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Poster for Distant Voices, Still Lives

Distant Voices, Still Lives

Seen it?

1988 | 84 min | Drama, Music

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Better Man or Rocketman, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 24 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Siblings Maisie and Tony, along with their mother, gather for their sister Eileen's wedding. It is a joyous occasion, but through flashbacks, it becomes clear that the family was not always happy. Their father was physically abusive to his wife and left the children emotionally traumatized. As a result, the children have grown into unhappy adults, looking for love they didn't receive when they were young.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 86 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.9 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    2 wins and 5 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Box office & staying powerWeak

    $772K worldwide

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 23K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Terence Davies

  • Freda DowieMother
  • Pete PostlethwaiteFather
  • Angela WalshEileen
  • Lorraine AshbourneMaisie
  • Dean WilliamsTony
  • Sally DaviesEileen as a child
  • Susan FlanaganMaisie as a child
  • Nathan WalshTony as a child
  • Michael StarkeDave
  • Debi JonesMicky