Beautiful Thing (1996)
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90% of critics liked it
(21 reviews) -
90% of users liked it
(10,002 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
- Directed By
- Hettie MacDonald
- Written By
- Jonathan Harvey
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy
R,
- In Theaters
- Oct 11, 1996 Wide
Critic Reviews
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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.
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Jeff Millar, Houston Chronicle
If Beautiful Thing were any more sensitive, it would faint.
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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.
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James Berardinelli, ReelViews
Represents a keen, personal look at the difficulties of growing up gay in a heterosexual world.
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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.
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Cast
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Andrew Fraser
as Jayson
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Linda Henry
as Sandra Gangel
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Glen Berry
as Jamie Gangel
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Julie Smith
as Gina
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Scott Neal
as Ste Pearce
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Jeillo Edwards
as Rose
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Ben Daniels
as Tony
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Daniel Bowers
as Trevor Pearce
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Tameka Empson
as Leah
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Ozdemir Mamodeally
as Slasher
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Beth Goddard
as Brewery Official
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Anna Karen
as Marlene
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Marlene Sidaway
as Betty
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Liane Ware
as Claire
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Catherine Sanderson
as Kelly
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Dave Lynn
as Drag Performer
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Jonathan Harvey
as Wheelchair Queen
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John Benfield
as Rodney Barr
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Davyd Harries
as Brewery Official
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John Savage
as Lenny
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Meera Syal
as Miss Chauhan
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Martin Walsh
as Mr Bennett
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Garry Cooper
as Ronnie Pearce
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Terry Duggan
as Kevin
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Sophie Stanton
as Louise
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Steven M. Martin
as Ryan McBride
