Once Upon a Time in the Midlands

R

Released Aug 29, 2003

1 hr. 43 min.

Comedy

Drama

List

51%

75 Reviews

Tomatometer

45%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Jimmy (Robert Carlyle) is a small-time crook living in Glasgow, Scotland, long since absent from the lives of his ex-wife, Shirley (Shirley Henderson), and 12-year-old daughter, Marlene (Finn Atkins), who live in England's Midlands. One day, Jimmy happens to catch Shirley and Marlene on a TV talk show, where Shirley has rejected the proposal of her boyfriend, Dek (Rhys Ifans). Taking this as a sign, Jimmy up and leaves for the Midlands to win Shirley back.

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Critics Consensus

Though the concept is interesting and quirky, the drama fails to deliver.

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Audience Member

Jimmy (Robert Carlyle) is a small-time crook living in Glasgow, Scotland, long since absent from the lives of his ex-wife, Shirley (Shirley Henderson), and 12-year-old daughter, Marlene (Finn Atkins), who live in England's Midlands. One day, Jimmy happens to catch Shirley and Marlene on a TV talk show, where Shirley has rejected the proposal of her boyfriend, Dek (Rhys Ifans). Taking this as a sign, Jimmy up and leaves for the Midlands to win Shirley back... This Shane Meadows film has the focus on classic social realism and family values. Robert Carlyle plays what he plays best, a pretty unlikable character in Jimmy. The ensemble cast is ok, but the storyline runs a bit on empty to me. It sort of flatlines and never reaches any entertainment levels. However, it was nice to see Nottingham which I have visited some years ago.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Not sure which direction Meadows wanted to take this film. It started as a comedy then rapidly transformed into a kitchen sink drama that the big names in it could not save.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Awful, annoying, stereotypical crap! Shirley is that annoying I can't imagine anyone wanting to be with her. Turned it off after 40 minutes of trying to convince myself with a phenomenal cast it would get better, but it didn't.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

Full Review

anthony p

I've not visited this film for a few years. I can see why. It plays more like a television series than a film. The ingredients of a decent film are there in terms of a British cast. Well known talent like Robert Carlyle, Ricky Tomlinson and Kathy Burke as well as mutterings of Reeves and Mortimer, the UK comic duo. The music at times is meant to resemble the spaghetti western of similar name. Robert Carlyle plays a Glasweigan hot head that immediately reminded me of his role as Begbie in the Trainspotting films. The Trainspotting connection also continues with other casting. Director Shane Meadows is known for making films in his Nottingham home. This movie is such an example. The backbone of the film is the relationship history of Robert Carlyle (Jimmy) his 'ex' partner Shirley (Shirley Henderson) and her current partner Dek (Rhys Ifans). The film does have some mildly comedic moments of quite shocking events but the film was average in my eyes. A film to stay in the archives perhaps.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The plot was a bit out there but I actually really enjoyed this movie. Maybe that's because I am familiar with being an exiled Scot in England though!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

nice drama with a great cast. some good acting but doesn't really go anywhere.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

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Shane Meadows

Director

Robert Carlyle

Jimmy

Rhys Ifans

Dek

Kathy Burke

Carol

Shirley Henderson

Shirley

Ricky Tomlinson

Charlie

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Empire Magazine

Rated: 3/5

Dec 30, 2006

Full Review

Marc Savlov

Austin Chronicle

In the end, Meadows' film lacks the bite it needs to make us care about this oddball trio, endearing though they are.

Rated: 2.5/5

Nov 16, 2003

Full Review

Roger Moore

Orlando Sentinel

The family dynamics are intriguing, and the performances mildly diverting.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 10, 2003

Full Review

Kelly Vance

East Bay Express

Like a Mike Leigh film on steroids, situations don't dawn slowly on these characters, they come crashing down on their heads.

May 5, 2010

Full Review

Mark Pfeiffer

Reel Times: Reflections on Cinema

The title and the music suggest a Sergio Leone spaghetti western, but the setting and characters would be more at home in a Mike Leigh film.

Rated: C+

Apr 14, 2005

Full Review

Philip Martin

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

...a wry and likable movie that contents itself with the petty concerns, complications and conflicts that compose modern life.

Rated: B

Jan 29, 2005

Full Review

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Synopsis

Jimmy (Robert Carlyle) is a small-time crook living in Glasgow, Scotland, long since absent from the lives of his ex-wife, Shirley (Shirley Henderson), and 12-year-old daughter, Marlene (Finn Atkins), who live in England's Midlands. One day, Jimmy happens to catch Shirley and Marlene on a TV talk show, where Shirley has rejected the proposal of her boyfriend, Dek (Rhys Ifans). Taking this as a sign, Jimmy up and leaves for the Midlands to win Shirley back.

Director: Shane Meadows
Executive Producer: Hanno Huth, Paul Trijbits, Paul Webster
Screenwriter: Paul Fraser, Shane Meadows
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Big Arty
Rating: R (Language)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English (United Kingdom)
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 29, 2003, Original
Release Date (DVD): Jan 28, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $171.8K
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)