Shirley Valentine (1989)

67% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
84% of users liked it
(5,566 ratings)

Since its London and Broadway stage debut, playwright Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine has proven an excellent showcase for any number of talented actresses (Loretta Swit won the 1989 Sarah Siddons Award for her work in the Chicago production). In the film version of Shirley Valentine, Pauline… More Since its London and Broadway stage debut, playwright Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine has proven an excellent showcase for any number of talented actresses (Loretta Swit won the 1989 Sarah Siddons Award for her work in the Chicago production). In the film version of Shirley Valentine, Pauline Collins re-creates the role that had previously brought her theatrical fame and a Tony Award. Spending the bulk of the film speaking directly to the audience, the titular Shirley (Collins), a middle-aged Liverpool housewife, reveals her innermost thoughts and fears in a manner that is both insouciant and poignant. Once an incorrigible anti-establishment rebel, Shirley now chafes under the plodding insensitivity of her husband, Joe (Bernard Hill). Her life enters a new and exciting phase when, after her best friend, Jane (Alison Steadman), wins an all-expenses-paid vacation to Greece, Shirley is given the opportunity to travel to faraway places without her husband. Shirley Valentine represents the second felicitous collaboration between playwright Willy Russell and director Lewis Gilbert; the first was Educating Rita (1983). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Lewis Gilbert
Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 30, 1989 Wide
On DVD: May 1, 2007
Studio: Paramount Home Video

Critic Reviews

David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
An obnoxious and thoroughly tedious piece of work...
Don Willmott, Filmcritic.com
think of Shirley Valentine as "Educating Rita under the Tuscan Sun."
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Pleasantly quirky comedy-drama.
Dan Lybarger, Lawrence Journal-World
Collins' terrific performance bouys this somewhat awkward adaption of the play.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
This witty, buoyant comedy explores the wild strategy a middle-aged Liverpool matron comes up with to love just being herself.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

Its good but it?s a mum film!
xGary X

British rom com (ooh. My FAVOURITE) for the menopausal generation. I'm not there yet...
Sarah B

Severely dated, but its power is time immemorial. Familiar, funny, realistic and Pauline Collins is mesmerising.
Audrey L

Caught this old favorite yesterday on TV and what a pleasure to see it again. Shirley magnificently throws off the roles inflicted upon her by society and embarks on a two week holiday in Greece. She rediscovers herself and finds liberation and romance. Quite possibly one of the few… More
Caught this old favorite yesterday on TV and what a pleasure to see it again. Shirley magnificently throws off the roles inflicted upon her by society and embarks on a two week holiday in Greece. She rediscovers herself and finds liberation and romance. Quite possibly one of the few "chick flicks" that I have enjoyed.
Dimitris S

Adorable Brit flick,an essence of liberality and traveling to the distance...well,on that occasion,Greece!I must point out it's a better affiliation to the island way of life concerning random puns like other Big Fat Greek Weddings do (excluding the non-usage of Greek… More
Adorable Brit flick,an essence of liberality and traveling to the distance...well,on that occasion,Greece!I must point out it's a better affiliation to the island way of life concerning random puns like other Big Fat Greek Weddings do (excluding the non-usage of Greek actors,pity),Collins is tremendous in her fancy persona,bringing a romantic comedy to where it truly belongs: to the underdogs.
Barry L

Read it at school.

Read all 6 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Pauline Collins as Shirley Valentine-Bradshaw

            Tom Conti as Costas Caldes

            Alison Steadman as Jane

            Julia McKenzie as Gillian

            Joanna Lumley as Marjorie

            Bernard Hill as Joe Bradshaw

            Sylvia Syms as Headmistress

            Gillian Kearney as Young Shirley

            Catherine Duncan as Young Marjorie

            Tracie Bennett as Milandra Bradshaw

            Gareth Jefferson as Brian Bradshaw

            George Costigan as Dougie

            Karen Craig as Thelma

            John Hartley as German Tourist

            Anna Keaveney as Jeannette

            Cardew Robinson as Londoner

            Ken Sharrock as Sydney

            Marc Zuber as Renos

            Ray Armstrong as Executive Type

            Sheila Aza as Cooking Teacher

            Annee Blott as Chambermaid

            Elaine Boisseau as Woman in Taverna

            Honora Burke as Londer's Wife

            Geraldine Griffiths as Sally

            Matthew Long as Teacher

            Ged McKenna as Van Driver

            Marlene Morley as German Tourist

            Sarah Nolan as Maureen

            Ruth Russell as Veronica

            Diane Whitley as Liz

            Alex Wright as Kid in Car

            Giorgos Xidakis as Spiro

            Deborah Yhip as Sharon-Louise

            Joanne Zorian as Carol

            George Hatzinassios
            
See full cast