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      Liam

      R Released Sep 21, 2001 1 hr. 31 min. Drama List
      70% 76 Reviews Tomatometer 73% 1,000+ Ratings Audience Score 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. Read More Read Less
      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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      Audience Reviews

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      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 Audience Member There's a reason why I love British films. Even though it's not perfect, this is a very promising film by Stephen Frears. I can see that he was already an edgy director before his "Queen" success (although I sense that he wants this film to be "The Tin Drum" number 2). The cast is fundamentally strong, with Ian Hart (God! This guy is amazing!) and Anthony Borrows. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/19/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

      Cast & Crew

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      Photos

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      Liam

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

      Critics Reviews

      View All (76) Critics Reviews
      Kimberley Jones Austin Chronicle Rated: 3/5 Mar 10, 2003 Full Review 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 Globe and Mail Rated: 3/4 Mar 22, 2002 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

      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
      Executive Producer
      Tessa Ross, David M. Thompson, Sally Hibben
      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
      Sound Mix
      Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
      Aspect Ratio
      Flat (1.85:1)