Beautiful Thing (1996)

90% of critics liked it
(21 reviews)
91% of users liked it
(9,699 ratings)

In this alternately somber and witty coming-of-age drama, a pair of teenage boys growing up in a working-class neighborhood become aware of their homosexuality. Introspective Jamie (Glen Berry) is the son of Sandra (Linda Henry), a tough but warm-hearted barmaid who lives in a public housing block… More In this alternately somber and witty coming-of-age drama, a pair of teenage boys growing up in a working-class neighborhood become aware of their homosexuality. Introspective Jamie (Glen Berry) is the son of Sandra (Linda Henry), a tough but warm-hearted barmaid who lives in a public housing block in a rough-and-tumble section of South London. Living a few doors away is Jamie's classmate Ste (Scott Neal), an athletic type who often has to take a beating from his hard-drinking father and hard-headed brother. One night, Jamie and Sandra discover that Ste has been kicked out of the apartment and has nowhere to spend the night; Jamie lets him stay at his place, and a casual closeness eventually stirs sexual feelings. While both were vaguely aware they might be gay, neither had ever acted on their impulses, and once Jamie and Ste decide that they're attracted to each other, neither is sure just what to do. Tony (Ben Daniels), Sandra's boyfriend, doesn't know what to think about Jamie's new lifestyle. Meanwhile, Jamie and Ste are themselves a bit puzzled by their neighbor Leah (Tameka Empson), a teenager obsessed with the life and music of Mama Cass Elliott. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 29 min.
Directed By: Hettie MacDonald
Written By: Jonathan Harvey
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Oct 11, 1996 Wide
On DVD: May 20, 2003

Critic Reviews

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Because the film is so effective for its first two-thirds and because it has its heart in the right place throughout, audiences may be willing to forgive its final third.
Jeff Millar, Houston Chronicle
If Beautiful Thing were any more sensitive, it would faint.
Robert Horton, Film.com
Reminds me of some of Jonathan Demme's early movies, where ordinary people are celebrated for their eccentricities but not condescended to.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
Represents a keen, personal look at the difficulties of growing up gay in a heterosexual world.
John Hartl, Film.com
Beautiful Thing isn't particularly deep, nor is it a great piece of filmmaking, but it's so sweet-natured and well-acted that it's hard to resist.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
The boys' lives contain few surprises ... but from the other characters there is one astonishment after another.
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
just as it 'takes a village' to raise a child, the 'village' elevates this otherwise ordinary drama
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
The tough but tender Beautiful Thing is one of the most honest and moving gay youth dramas in recent memory.
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
Beautiful Thing might be the most beloved of all the gay-youth movies released in the late 90s
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Delightful English film which charts the dawning of love between two homosexuals.
Stephen Farber, Movieline
This movie has a sharply observed sense of family and community and astonishingly natural acting.

Read all 11 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Luke B

It's a sweet coming of age tale. Set in 1995 it was great to see in the background some Batman Forever candy holders. I used to have these and they were coooool. Anyway the film deals with its subject splendidly and avoids cliche, however as a byproduct of this it also seems to… More
It's a sweet coming of age tale. Set in 1995 it was great to see in the background some Batman Forever candy holders. I used to have these and they were coooool. Anyway the film deals with its subject splendidly and avoids cliche, however as a byproduct of this it also seems to avoid any real conflict. Though it is good to see a guy bullied who isn't bothered by it. Ben Daniels is brilliant as the caring but clueless Tony but the real stand out is Tameka Empson as the Mama Cass obsessed youth. She lights up the screen and steals every moment she's in. A nice script that fashions its scenarios via realistic set-ups although the end dance is a BIT much.
jay n

wonderful with a great soundtrack.
Alec B

I think the story occasionally gets lost in a few unnecessary secondary characters but it still remains an emotionally charged love story. The film's very final scene makes a powerful statement about homosexuality and how it is seen by the world. Plus I'm always up for a… More
I think the story occasionally gets lost in a few unnecessary secondary characters but it still remains an emotionally charged love story. The film's very final scene makes a powerful statement about homosexuality and how it is seen by the world. Plus I'm always up for a story about working class Brits because that accent is magnificent.
Janice :

Loved every single bit of this film. Immensely touching and truly genuine. A little gem of a film!
Leo L

Good movie.

Cast

            Andrew Fraser as Jayson

            Linda Henry as Sandra Gangel

            Glen Berry as Jamie Gangel

            Julie Smith as Gina

            Scott Neal as Ste Pearce

            Jeillo Edwards as Rose

            Ben Daniels as Tony

            Daniel Bowers as Trevor Pearce

            Tameka Empson as Leah

            Ozdemir Mamodeally as Slasher

            Beth Goddard as Brewery Official

            Anna Karen as Marlene

            Marlene Sidaway as Betty

            Liane Ware as Claire

            Catherine Sanderson as Kelly

            Dave Lynn as Drag Performer

            Jonathan Harvey as Wheelchair Queen

            John Benfield as Rodney Barr

            Davyd Harries as Brewery Official

            John Savage as Lenny

            Meera Syal as Miss Chauhan

            Martin Walsh as Mr Bennett

            Garry Cooper as Ronnie Pearce

            Terry Duggan as Kevin

            Sophie Stanton as Louise

            Steven M. Martin as Ryan McBride
See full cast