Beautiful Thing (1996) directed by Hettie Macdonald

[reviews_and_ramblings]

Director: Hettie Macdonald

Writers: Jonathan Harvey (written by)
Jonathan Harvey (play)

Release Date: 28 March 1996 (London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival)
7 September 1996 (Toronto Film Festival)

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Tagline: An urban fairytale

Plot: A pair of teenage boys growing up in a working-class neighborhood become aware of their homosexuality. While both were vaguely aware they might be gay, neither had ever acted on their impulses. Once they decide that they're attracted to each other, neither is sure just what to do.

This absolute winner, based on a stage play by Jonathan Harvey and adapted by him, is a kind of enchanted, urban slice-of-life tale about a gay teen, Jamie (Glen Berry), who is in love with the boy next door, Ste (Scott Neal). Hampering Jamie's progress on the romantic front is his fear that his mother (Linda Henry) will find out, as well as concern over complicating Ste's existing problems. Beautiful Thing is a relationship movie, to be sure, but that description doesn't really describe the buoyant tone of this British television production. Democratic in its inclusive regard for each character (whether camera-pretty or not), the film--well-directed by Hettie Macdonald--is full of surprises. Chief among them is the terrific personality of Jamie's mum, a strong and independent woman who truly worries over and adores her son. But this is a movie involved in a kind of happy dialogue with itself: the tunes of Mama Cass, for instance, play a part in both the story and overall ambience, while a strategic placement of the Rodgers and Hammerstein chestnut "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" during an act of love is fun and exciting. (Tom Keogh)

Awards: 1997 Chlotrudis Awards Nomination as Best Actress (Linda Henry) and Best Movie
1996 European Film Awards Nomination as Best Young Film (Hettie Macdonald)
1996 President Award as Best Script (Jonathan Harvey), Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival
1997 GLAAD Media Award as Outstanding Film (Limited Release)
1996 Grand Prix to Hettie Macdonald, Paris Film Festival
1996 International Jury Award - Honorable Mention to Hettie Macdonald, São Paulo International Film Festival

@IMDb
@Amazon: Beautiful Thing
@Netflix
@Wolfe Video 

 









Cast (in credits order)
Glen Berry ... Jamie Gangel
Scott Neal ... Ste Pearce
Meera Syal ... Miss Chauhan
Martin Walsh ... Mr. Bennett
Steven M. Martin ... Ryan McBride
Andrew Fraser ... Jayson
John Savage ... Lenny
Julie Smith ... Gina
Linda Henry ... Sandra Gangel
Jeillo Edwards ... Rose
Tameka Empson ... Leah Russell
Anna Karen ... Marlene
Garry Cooper ... Ronnie Pearce
Ben Daniels ... Tony
Daniel Bowers ... Trevor Pearce
Terry Duggan ... Kevin
Sophie Stanton ... Louise
Ozdemir Mamodeally ... Slasher
John Benfield ... Rodney Barr
Davyd Harries ... Brewery Official
Beth Goddard ... Brewery Official
Marlene Sidaway ... Betty
Liane Ware ... Claire
Catherine Sanderson ... Kelly
Dave Lynn ... Drag Performer
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jonathan Harvey ... Wheelchair Queen (uncredited)

Comments

Beautiful Thing

[cassandra-gold.livejournal.com]

I liked this movie too. I really enjoyed the performances and the music, and the ending was sweet.

Re: Beautiful Thing

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

The ending was very sweet but I can't help to ask myself what will happen when Jamie and his mother will move due to her work. What will happen to Ste and to his relationship with his father and brother?

Re: Beautiful Thing

[cassandra-gold.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I wondered about those things too.

The same thing happened in a book I read yesterday--it cut off abruptly after something happy occurred, and I thought "What now?"

Maybe sometimes it's better for us to be kept wondering? That's more like real life, in a way.

I like endings that tie up all the loose ends in movies and books, but that never seems to happen in real life.

I seem to be philosophical this morning, sorry! :)

Re: Beautiful Thing

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Not philosophical, only real. It was a sweet end, but for me it was not final. I was almost expecting an epilogue, an hint on something. Have you seen Billy Elliot? the final scene, with his relatives and his friend that went to see him on stage, that is an end I like. Elisa

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Knowing you, I can believe you, it's a real tender movie. Elisa

[blake-fraina.livejournal.com]

This is probably my all-time favourite gay film. Not surprising it's based on a play, since the script is so intelligent.

I loved all the characters, but I have a soft spot for poor Tony. He's a really nice character. I think the only reason Jamie's mum realises she must drop him is because he's kind of immature and he's holding her back. Still I felt sorta sad when she gave him the heave ho.

Great great film.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Yes, you are right, that scene with the flower was so sad. And then he wasn't so bad with her son either: maybe I lost something with the dialogue, I saw it in English, but I believe he tried to be nice with Jamie. Elisa

[zamaxfield.livejournal.com]

I thought this movie was so sweet. I agree about Tony. I was sad when she cut him loose, but on the whole I just thought this film was the closest to what I remember about first love. The confusion, the sweetness, the uncertainty. I loved his movie. It charmed me.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

And since first love most of the time is not long, also the end is right, we don't want to know that probably they will no be together forever. Elisa

[kennsea.livejournal.com]

One of my favourite movies, and I love the open ending.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

> I love the open ending

For sure make you think ;-) Elisa