Karen Character driven period-drama about a woman who commits a crime without being conscious about that. Vera Drake is a selfless woman who is completely devoted to and loved by her working class family. She spends her days doting on them and caring for her sick neighbor and elderly mother. However, she also secretly visits women and helps them induce miscarriages for unwanted pregnancies. While the practice itself was illegal in 1950s England, Vera sees herself as simply helping women in need, and always does so with a smile and kind words of encouragement. When the authorities finally find her out, Vera's world and family life rapidly unravel. Spotless performance by Imelda Staunton, British acting at its best.

kevjfarrell I am a big fan of Mike Leigh's work, he has directed some very good movies covering a wide range of subjects. Whilst the concept of this movie is very good, I have a few problems with the central character. The portrayal of Vera Drake doesn't come across as believable to me. I'm well aware that there were back-street abortionists during these times, but this woman's character as a very meek and mild home-maker who is known in her community for helping out elderly and infirm family members, doesn't come across as someone who would know how to perform this act, and also do it in a way that was as normal as preparing a meal for her family. Despite that, the film does have a lot of merit. There is the distinction of how somebody who comes from a good social background can get the abortion performed in a proper clinical way - so long as you can afford the money. Vera performs hers on people who have next to no money and during a time when there wasn't much in the way of Social Security. It portrays an era very well. She keeps her 'work' hidden from her family and when it is discovered it has a devastating effect on all of them. Despite my misgivings, this movie is definitely worth a watch. A gritty drama set in the 50's/60's.

Chris Smith (RockPortReview) Why don't you "Put the kettle on" on and read this review of director Mike Leigh's 2004 drama that is very engaging and very British. He won numerous awards along with actress Imelda Staunton, while also being nominated for dozens more.Taking place in early 1950s London, Staunton gives a jolly good performance in a career defining role as Vera Drake, a woman who "helps" out other women who can't manage. This helping involves performing illegal abortions. Before you start judging her, we see her as the absolute model of perfection. She cleans houses, cares for her elderly mother as well as her own family. She has a husband and two grown children (Ethel and Sid) who all live in a cramped flat with barley enough room to turn around. Vera is so kind, loving and generous you are reminded of Mary Poppins. Repressed childhood trauma and a need to help people led her down this path.She has done this for many years and has never taken any money for doing it. Her long time friend Susan brings her the address of a woman in need and Vera arrives with her bag of tools. "First thing we do is put the kettle on". We see Vera visit a number of women all of whom deal differently with their situation. Some are doing it for the first time, while some are disturbingly use to it. Vera rationalizes her actions by feeling she is doing good and helping women at the most dire hour.When a young girl becomes ill and needs to be hospitalized, Vera's life and spotless reputation is about to be aborted as well. During her daughter's engagement dinner the police coming knocking, and Vera has a huge "oh sh*t" moment. The film then takes a strong emotional turn as her family has to deal with this secret life of hers. At the police station she admits to everything and signs a full confession. For the rest of the film Vera is in a state of shock and disbelief. Her bail is posted but her family life will never be the same. Her son Sid is disgusted by what she has done and refuses to be in the same room with her, while her daughter is sheepish but supportive. Her husband is torn and bewildered but remains supportive as well. This brings us to a very awkward Christmas celebration in contrast to the very joyful and lively engagement party from earlier (before the police crashed it). Vera eventually goes on trial and is sentenced.Although she does perform these abortions Vera is not a monster, she is not a leftist radical. She is a sympathetic mother of mercy to countless women. Because of the subject matter this film will no doubt divide people but the character of Vera Drake is one to remember.In recent years Imelda Staunton can be seen playing Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter movies.

jan-102-399121 Of course the story is meant to make a point - and it does - namely that the post war era in class-riven England was harsh, judgmental and hypocritical. To make the point even more striking, Vera and her family are honest, hardworking, loving and understanding working class people. Helping people is what Vera does - whatever she's doing - even helping girls who have 'got themselves in the family way' - a lovely euphemism that lets the man responsible off the hook. Mike Leigh's genius makes us feel the cramped, warmth of her family home. His England is a place of small rooms and dark alleyways contrasted with the odd cold palatial room of the off-hand upper-class women Vera works for. My only question is about Ethel? Why was she such a droop? With that gentle, loving family, who produced a bright, bouncy independent son - surely she should have had a little bit of backbone. But then she had the wonderful Sid - so she won't need it. A beautiful film - you will cry - so bring your tissues. Wonderful characters (Ethel perhaps excepted) - and a brilliant production.