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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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Peter Calder New Zealand Herald 09/01/2007
4/5
Grim but enormously confident feature debut unblinkingly anatomises life among working class Welsh no-hopers. Go to Full Review Jason Gorber Film Scouts 06/21/2007
C
Broadly its a tale of racism and poverty, but it's certainly not something to sit down and enjoy over some tea and crumpets. Go to Full Review Film Threat 12/06/2005
3/5
Matthew Turner ViewLondon 04/23/2005
4/5
Gritty, harrowing drama with a strong script and a terrific central performance by newcomer Stephanie James Go to Full Review Scott Andrews FilmFocus 04/23/2005
65/100
Amma Asante is a major talent who promises great things. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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03/21/2015 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. See more 05/28/2011 Really good movie this. Definitely worth checking out. See more 06/07/2010 disturbing story, great performances See more 12/09/2009 The real life could not be better portrayed in a film. See more 04/24/2009 This Welsh film is the most disturbing and depressing film I've ever seen, ever. See more 09/27/2008 I expected it much better... I almost fell asleep... It`s not bad but somehow it`s not good either... See more Read all reviews
A Way of Life

My Rating

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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

A Way of Life (2004) A Way of Life (2004) A Way of Life (2004) A Way of Life (2004) View more photos

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