Distant Voices, Still Lives (1988)

87% of critics liked it
(15 reviews)
88% of users liked it
(735 ratings)

Set in 1940s England, Distant Voices/Still Lives is a compassionate look at a radically dysfunctional family. The son and his mother must endure the casual and overt cruelties of the bull-necked father. The ongoing abuse takes its toll in the form of failed marriages and misguided attempts at… More Set in 1940s England, Distant Voices/Still Lives is a compassionate look at a radically dysfunctional family. The son and his mother must endure the casual and overt cruelties of the bull-necked father. The ongoing abuse takes its toll in the form of failed marriages and misguided attempts at seeking security outside the family unit. As was the case with his earlier short subject trilogy (The Children, Madonna and Child, Death and Transfiguration), director Terence Davies based much of the material on his own life, combining rheumy-eyed cynicism with soft-edged nostalgia (the musical track, drawn from popular wartime songs, is particularly evocative). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 27 min.
Directed By: Terence Davies
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Sep 11, 1988 Wide

Critic Reviews

Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Film
A rich tapestry, which delves into how our reminiscences work.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Brilliant, unique and poignant autobiographical drama.
, Daily Telegraph
It appears impossibly mannered, a cross between knock-off Dennis Potter and an episode of Bread.
Andrew Pulver, Guardian [UK]
This film is a masterpiece.
Ian Johns, Times [UK]
If there's such a thing as anthropological poetry, this is it.
David Parkinson, Empire Magazine
Exposing the bleak reality of a supposedly more innocent time, this inspired blend of musical and melodrama succeeds in being both fond and forlorn, artistic and authentic.
Stella Papamichael, BBC
Truly evocative.
Fernando F. Croce, Slant Magazine
Not the least among its achievements, Terence Davies's wondrous Distant Voices, Still Lives offers a crystallization of the appeal of the musical.
Dave Calhoun, Time Out
Davies is unflinching in his hunt for truth and full of nothing but love and understanding for his characters.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A fine film revolving around the memories of a working-class family.
Gregory Weinkauf, New Times
Nigh incomprehensible, yet moving.
, Film4
A unique and thoroughly moving masterpiece.

Read all 12 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cassandra M

Terence Davis moving, harrowing and elegantly artistic masterpiece is one of the few Britsh films of recent years to embody a distinctly British identity. The plot involves a family wedding in working class Liverpool just after the second world war and the various episodes in the… More
Terence Davis moving, harrowing and elegantly artistic masterpiece is one of the few Britsh films of recent years to embody a distinctly British identity. The plot involves a family wedding in working class Liverpool just after the second world war and the various episodes in the family's past dealing with their sometimes brutal and disturbed father. The beauty of the film lies in the deeply artistic composition of various shots, coupled with Davis' enduring compassion and understanding for the chararcters, especially the father played brilliantly by Pete Postlethwaite. It is an incredible evocation of family life and even though at times it makes for hard viewing, this is a film that must be seen.
Emily B

Terence Davies's autobiographical film of working-class life in 1940s/50s Liverpool. A brilliant, emotional and powerful film full of great acting. The story is told through memories and switches between childhood and adulthood. Unique and highly recommended.

Cast

            Freda Dowie as Mother

            Pete Postlethwaite as Father

            Angela Walsh as Eileen

            Dean Williams as Tony

            Lorraine Ashbourne as Maisie

            Debi Jones as Micki

            Marie Jelliman as Jingles

            Sally Davies as Eileen as a child

            Nathan Walsh as Tony as a child

            Susan Flanagan as Maisie as a child

            Michael Starke as Dave

            Vincent MaGuire as George

            Antonia Mallen as Rose

            Chris Darwin as Red

            Andrew Schofield as Les

            Anne Dyson as Granny

            Chris Benson as Rose's Family

            Jean Boht as Aunty Nell

            Carl Chase as Uncle Ted

            Roy Ford as Wedding Priest

            Judith Barker as Rose's Family

            Alan Bird as Baptismal Priest

            Ina Clough as Licensee

            Frances Dell as Margie

            Matthew Long as Mr. Spaull

            Terry Melia as Military Policeman

            Lorraine Michaels as Rose's Family

            John Michie as Soldier

            Jeanette Moseley as Barmaid

            Pauline Quirke as Doreen

            John Thomalla as Military Policeman

            John Carr as Registrar
See full cast

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Distant Voices, Still Lives (1988)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Cassandra M

Emily B

Cast

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