Undertaking Betty (Plots with a View) (2003)
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40% of critics liked it
(5 reviews) -
65% of users liked it
(2,583 ratings)
Directed by Nick Hurran, Undertaking Betty revolves around the competitive world of undertaking in the Welsh countryside. One of the most respected names in the biz -- Plotz Funeral Homes -- is directed by Boris Plotz (Alfred Molina), whose youthful dreams consisted of two decidedly cheerier… More Directed by Nick Hurran, Undertaking Betty revolves around the competitive world of undertaking in the Welsh countryside. One of the most respected names in the biz -- Plotz Funeral Homes -- is directed by Boris Plotz (Alfred Molina), whose youthful dreams consisted of two decidedly cheerier concepts than the embalming process: dancing and marrying his childhood crush, Betty Rhys-Jones (Brenda Blethyn). Unfortunately, the pressure to take over the family business became too much for Boris to resist, particularly after Betty, despite being secretly in love with Boris, was married off to a known gold digger. Both Betty and Boris' lives remain firmly status quo until the death of Betty's mother-in-law, whose funeral arrangements throw the unsatisfied couple back together. While the spark between Betty and Boris is reignited, rival funeral director Frank Featherbed (Christopher Walken) grows increasingly angry; the American funeral director desperately wants to revolutionize the U.K. undertaking business with his unique "theme" funerals. Ultimately, Boris and Betty resort to desperate measures -- since the only thing keeping him away from Betty is her two-timing husband, they decide to stage Betty's demise and elope somewhere far away from the death business. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi
- Directed By
- Nick Hurran
- Written By
- Frederick Ponzlov
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 2003 Limited
- On DVD
- Mar 7, 2006
- Studio
- Miramax Films
Critic Reviews
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Scott Weinberg, DVDTalk.com
The flick feels like Six Feet Under meets Waking Ned Devine written on a 5th-grade reading level.
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David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...a charming, low-key romantic comedy...
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Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures
one of the warmest, sweetest dark comedies I've seen
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Scott Foundas, L.A. Weekly
It's rarely a good sign when a movie feels obliged to add the words 'a fable' beneath its main title -- and Undertaking Betty is no exception.
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Boyd van Hoeij, european-films.net
It all feels rather by the numbers.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Brenda Blethyn
as Betty Rhys-Jones
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Alfred Molina
as Boris Plotz
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Christopher Walken
as Frank Featherbed
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Naomi Watts
as Meredith
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Lee Evans
as Delbert Butterfield
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Robert Pugh
as Councillor Hugh Rhys-Jones
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Miriam Margolyes
as Thelma and Selma
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Robert Page
as Bob Murdock
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Ena Cohen
as Candace
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Howell Evans
as Dr. Owens
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Beverly Hotsprings
as Andrea Cass
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Padrig Owen Jones
as Willie
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Stan Stennet
as Albert Edwards
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Menna Trussler
as Dilys Rhys-Jones
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Clinton Noel Williams
as Rev. Price
- Jerry Springer
- Hannah Higgins