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Sorry, this movie sucks

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

Abortions have never been done the way they are presented in this movie with any lasting regularity, and certainly not by the same person, over and over. Doing an abortion using the method portrayed in this movie causes internal bleeding and death, almost 95% of the time-watch Revolutionary Road. Vera Drake would have killed hundreds of women. Surgical abortions have been taking place since the 1800s. Traveling abortionists were almost always male. No one in the world does abortions for free. It's a money game-always has been. Period. This movie is false from top to bottom. Perhaps it makes people "feel good" because of the pro-choice message, but it's false and totally inaccurate. I only gave it more than one star because the acting was good.

Don't give up! This movie starts incredibly slowly and boringly, but ramps up the pace and drama the more it progresses. Ultimately turns out to be a very powerful drama, and an exploration of 1950s prejudices and hangups (some of which, unfortunately, still exist today). Though the movie is clearly meant to spark thought and discussion on abortion, director Mike Leigh doesn't really take a stance. In some ways this is good, as it means you can enjoy the movie as a drama, no matter what your view on abortion. In some ways, however, I wish Leigh had taken a stance (preferably pro-choice), just to make it more controversial. Imelda Staunton is superb in the lead role and deserved her Best Actress Oscar nomination (losing out to Hillary Swank for Million Dollar Baby). A powerful movie. Just be patient.

What's especially amazing about Mike Leigh's slice of life films is his attention to detail. Detail in the way they look (art direction, lighting, cinematography...), detail in the actor's interaction (acting, writing) and the treatment of the script. Very few directors can create such authentic piece of life. His stories are about the common working citizen and one can easily relate to all the people he introduces us to. There is something unique about these people.Set in post-war 50's London, Leigh introduces us to Vera Drake, a working class citizen. 'Makes her living by cleaning people's houses, she's a homemaker, takes care of her family, takes care of her ailing mother and takes care of girls in trouble. She lives in a tiny crowded little apartment with her husband and two grown-up children. Yet, they're a happy family, content with what they have. Vera smiles through it all and even in the harshest circumstance she remains the kind soul that she always has been.The washed out colours and slightly dimmed light bring out the post-war look. The sets and costumes look very real. The score is subtle and effective. The editing is very good.Imelda Staunton delivers a transcendent performance. It's one of the greatest and most natural performances by an actress. Staunton completely embodies Vera. It's difficult to tell whether Staunton was just being herself or playing a character. Her performance could serve as a source of education for aspiring actors.She is supported by a cast of amazing actors who are brilliant. Alex Kelly is great as the shy and quiet daughter. Daniel Mays, Richard Graham, Philip Davis and Eddie Marsan are wonderful. Sally Hawkins does a fine job too in a brief role.The theme of abortion plays a key theme and it does raise questions but this isn't an issue based abortion film. Class distinction is also a key element and kindness plays an important part. No matter what difficulties Vera is confronted with, she deals with it through kindness.'Vera Drake' is Mike Leigh and Imelda Staunton's triumph.

Of course the story is meant to make a point - and it does - namely that the post war era in class-riven England was harsh, judgmental and hypocritical. To make the point even more striking, Vera and her family are honest, hardworking, loving and understanding working class people. Helping people is what Vera does - whatever she's doing - even helping girls who have 'got themselves in the family way' - a lovely euphemism that lets the man responsible off the hook. Mike Leigh's genius makes us feel the cramped, warmth of her family home. His England is a place of small rooms and dark alleyways contrasted with the odd cold palatial room of the off-hand upper-class women Vera works for. My only question is about Ethel? Why was she such a droop? With that gentle, loving family, who produced a bright, bouncy independent son - surely she should have had a little bit of backbone. But then she had the wonderful Sid - so she won't need it. A beautiful film - you will cry - so bring your tissues. Wonderful characters (Ethel perhaps excepted) - and a brilliant production.