A Way of Life

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A Way of Life

2004

1h 30m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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.

Empire Magazine

Rated: 4/5

Apr 1, 2006

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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

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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

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Film Threat

Rated: 3/5

Dec 6, 2005

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Scott Andrews

FilmFocus

Amma Asante is a major talent who promises great things.

Rated: 65/100

Apr 23, 2005

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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

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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

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Audience Member

Really good movie this. Definitely worth checking out.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

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Audience Member

disturbing story, great performances

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

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Audience Member

The real life could not be better portrayed in a film.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

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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

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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

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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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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