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Liam

Play trailer Poster for Liam R Released Sep 21, 2001 1h 31m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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70% Tomatometer 76 Reviews 72% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
A powerful and emotionally charged portrait of an ordinary family caught up in extraordinary circumstances, "Liam" tells the story of a seven-year-old boy growing up in Liverpool during the 1930s. As he prepares to make his First Communion, young Liam tries to make sense of the complex and unsettled world around him, a world that is about to change forever because of cataclysmic economic, political, and social upheaval.
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Liam

Liam

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Critics Consensus

Though Liam's harrowing story is reminiscent of Angela's Ashes, it showcases strong performances, including one by child actor Anthony Borrows.

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Critics Reviews

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Jeff Strickler Minneapolis Star Tribune Liam is largely devoid of emotion. He's a detached, distanced observer, and it's hard for the viewer not to feel the same way. Rated: 2/4 Nov 6, 2002 Full Review Adam Nayman eye WEEKLY An emotional investment well worth making -- the vision Frears creates is hard, but, even at its bleakest, recognizably human. Rated: 4/5 Oct 29, 2001 Full Review Charles Taylor Salon.com It's been beautifully made with tact and care. Oct 12, 2001 Full Review Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed This is a fascinating and heartbreaking glimpse into poverty under the Catholic Church's tight grip... Apr 29, 2009 Full Review Steven Snyder Zertinet Movies Rated: 3.5/4 Oct 1, 2005 Full Review Harry Guerin RTÉ (Ireland) Better suited to the intimacy of television than a cinema outing. Rated: 3/5 Mar 26, 2003 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Linda J This was not a good movie. No plot nor ending. I am not catholic, but it seemed very mean spirited. All around wish I never watched it. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 10/24/24 Full Review Audience Member Well-made and heartfelt movie about a difficult time and place. Stephen Frears is underrated. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review Audience Member Cutest kid ever, but OD on the Catholic guilt trip. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/24/23 Full Review Audience Member good movie. absolutely Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member A good concept that would have been much better served by a more subtle touch, in both writing and direction. The film's hysterics are not charming or exciting, and within a matter of 10 minutes the narrative has settled into dull repetition. Although some of the set-ups are adequately paid off in the third act, it's not enough to save what is a fairly unmoving experience on the whole. Nicely shot, though. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member Horribly sad, but apparently true to life story of a little Liverpool lad. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/16/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Stephen Frears

Director

Ian Hart

Dad

Claire Hackett

Mum

Anthony Borrows

Liam

David Hart

Con

Megan Burns

Teresa

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Liam

Mam (CLAIRE HACKETT), Liam (ANTHONY BORROWS) and Dad (IAN HART). Liam (ANTHONY BORROWS). Liam (ANTHONY BORROWS). View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis A powerful and emotionally charged portrait of an ordinary family caught up in extraordinary circumstances, "Liam" tells the story of a seven-year-old boy growing up in Liverpool during the 1930s. As he prepares to make his First Communion, young Liam tries to make sense of the complex and unsettled world around him, a world that is about to change forever because of cataclysmic economic, political, and social upheaval.
Director
Stephen Frears
Producer
Colin McKeown, Martin Tempia
Screenwriter
Jimmy McGovern
Distributor
Lionsgate Films
Production Co
Mida, B.I.M.
Rating
R (Nudity|Language)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 21, 2001, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
May 31, 2020
Box Office (Gross USA)
$1.0M
Runtime
1h 31m
Sound Mix
Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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