Have you watched the movie Vera drake before?

[NewYearFitQueen]

If so, what did you think to it?

Yes, it’s great.

I watched it years ago and I remember liking it a lot and feeling very angry that women had to go through this. But also, if I remember correctly, having a sense of unease about the business side of things, it being a business model for some women. It’s absolutely an opportunity for the worst people to make money.

I thought it was good but the ending was so abrupt
also unrealistic about how brutal the abortions we’re and how many went wrong

I was uncomfortable with it - I remember someone writing in gory detail about how the 'abortions' depicted were very sanitised, giving the impression it was generally very simple and clean and rarely went wrong, which really isn't the case. There's a reason we have and need legal abortion.

Reminded me of an episode of call the midwife that made me change my closed minded view of abortion

the episode where the mum just couldn’t cope with anymore children

Yes many years ago. I remember the background of the story and Imelda Staunton but wouldn't say I enjoyed it because it wasn't that type of film. Maybe thought provoking is the best way to describe it.

Yes I agree

I watched it many years ago and found it quite chilling in that you just never know what goes on behind closed doors. I’m not watching it again. It was creepy.

Also reminded me of revolutionary road

breaks your heart that this has anything to do with the legal system whatsoever
and I still can’t believe this right to healthcare been taken away form so many American women and women in the world

personally I think it should be removed from criminality completely

I saw it at the cinema, haven't seen it since. Very moving and challenging to watch, if slightly disjointed in places. I remember the contrast between the treatment available to the rich girl/woman and the poor ones.

I bawled my eyes out. Very moving film.

Vera drake did show quite well though, how if you did have the money you could access proper healthcare

Imelda Staunton, great performance! Another Mike Leigh masterwork IIRC.

She walked the line between the figure of “local wise woman” who you could ask to get rid of an unwanted pregnancy, who have always existed and did women a service in the times before contraception…
and the bewildered ignorant wicked backstreet abortionist they put on trial.

I think this is going to be in my head forever now

it does help people change their minds in these things tho which is good

Saw it again on Xmas Day. Superb acting. The grimness of postwar Britain

It’s so sad to think this is still happening now in many parts of the world

I was looking at award winning drama films on Netflix

Any other good movie suggestions for tonight ?
im trying to get off my phone and stop looking at TikTok etc which is running my attention spa for real

and im trying to get more into films and books

Watched it for the first time about a week ago. I “liked” it in the same way I “liked” Schindler’s List.

Yes. Accurate with how it was then.

I’ve not actually watched that yet

Mine and my husband’s first date back in 1994.

Not quite what we were expecting.

Wow that was an intense first date then!

@NewYearFitQueen A reaction we get a lot. Fortunately, we had been friends for a few years and have known each other since we were 11. Now, we are 50, or he will be next month. I already am as of October.

I watch it every now and again because I like the acting and the story is good. I remember reading that Jennifer Worth who wrote Call The Midwife was quite against it, because of how it showed the abortions to be fairly easy and safe, and that she said that method was actually very dangerous.