Madagascar Skin

1995

1 hr. 36 min.

Drama

List

Reviews

74%

500+ Ratings

Audience Score

A gruff petty thief (Bernard Hill) draws a gay loner (John Hannah) out of his shell as they share an abandoned cottage.

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Audience Member

Though it has settled into obscurity now, Madagascar Skin, much like his feature debut (1993âs Anchoress) reveals Newby to be one of British cinemaâs hidden talents.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

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Audience Member

John Hannah usually gets on my tit, his overegging in the Mummy movies is the nearest thing to someone scratching down a blackboard. Here though he is surprisingly watchable. Bernard Hill is always good value and compliments Hannah's decent turn. The film gets a little arty with its symbolism however it remains viewable and is an ok watch for those a little tired with the mainstream.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

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Audience Member

this was actually really lovely and sweet <3 i'd like to see more love stories like this one ;_;

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

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Audience Member

I really loved the offbeat romance and the artsy bits. Great performances from both lead actor, specially from John Hanna. He is such an underated performer.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

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Audience Member

A very odd, very sweet love story. A self-loathing loner retires from life after being rejected by the hot guys at a gay bar (hmm...), and falls in love with a crusty older thief whose life he's saved. Great cast, good directing - but it was frustrating in that, after beginning to care about these characters, the movie just kind of ends without telling us what happens to them.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/19/23

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Audience Member

This is an oddly great film. It obviously had a low budget and clearly wasn't John Hannah's best film, but I still think it was pretty brilliant.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

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Chris Newby

Director

Bernard Hill

Flint

John Hannah

Harry

Mark Anthony

Adonis

Mark Pettit

Lover

Danny Earl

Lover

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Geoff Brown

Times (UK)

Instead of nurturing his characters Newby lets them fend for themselves among the cryptic imagery. The film, you soon realise, could stop at any time, or last forever.

Dec 20, 2023

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James Berardinelli

ReelViews

Rated: 1.5/4

Jan 1, 2000

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

In this intimate chamber piece for two gay men, based on minimal dialogue but rich visual imagery, Newby depicts through glances and gestures how a distrusting relationship evolves into a passionate and erotic love.

Rated: B

Aug 22, 2006

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Brandon Judell

PopcornQ

Rated: 5/5

May 28, 2003

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Synopsis

A gruff petty thief (Bernard Hill) draws a gay loner (John Hannah) out of his shell as they share an abandoned cottage.

Director: Chris Newby
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 17, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $10.0K

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