Martin Bradley Ken Russell's overly precious screen version of the D H Lawrence novel "Women in Love" is all tactile sensuality and much naked abandonment, not to mention a hell of a lot of high flautin' dialogue courtesy of producer Larry Kramer. It was a huge hit when it came out, (the nudity may have helped sell it), and won the then unknown Glenda Jackson an Oscar as Best Actress. The problem I have with her, and indeed everyone else for that matter, is they aren't playing flesh and blood people but just aspects of Lawrence. There are several great set-pieces that might convince you that you are watching a real film and it's superbly photographed by Billy Williams but ultimately it's a very patchy piece of work that just doesn't live up to its reputation.

bethlambert117 Can you imagine the effect this movie had in 1969? I is still ahead of the times. Merit, in great part, of Larry Kramer who adapted DH Lawrence's work in a way nobody else could have. Scrumptious, subversive, extraordinary. Director Ken Russell with some startling titles to his name - his BBC production of Isadora Duncan with a sublime Vivien Pickles in the title role, for instance - reaches here some kind of mountain top. Glenda Jackson became a household name, Alan Bates confirmed what we all knew, that he was one of the greatest actors that ever lived. I devoured the film with utter pleasure 48 years after its first released. Literature and cinema in an insanely beautiful alliance.

gavin6942 The battle of the sexes and relationships among the elite of Britian's industrial Midlands in the 1920s. Gerald Crich (Oliver Reed) and Rupert Berkin (Alan Bates) are best friends who fall in love with a pair of sisters: Gudrun the sculptress (Glenda Jackson) and Ursula the schoolteacher (Jennie Linden).I just wanted to mention the nude wrestling scene. Wow. To have this in a film is pretty incredible, but then to have it with a notable actor (Reed) is even more incredible. A bold move for everyone involved.The film won the Golden Globe Award for Best English-Language Foreign Film, an honor they discontinued in 1973 when it occurred to everyone that this makes no sense.

Maddyclassicfilms Ken Russells 1969 take on D.H Lawrences classic tale of sexual desire and awakening is nothing less than a masterpiece.Set in the early 1920's in England it tells the story of two sisters looking for love where ever they can find it.There's Gudren(Glenda Jackson)the elder desperate for the physical sensations of love and to hell with the consequences.Then there's shy Ursula(Jenny Lindon)who want's the emotional intimacy love can provide and may appear quiet and reserved but inside has passions just waiting to be released.They fall in love with two men who are the best of friends and who may have sexual feelings for each other as well.Heir apparent to a successful mining company Gerald Critch(Oliver Reed)and Boheminan Rupert Birkin(Alan Bates).Ursula falls deeply in love with Birkin who promptly marries her while Gerald embarks on an often painful affair with Gudren.I see the women here as the female versions of Gerald and Birkin.Gudren is Birkin seething with passion for Gerald and not afraid of making her feelings and emotions known whether in public or not.Whereas Ursula is Gerald controlled,reserved and quiet on the outside but inside harbours such strong feelings they could tear her apart.Each man marries the opposite of his own nature therefore fulfilling their desires to be together even if in reality they can never be together.Famous for it's use of full frontal nudity and sexual subject matter it's also best remembered for the nude wrestling match between Birkin and Gerald which can be seen as a physical form of their desire for each other.With unforgettable performances from the leads and a young Eleanor Bron as Hermione Roddice who's in love with Birkin. Moving,beautiful and haunting Women In Love is a love story that will stay with you long after you've seen it.