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Poster for Lianna

1983 | 113 min | Drama, Romance

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (82% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no 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 romantics. If you loved Blue Valentine or Little Children, start here.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 53 min.
What might put you off
Rated R: meant for adults.

Lianna's life is a succession of domestic errands and boring faculty parties, however her heaviest cross to bear is dealing with her waning marriage to Dick. In order to find intellectual stimulus, Lianna takes a college extension child-psychology course taught by Ruth. When Lianna catches Dick having an affair with a young coed, she finds comfort and eventually true love in the arms of Ruth. However, this comes with a price as everything in her life is turned upside down.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    82% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $2 million worldwide on a $300K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 11K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by John Sayles

  • Linda GriffithsLianna
  • Jane HallarenRuth
  • Jon DeVriesDick
  • Jo HendersonSandy
  • Jessica MacDonaldTheda
  • Jesse SolomonSpencer
  • John SaylesJerry
  • Stephen MendilloBob
  • Betsy Julia RobinsonCindy
  • Nancy MetteKim