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      Lost for Words

      1998 1 hr. 30 min. Drama List
      Reviews 94% 100+ Ratings Audience Score Annie (Thora Hird) is vivacious and quick-witted despite her advanced age. But, after several strokes, she begins to descend into dementia, eventually losing her ability to speak. Her son, writer Deric (Pete Postlethwaite), is there to assist her, lending her a compassionate hand and treasuring their relationship. Based in part on Deric Longden's autobiography, the story chronicles Deric and his wife Aileen's (Penny Downie) struggle to find moments of humor and happiness in a dark situation. Read More Read Less

      Audience Reviews

      View All (10) audience reviews
      Audience Member This successfully treads a fine line dealing with the last days of a wonderful, slightly eccentric Mother (Dame Thora Hird)and her loving middle aged son (Pete Postlethwaite). The film has has a lighter, more playful tone than that premise would suggest. It's not that the film looks away from the sadness of death. It can be tough to watch this life- filled older woman slowly deteriorate through a series of strokes. But it's clear what she will leave behind are a lot of loving memories of her quirky, feisty and funny self. Occasionally the film does tip over into over-sentimentality, and on the other extreme, some of the running comic bits, especially by some underwritten supporting characters get milked way too long. But in the end, this is a 2 actor show, and Hird and Postlethwaite create a couple of wonderful and memorable characters dealing tackling difficult issues with love and a laugh along with the tears, Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Memories are made of this. Quirky, feisty and fun. A skilful blend of comedy and heartwarming pathos. Much more to laugh than cry. Never judge a movie by its cover. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Audience Member One of the sweetest, funniest, loveliest films of my childhood. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Vastly underrated film. Postlethwaite is just brilliant in everything, and Thora Hird was genius (RIP Thora). It's terribly sad but very funny too. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member The true story of author Deric Longden coping with the decline and eventual death of his mother, Annie. Depsite the subject matter this is a warm and deeply funny film that will have even the hardest hearts melting. Certainly it's sad but Thora Hird's performance as Annie is just sublime as she delivers the excellent dialogue as only she can. She's matched by the excellent Pete Postlethwaite who's loving but never overbearing son is the perfect foil for the old woman. I was introduced to this film by a dear friend; she clearly has excellent taste. I'd warmly recommend this film to anyone who likes a thoughtful, funny and poignant British film. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review Audience Member Absolutely fantastic! But any film directed by Alan Bell is. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/24/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis Annie (Thora Hird) is vivacious and quick-witted despite her advanced age. But, after several strokes, she begins to descend into dementia, eventually losing her ability to speak. Her son, writer Deric (Pete Postlethwaite), is there to assist her, lending her a compassionate hand and treasuring their relationship. Based in part on Deric Longden's autobiography, the story chronicles Deric and his wife Aileen's (Penny Downie) struggle to find moments of humor and happiness in a dark situation.
      Director
      Alan J.W. Bell
      Executive Producer
      Margaret Matheson, Keith Richardson
      Screenwriter
      Deric Longden
      Genre
      Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Sound Mix
      Stereo