My Beautiful Laundrette (1985)

100% of critics liked it
(19 reviews)
74% of users liked it
(6,349 ratings)

After the death of his wife and his subsequent descent into alcoholic near-agoraphobia, a crotchety Pakistani intellectual convinces his shady entrepreneur brother to provide work for his son in this multi-layered portrait of the immigrant experience in Great Britain. Young Londoner Omar (Gordon… More After the death of his wife and his subsequent descent into alcoholic near-agoraphobia, a crotchety Pakistani intellectual convinces his shady entrepreneur brother to provide work for his son in this multi-layered portrait of the immigrant experience in Great Britain. Young Londoner Omar (Gordon Warnecke) isn't sure what he wants out of life, but his uncle Nasser (Saeed Jaffrey) provides a corrupt, capitalist role model as Omar graduates from washing cars for the old crook to running his run-down laundromat. After a chance meeting with Johnny (Daniel Day-Lewis), an old school chum whose flirtation with fascism deeply wounded Omar's principled Papa (Roshan Seth), Omar hires the young thug to work for him. Soon, the pair begin a romantic relationship that remains as under wraps as the illicit drug-running and enforcement work they perform for Nasser's associate, Salim (Derrick Branche). On the domestic front, Omar must balance his knowledge of Nasser's long-running affair with posh Brit Rachel (Shirley Ann Field) with his own loyalty and attraction to Nasser's westernized daughter, Tania (Rita Wolf). After successfully transforming his laundrette into a vision of resplendent pastel suds and providing a bright spot in his otherwise squalid London neighborhood, Omar seems to have a bright future in Nasser's organization. The spectre of Johnny's past, however, combines with Omar's conflicted immigrant loyalties to threaten the sense of identity the young man has managed to stake out for himself. British-born, half-Pakistani playwright and novelist Hanif Kureishi won an Oscar nomination for his screenplay for My Beautiful Laundrette, which was originally filmed for BBC television. Kureishi collaborated again with director Stephen Frears on Sammy and Rosie Get Laid. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Stephen Frears
Genres: Drama, Romance, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Sep 7, 1985 Wide
On DVD: Jun 3, 2003
Studio: Orion Classics

Critic Reviews

Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
[VIDEO] "My Beautiful Launderette" is a milestone of British cinema.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
An intriguing tale about race, sexuality, and politics in the New London, splendidly played by Daniel day Lewis as the gay punk.
Dan Jardine, Apollo Guide
When it works, it's a sophisticated and modestly ambitious attempt to cast a glance at a minority culture struggling to gain a foothold in a troubling time and place.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A gritty and imaginative English film offering a grim portrait of societal disintegration during the 1980s in a country rife with racial tensions and a thriving underground economy.
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
As inviting as having a studly young Daniel Day-Lewis lick your neck.
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
While Personal Best and Making Love have faded into obscurity as The Celluloid Closet footnotes, My Beautiful Laundrette has become a benchmark in the 80s new queer cinema.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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

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Featured Audience Ratings

Jim H

Within the context of film history, this film is surely important as a pioneer in discussion homosexuality in a straight-forward, even endorsing, manner. But I can't help noticing that the dialogue is stolid and expository. Additionally, the gay relationship is not adequately… More
Within the context of film history, this film is surely important as a pioneer in discussion homosexuality in a straight-forward, even endorsing, manner. But I can't help noticing that the dialogue is stolid and expository. Additionally, the gay relationship is not adequately set up. We get no looks of longing or attraction between Omar and Johnny; they rather suddenly kiss. No matter the sexuality of the relationship, the audience needs some clue about the characters' objectives. With Warnecke's performance, it is almost impossible to tell anything about his character's emotional life because during much of his screen time he has a plastic, "I-smile-just-because" grin, which often belies the events going on around him. Finally, we get a lot of generalized complaints about "this country," and the anti-Pakistani sentiment is revealed, but is this only what the complaints refer to? I shouldn't have to ask this question. I think the biggest surprise about this film isn't the gay relationship but the fact that this was nominated for Best Screenplay.
Jennifer D

Had to watch it for a film class. Might not have watched it otherwise.
Elvira B

Stephen Frears's 1985 film is a testament for a group of confused, irreverent middle to lower class youths of the Thatcher years in London. The characters of My Beautiful Laundrette are young, they have nothing to do, they want to do something... but they don't know when, or… More
Stephen Frears's 1985 film is a testament for a group of confused, irreverent middle to lower class youths of the Thatcher years in London. The characters of My Beautiful Laundrette are young, they have nothing to do, they want to do something... but they don't know when, or what to do. Above all, they want out of the niche. They want money. The epicenter is Omar, the son of Pakistani emigrees. He's constantly harassed by a group of skinheads, who can't understand why Johnny -who is white- hangs out with him more than he does with them. So not only are Johnny and Omar adrift and lacking a definite social circle, they are also romantically involved, which doesn't incite much approval either. They are pretty much alone in their quest for stability and success. This is what the film is about. A slice of their daily lives, and how Omar wants to start working at his Uncle's laundrette and turn it into the fanciest laundrette in the area. And make money. Johnny helps him. They overcome some of the obstacles, the frowning, and the pressure to take a more 'normal' path and split up, but when the film ends it is obvious the trouble is not over and never will be. I have never understood MBL as a generalization of the Thatcher years, especially considering how specific the conditions of the characters are. Of course, it must be parting from a generally uniform view of the social climate, but I would hate to suggest it reflects an entire society. However, that doesn't make the story any less important. A general knowledge of the average, slightly fundamentalist Western man is enough to understand how realistic the attitudes of harassment towards Omar and Johnny are. Therefore, although so specific, the film addresses real issues. So if you're not in for some critical thinking it's better you don't watch it. Omar and Johnny's relationship is both same gender and interracial, and it's interesting to see ourselves react before this scenario. Every film that takes on gay or racial issues is bound to be provocative. Although I personally didn't learn anything with MBL, mainly because I have no problem at all with anything, I admire how naturally the film explores controversial themes. I guess what truly struck me is that the "questioning" doesn't feel forced. It's also an interesting watch for any enthusiasts of Daniel Day-Lewis like myself. He had not worked much before (was this his first film?) but the magnetic screen presence is there as much as ever. MBL is an easy-going film with much more depth than it appears to have. You just flow with it and get to know Omar and Johnny. You yell at them for being so stupid sometimes, and you laugh with them on other occasions for being so clever. It is not the best film I've ever seen, but one of the most involving... yes.
Sarah G

Director:Stephen Frears Released: 1986 Stars : Daniel Day Lewis, Saeed Jaffrey, Roshan Seth Genre: Drama Country: UK An ambitious British Asian and his white lover strive… More
Director:Stephen Frears Released: 1986 Stars : Daniel Day Lewis, Saeed Jaffrey, Roshan Seth Genre: Drama Country: UK An ambitious British Asian and his white lover strive for success and hope, when they open up a glamorous laundrette My Beautiful Laundrette was one of those films which I've been meaning to see for a long long time. Not just because it's a classic British film but because it has only of my favourite actors (Daniel Day Lewis') first roles. This film is not only about the romance between a British Asian and a British guy but about Thatcher's 1980's Britain. It's defiantly one of my favourite films of the 1980's. My Beautiful Laundrette, despite ageing a little, still maintains aspects of 80's culture that can be still prevalent in today's society. With aspects of British Muslim culture constantly questioned in today's society this is even more of an important film. Racism in relation to British Muslims has gone on recently in the UK and a strong part of our Media. Perhaps some aspects of the film is not relevant, for instance, the constant use of ?paki? wouldn?t be used in recent period films but only in the films of the 1980?s. Perhaps that?s an aspect that has aged the film a little but this film will always remain a strong depiction of life in Thatcher?s Britain for British Asians, and indeed gay men. My Beautiful Laundrette is one of Daniel Day Lewis?s first acting roles; previously he?d played supporting roles. Day Lewis is a strong part of this film and delivers a strong performance, one which you can see what Stephen Frears say in him. Day-Lewis plays a great role as Johnny, school friend of Omar and certainly makes you empathise with him as a viewer. The acting in this film is a strong part of the construction of it. Like Day Lewis, Gordon Warnecke, in his first acting role delivers a great performance with such vulnerability and innocence. Right from the very first time we see the two characters meet, you can see the attraction and chemistry between the two characters; a relationship which is portrayed brilliantly by Frears. Also worth mentioning Saeed Jafferey as Omar?s uncle, who seems to crop in many British TV Shows and films. The film is set in Thatcher?s Britain in 1985 and is mentioned by a few of the characters. The film contains examples of Individualism that was the main part of the 1980s, and many aspects of liberalism of the characters. Omar?s Uncle and members of their family seem to aspot characteristics of many of their white counterparts. For instance; owning many businesses, houses (evident in the scene where Johnny kicks out a tenant) and striving to succeed to their level. Once quote which is related to this is said by Omar?s uncle relating to being recognised as a Businessmen and not an Asian businessman. This doesn?t seem to be shared by Omar?s father; who constantly tries to get him to college; Don't get too involved with that crook. You've got to study. We are under siege by the white man. For us education is power And I think this is basically an underrated part of the film. The relationship between Omar and Johnny is not only the core of the film, but the backdrop that it is set in as well. Overall, My Beautiful Laundrette has aged a little (possibly keeping it from a perfect film) but still is an important look into 198?s Thatcher Britain. An important look into the reactions towards British Asian?s entering jobs (previously occupied by white British males), racism and reactions towards homosexuality. Also worth watching to see one of Daniel Day Lewis?s first roles. Highly recommend 8/10
Robert C

Just re-watched this having seen it years ago, before I knew who Daniel Day-Lewis was. I remeber the first time I saw this I totally bought into his character as tough, street savy "punk" they intended him to be. This time around he just seemed like some homeless gay… More
Just re-watched this having seen it years ago, before I knew who Daniel Day-Lewis was. I remeber the first time I saw this I totally bought into his character as tough, street savy "punk" they intended him to be. This time around he just seemed like some homeless gay hustler with a bad dye job. It's a fun little social commentary for the period, a little too "soap-operaish" at times to be as powerful as it might have been. All in all an enjoyable film, but not nearly as good as I remembered.
Fernando Rafael Q

A decent script and direction. Good performances by Gordon Warnecke and Saeed Jaffrey. Daniel Day-Lewis was great. The music was awful. The movie, a little boring. Great photography.
Emily B

Deals with some very serious issues such as sexuality, rascism and class divide during the Thatcher years, yet I found it not brilliant just OK.
Leo L

A favorite.
Barry L

Very pointed film and a glimpse of the early eighties....I was there and it wasnt that bad...

Read all 9 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Daniel Day-Lewis as Johnny

            Gordon Warnecke as Omar

            Saeed Jaffrey as Nasser

            Roshan Seth as Papa

            Shirley Ann Field as Rachel

            Derrick Branche as Salim

            Rita Wolf as Tania

            Dawn Archibald as Gang Member

            Bhasker Patel as Tariq

            Charu Bala Chokshi as Bilquis Nasser's Wife

            Neil Cunningham as Englishman

            Ayub Khan Din as Student

            Walter Donahue as dick O'donnell

            Souad Faress as Cherry Salim's Wife

            Richard Graham as Genghis

            Winston Graham as Jamaican

            Ram John Holder as Poet

            Gerard Horan as Telephone Man

            Nisha Kapur as Nasser's Younger Daughter

            Persis Khambatta
            
            Stephen Marcus as Moose

            Persis Marvala as Nasser's Elder Daughter

            Chris Pitt as Kid

            Dudley Thomas as Jamaican

            Buddy Uzzaman as Dealer

            Sheila Chitnis as Zaki's Wife

            Dulice Leicier as Girl in Disco

            Sira as Gurdial/Zaki

            Kerryann White as Kid

            Garry Cooper as Squatter

            Jonathan Moore as Gang Member

            Colin Campbell as Madame Butterfly Man
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