As her marriage crumbles, a judge must decide a case involving a teenage boy who is refusing a blood transfusion on religious principle.As her marriage crumbles, a judge must decide a case involving a teenage boy who is refusing a blood transfusion on religious principle.As her marriage crumbles, a judge must decide a case involving a teenage boy who is refusing a blood transfusion on religious principle.
- Awards
- 2 wins & 5 nominations total
Sarah Somerville
- Associate
- (as Sarah Jones)
Featured reviews
This film starts off engaging, as the judge is presented with a dilemma that would spark a controversy whichever way she decides to do. The courtroom drama is interesting and makes me want to find out what is next. However, the second half of the film is just really strange and uninteresting. It is far fetched, overly sentimental and plainly unbelievable. The second half spoils the experience for me.
The story is just sensational and filled with emotions from start till that unexpected sad ending .
The plot of the movie is so current and relatable ,, probably based on somewhat true stories .. and the script was organized and tight ,, no holes or dull lines ..
As for the cast ,, Emma Thompson and Stanley Tucci did an amazing job power couple ,, and Fionn Whitehead was also very engaging and convincing.
So recommended.
The plot of the movie is so current and relatable ,, probably based on somewhat true stories .. and the script was organized and tight ,, no holes or dull lines ..
As for the cast ,, Emma Thompson and Stanley Tucci did an amazing job power couple ,, and Fionn Whitehead was also very engaging and convincing.
So recommended.
This is a small but intelligent film that will stay with you for a long time after the final credits. It is well made in all categories and addresses a number of issues that are current and important today including faith vs law, love vs life, youth vs experience. This is probably the best adaption of one of Ian McEwans novels and benefits from a strong and nuanced performance from Emma Thomson who is hardly off the screen for a minute and excellent support from Jason Watkins as her clerk and newcomer Fionn Whitehead. As one of the characters says .. I could see you listening and thinking.. and this is really the crux of the film.What decision you come to in the end may differ... but at least you have the enjoyment of being challenged!
Based on excellent writer Ian McEwan novel, this film managed to balance very nicely two themes, a troubled marriage and exploration of religious freedom in life and death health decisions. Issues of sexuality dying in middle age couples, overwork's effects on intimacy quietly and maturely looked at. No easy answers given. What to decide when a religious family refuses to permit a medically needed blood transfusion for religious reasons. A really remarkable acting tour de force by Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci very good as beloved but sexually frustrated spouse, and very amusing spot on character acting by the "clark". Interesting peeks into England's legal system, and some very good cinematography of English countryside.. Slightly flawed by some melodramatic and poorly explained plot turns, the movie is still a must see, very smart and entertaining.
Never before have I gone to a screening of a film just to see if it was going to be just OK, in fact I nearly didn't go.
How wrong I was, I cannot remember a film that has has such an emotional impact on me.
It's a very powerful intelligent and moving film with stunning performances from Emma Thompson & Fionn Whitehead and if Emma doesn't receive awards for her performance alone then there's something seriously wrong.
If you like intelligent thought provoking films, go and watch this on the big screen, I promise you'll not be disappointed.
Did you know
- TriviaThe production was allowed to film at the entrance and in the foyer of the actual Royal Court of Justice in London. This is the only movie in recent times that got permission to do so.
- GoofsThroughout the film, her clerk and others address Fiona as 'my lady'; in reality they would simply call her 'judge'. 'My Lady' is a term of address used only in court.
- Quotes
Fiona Maye: Life is more precious than dignity.
- SoundtracksMy Funny Valentine
Written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart
Taken from their musical comedy "Babes in Arms" (1937)
Performed By Emma Thompson on the piano; vocals by Anthony Calf
- How long is The Children Act?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- Un acto de esperanza
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $547,750
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $76,108
- Sep 16, 2018
- Gross worldwide
- $17,696,794
- Runtime
- 1h 45m(105 min)
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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