The energy and intensity on display remind of John Cassavetes' work. Indeed, it is a strikingly authentic film about real working-class people with the type of problems anyone can relate to. At times it could be deliciously sweet, but it has a genuinely bitter side as well. Mike Leigh's Secrets & Lies is like a big juicy apple with an uneven skin and more than a few brown spots. ![]() Hortense will be introduced as Cynthia's good old friend from the factory. Then days later, Cynthia phones Hortense and invites her to come to the family party Maurice is throwing for Roxy's birthday. The meeting overwhelms both and they agree that it would be best if they continue living their lives as they have in the past. On a bright and sunny day, Hortense phones Cynthia and after a few awkward exchanges the two women arrange to meet. In fact, she is unsure if she truly is her mother - Hortense is black while the person listed on her birth certificate is apparently white. Now she wants to meet her, but is unsure how to approach her. ![]() Single optometrist Hortense (Marianne Jean-Baptiste, The Cell) has lost both of her adoptive parents, but recently she has discovered that her biological mother is still alive. For years Maurice and Monica have been trying to become parents, but now both are on the verge of giving up. He is also happily married to Monica (Phyllis Logan, Another Time, Another Place), who genuinely loves him but has grown tired of his sister. He is a successful photographer with plenty of regular clients and a solid reputation in the local community. Her boring job at the local factory has helped her raise her temperamental daughter, Roxy (Claire Rushbrook, Under the Skin), whose twenty-first birthday is just around the corner, but she hasn't been able to save for retirement.Ĭynthia's brother, Maurice (Timothy Spall, Mr. Her life has been a total disaster and recently she has realized that her best years are behind her. Middle-aged single mother Cynthia (Brenda Blethyn, Little Voice) is on the verge of giving up. A few of them spend their entire lives hoping that things will get better, but the rest eventually get tired and frustrated and give up. ![]() They do everything they are supposed to do to succeed in life, but never get that big break that would push them out of the gutter. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. The supplemental features on the disc include an original trailer for the film new program with the director and composer Gary Yershon new video interview with actor Marianne Jean-Baptiste and more. Mike Leigh's "Secrets & Lies" (1996) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion.
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