and it will make you realize that what is essential is invisible to the eye...Does color matter at all...???? NO!!! If only we all could realize this.BEAUTIFUL, TOUCHING, WELL ACTED, deserved all awards that it got...and then some.SEE IT!

2012-04-18 07:54:47

damaged DVD

This review is from: Secrets and Lies (DVD) This product was very disappointing. I knew it was second hand but it was almost impossible to enjoy watching it as there were so many gaps and breaks

2012-04-17 11:12:59

Great Movie, Awful DVD, Amazon...What Were You Thinking?

Secrets and Lies is a wonderful movie....one of the very best of the '90s. Mike Leigh is a remarkable talent and he brings out stellar performances from this superb, little known cast. I give the movie 5 stars. This DVD edition, however, is quite awful. Produced in Hong Kong, the video quality is inferior and prominent Chinese subtitles which cannot be removed prove very distracting. Although I'd love to have this movie in my DVD library, the poor quality of the DVD will require me to return it. Amazon, I can rely on you to send me high quality goods, however in this case you have failed. This DVD is not up to your high standards.