A Way of Life (2004)

100% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
73% of users liked it
(550 ratings)

A single teenage mother operating along the margins of society unleashes a bitter torrent of anger on her unsuspecting neighbors in first-time director Amma Assante's seething psychological drama. Leigh-Ann (Stephanie James) may seem like a victim to some, but in between paying the bills, dealing… More A single teenage mother operating along the margins of society unleashes a bitter torrent of anger on her unsuspecting neighbors in first-time director Amma Assante's seething psychological drama. Leigh-Ann (Stephanie James) may seem like a victim to some, but in between paying the bills, dealing with welfare officers, and keeping the menacing father of her infant child at bay, this single mother has no time for anything but survival. With so much bottled rage in her life Leigh-Ann is bound to explode sooner or later, and when her brother starts dating the daughter of her Pakistani neighbors this mother's uncontrollable anger threatens to consume both her and the ones she holds dearest. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Amma Asante
Written By: Amma Asante
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Sep 14, 2004 Limited
On DVD: Apr 10, 2007
Studio: Verve Pictures Ltd.

Critic Reviews

Scott Andrews, FilmFocus
Amma Asante is a major talent who promises great things.
Matthew Turner, ViewLondon
Gritty, harrowing drama with a strong script and a terrific central performance by newcomer Stephanie James

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Featured Audience Ratings

Craig S

Directed by: Amma Asante. Starring: Stephanie James, Brenda Blethyn, Michael Conway, Marged Esli. A movie, that has won over 14 awards since its release in 2004 at many international festivals yet it… More
Directed by: Amma Asante. Starring: Stephanie James, Brenda Blethyn, Michael Conway, Marged Esli. A movie, that has won over 14 awards since its release in 2004 at many international festivals yet it isn't widely known by many at all.....it deserves to be. From first time director and writer Amma Asante, the story follows a group of teenagers growing up in a dead-end community in Wales. Each one has there own story, we have Leigh-Ann, who is a teenage mother, struggling to make a living for her child, while also being frustrated and humiliated by her community, feeling that her social worker is going to take her baby away, Robbie, who loves his heritage and wants to get out of where he lives...and hates the fact that all the 'pakkies' are getting the attention and the work, Gavin, who is desperately looking for love and Stephen, who hates his heritage and is trying to search for an identity. The screenplay by Amma is brilliantly written, showing us the realistic truth of life in many communities like this one, the struggles that these teenagers face, there attitudes, the racism and stereotyping of others, it is at times quite disturbing and powerful. Stephanie James, a very new actress on the scene is absolutely outstanding, tackling a very difficult role of a troubled teen, the role requires great control, range and intensity to make it believable and Stephanie does it brilliantly, someone to look out for in the future. I highly recommend you see this little gem of a film if you ever see it in your video store, it is not widely known by audiences yet it won so many awards at international film festivals and it deserves every one of them....an excellent film debut that tackles many elements of a community that you can find anywhere in the world, it is realistic, truthful and at times, powerful.

Cast

Stephanie James
as Leigh-Anne
Nathan Jones
as Gavin
Garry Sheppeard
as Robbie

Dean Wong
as Stephen
Sara Gregory
as Julie
Oliver Haden
as Hassan

See full cast

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A Way of Life (2004)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Craig S

Cast

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