Liam

Play trailer

Liam

R

2001

1h 31m

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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.

Watch on Prime Video

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

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

Read Critics Reviews

Jeff Strickler

Minneapolis Star Tribune

11/06/2002

2/4

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.

Go to Full Review

Adam Nayman

eye WEEKLY

10/29/2001

4/5

An emotional investment well worth making -- the vision Frears creates is hard, but, even at its bleakest, recognizably human.

Go to Full Review

Charles Taylor

Salon.com

10/12/2001

It's been beautifully made with tact and care.

Go to Full Review

Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

04/29/2009

This is a fascinating and heartbreaking glimpse into poverty under the Catholic Church's tight grip...

Go to Full Review

Steven Snyder

Zertinet Movies

10/01/2005

3.5/4

Harry Guerin

RTÉ (Ireland)

03/26/2003

3/5

Better suited to the intimacy of television than a cinema outing.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Linda J

@Jenkos 10/24/2024

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.

See more

12/17/2012

Well-made and heartfelt movie about a difficult time and place. Stephen Frears is underrated.

See more

08/04/2012

Cutest kid ever, but OD on the Catholic guilt trip.

See more

08/07/2011

good movie. absolutely

See more

02/09/2011

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.

See more

09/07/2010

Horribly sad, but apparently true to life story of a little Liverpool lad.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Stephen Frears

Director

Ian Hart

Dad

Claire Hackett

Mum

Anthony Borrows

Liam

David Hart

Con

Megan Burns

Teresa

On the Edge

63%

78%

On the Edge

Watchlist

Tape

77%

76%

Tape

Watchlist

Great Expectations

41%

56%

Great Expectations

Watchlist

Life as a House

47%

88%

Life as a House

Watchlist

In the Bedroom

93%

81%

In the Bedroom

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

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)