Vera Drake - Definition

Vera Drake is a 2004 British film, directed by Mike Leigh. The movie recounts the story of a working-class woman in London in 1950, whose values conflict with the expectations of society. Tragedy ensues.

As of 2 January 2005, it earns $2,122,643 in the U.S. Box Office [1] (http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=veradrake.htm).

Tagline: Wife. Mother. Criminal.

Plot

Vera Drake (Imelda Staunton) is fearlessly devoted to her family, taking care of her elderly mother and sick neighbour. However she also serves as a backroom abortionist for pregnant women. She receives no money for it, believing her help is an act of generosity. The practice was illegal in 1950s England, and Vera's views are vehemently opposed by her son, Sid. When one of her patients nearly dies from her crude abortion, Vera Drake is tracked down by the police, arrested, and incarcerated for 30 months. Her family becomes hopelessly shocked, bewildered, then divided after her arrest.

Awards & nominations

• 2004 European Film Awards - won "Best Actress" & nominated for "Best Film"
• 2004 Venice Film Festival - won "Golden Lion" & "Volpi Cup"
• 2005 Golden Globes - nominated "Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama"
• 2005 Academy Awards - nominated best actress, best director, best original screenplay

See also

• 2004 in film

External links

• Vera Drake (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0383694/) at the Internet Movie Database
• Box Office Mojo: Vera Drake (http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=veradrake.htm)
• AbsoluteNow.com: Vera Drake's long synopsis (http://www.absolutenow.com/m/2004_Vera_Drake_long_synopsis.html)