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A Way of Life

Play trailer Poster for A Way of Life 2004 1h 30m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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86% Tomatometer 7 Reviews 75% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
With both social services and her daughter's paternal grandmother (Brenda Blethyn) threatening to assume guardianship of her child, single teen mom Leigh-Anne (Stephanie James) becomes increasingly paranoid under the constant pressure. But Leigh-Anne's environment -- one of crime and poverty -- is no place to raise a child, nor does she have the legitimate means to do so. When she fears that her neighbor (Oliver Haden) is talking to social services, her destructive behavior only increases.

Critics Reviews

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Empire Magazine Rated: 4/5 Apr 1, 2006 Full Review Peter Calder New Zealand Herald Grim but enormously confident feature debut unblinkingly anatomises life among working class Welsh no-hopers. Rated: 4/5 Sep 1, 2007 Full Review Jason Gorber Film Scouts Broadly its a tale of racism and poverty, but it's certainly not something to sit down and enjoy over some tea and crumpets. Rated: C Jun 21, 2007 Full Review Film Threat Rated: 3/5 Dec 6, 2005 Full Review Scott Andrews FilmFocus Amma Asante is a major talent who promises great things. Rated: 65/100 Apr 23, 2005 Full Review Matthew Turner ViewLondon Gritty, harrowing drama with a strong script and a terrific central performance by newcomer Stephanie James Rated: 4/5 Apr 23, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member This bleak film doesn't give one much hope for the impoverished in Wales. I wanted to like the main character, but it was an uphill battle to find her redeeming qualities. It was a good film, but not uplifting in the least. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/07/23 Full Review Audience Member Really good movie this. Definitely worth checking out. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/14/23 Full Review Audience Member disturbing story, great performances Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/16/23 Full Review Audience Member The real life could not be better portrayed in a film. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member This Welsh film is the most disturbing and depressing film I've ever seen, ever. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Audience Member I expected it much better... I almost fell asleep... It`s not bad but somehow it`s not good either... Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Read all reviews
A Way of Life

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Cast & Crew

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Amma Asante

Director

Stephanie James

Leigh-Anne

Nathan Jones

Gavin

Gary Sheppeard

Robbie

Dean Wong

Stephen

Sara Gregory

Julie

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A Way of Life

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Movie Info

Synopsis With both social services and her daughter's paternal grandmother (Brenda Blethyn) threatening to assume guardianship of her child, single teen mom Leigh-Anne (Stephanie James) becomes increasingly paranoid under the constant pressure. But Leigh-Anne's environment -- one of crime and poverty -- is no place to raise a child, nor does she have the legitimate means to do so. When she fears that her neighbor (Oliver Haden) is talking to social services, her destructive behavior only increases.
Director
Amma Asante
Producer
Charlie Hanson, Patrick Cassavetti, Peter Edwards
Screenwriter
Amma Asante
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 26, 2020
Runtime
1h 30m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital