This is a must buy for fans of both the Criterion collection and Mike Leigh. Winner of the Palm d'Or, it's an incredible film all about the complexities of everyday life, the relationships between family (you can't pick 'em, as they say) and what it means when past, well, secrets and lies come back to haunt you. The performances are magnificent across the board, particularly by Brenda Blethyn who is just so heartbreaking in the lead role. She rightfully won the Best Actress award at Cannes for her performance. As for the release itself, it's another stellar one from the one and only Criterion. The interview with Leigh himself and the composer is a real highlight - Leigh is a fascinating guy, you really feel his love for telling stories that matter. All in all a brilliant release and an essential part of any serious film collection.

Incredible performances, fantastic cast, memorable characters, believable and human script. All the ingredients you come to expect in a Mike Leigh film. Great place to start in his catalogue as this is his magnum opus (in my opinion).

One of Leigh’s best films, a fascinating story with mesmerising performances. Leigh is clearly a Criterion fave and they do well by him here with plenty of supplementary materials. Leigh fans will need no coaxing but if his films are new to you, this is a perfect place to start. Highly recommended!