Rotten Tomatoes

Movies / TV

    Celebrity

      No Results Found

       View All       Movies Tv shows Shop News Showtimes

      Looks and Smiles

      1981 1h 44m Drama List
      Reviews 58% 50+ Ratings Audience Score Two friends (Tony Pitts, Graham Green) take separate paths after losing their jobs when a steel mill closes down. Read More Read Less Watch on Prime Video Stream Now

      Where to Watch

      Looks and Smiles

      Prime Video

      Watch Looks and Smiles with a subscription on Prime Video.

      Audience Reviews

      View All (3) audience reviews
      anthony p It is ironic that in the week that the most controversial British Prime Minister of the 20th Century villified by the left that I visited this rare Kenneth Loach film from the early 1980s shot in Sheffield, Northern England. The subjects involved include youth unemployment, the Irish troubles and poverty all elements that are included in any sensible discussion on the legacy of Margaret Thatcher. The film is shot in black and white which adds to the sense of gloom. The locations are from my childhood which adds a degree of sentimentality to proceedings but the subject matters are gloomy as they are meant to be and Channel 4 level social politics isn't my forte despite the Sheffield Wednesday vandalism. A young 'Archie' from Emmerdale and that bird off Children's Ward 'Mags' make appearances! For me a lesson in why not to follow the left wing sheep. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member The film certainly has a feel for its characters, and place, helped by a sharply dramatic use of b&w lensing which fits the milieu and theme. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review walter m [font=Century Gothic]In "Looks and Smiles," Mick(Graham Green) is unemployed and looking for a job as a mechanic which is his first love while hanging out and dodging the police with his friend, Alan(Tony Pitts). Alan who is on the other side of 18 from Mick enlists in the army which Mick's parents(Phil Askham & Pam Darrell) refuse to consent for him. One night at a disco, Mick meets Karen(Carolyn Nicholson), a young woman who works at a shoe store, but before they can make plans, Mick comes to his friend's defense, resulting in their ejection...[/font] [font=Century Gothic]Directed by Ken Loach with his usual flair for naturalism, and as much Karen's story as it is Mick's, "Looks and Smiles" is a sobering look at the youth at the time the film was made in 1981. This generation does not have the same opportunities their parents did and have very little to look forward to. And even the adults are feeling the pinch. About the only option with any promise is the military but with that they have the daunting prospect of being sent to Northern Ireland like Alan does.[/font] Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

      Cast & Crew

      Show Less Cast & Crew Show More Cast & Crew

      Photos

      View All Looks and Smiles photos

      Looks and Smiles

      Looks and Smiles (1981) Looks and Smiles (1981) Looks and Smiles (1981) Looks and Smiles (1981) View more photos

      Movie Info

      Synopsis Two friends (Tony Pitts, Graham Green) take separate paths after losing their jobs when a steel mill closes down.
      Director
      Ken Loach
      Production Co
      Black Lion Films Limited [gb], Kestrel Films
      Genre
      Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Streaming)
      May 22, 2017
      Runtime
      1h 44m
      Most Popular at Home Now