Nigel Cole

I resisted this film for quite some time. I really didn't think I would be interested in the story - based on a true one - of twelve middle-aged WI members who posed nude for a calendar. Yet several people recommended it highly to me, so eventually I put it on my wishlist, and watched it last night.

It's a delightful story, which I felt drawn into right from the beginning. The nude posing is very tastefully done, and while the making and selling of the calendar is obviously a significant show more part of the film, it's not all. We meet the characters at the beginning, in particular the feisty Chris (Helen Mirren) and her close friend Annie (Julie Walters) who sees her husband suffering in hospital. Both are excellent in the roles. There's some humour, and there are moments of sadness, yet without either being overdone.

All in all, I thought it a wonderful film; it's one I can see myself watching again regularly, and that's pretty unusual for me!

Latest longer review: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2019/07/calendar-girls-helen-mirren-julie-wa... show less

We thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who doesn’t mind a highly controversial (and illegal) subject matter.

In the extras, here is a short feature about the making of the film, which we watched and thought interesting. There are also staff/crew interviews.

Full review here: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2018/05/saving-grace-starring-brenda-blethyn...

Rita O'Grady (Sally Hawkins) works for the Ford Motor Co. plant in Dagenham, England. Despite performing the specialized task of sewing upholstery for car seats, women are classified as unskilled labor and paid much less than men. Encouraged by a sympathetic union representative, Rita agrees to bring the women's grievances to Ford. The meeting goes badly and, outraged by the company's lack of respect for them, Rita leads her colleagues to strike.

Acting: 4.5; Theme: 5.0; Content: 4.5; Language: 5.0; Overall: 5.0

After Doc Martin (Martin Clunes) marries Louisa (Catherine Catz), their life changes when their young son comes along. Doc Martin continues to struggle in his relationships within the Port Wenn community and now with the new female doctor in town, he has another problem to deal with. Highly recommend.

***January 20, 2025***