Review of Distant Voices, Still Lives (1988) by Dave J — 21 Jun 2007
A dreamilke, lyrical film that examines a working-class Liverpool family in the Forties and Fifties by showing a montage of episodes from their lives together, out of chronological sequence. It vividly conveys some very uncomfortable situations.
We often hear conservatives extolling a pre-Sixties era when Family Values held sway. 'Distant Voices...' brutally illustrates the fact that families in that era were often controlled by patriarchs who believed that they had a God-given right to beat the crap out of their wives and children whenever they liked.
Some stirring singing lightens the mood at times, but this film is often uncomfortable viewing. It is nevertheless a powerful and pertinent history lesson.
This review of Distant Voices, Still Lives (1988) was written by Dave J on 21 Jun 2007.
Distant Voices, Still Lives has generally received very positive reviews.
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