Review of Secrets & Lies (1996) by Jason Y — 29 Apr 2004

(VHS)(First Viewing, 2 Leigh films seen).

[i]Successful black woman traces her birth mother to a lower-class white woman, who denies it; emotions run high as everyone's secrets are exposed.[/i].

This is one of the best dramas I have ever seen. Director Mike Leigh supposedly let his actors inprov the scenes without a camera, and then he would create the script based on their best work. Then the cameras roll, and they make their film. And what a film it is. A masterpiece. Award-worthy acting all around the table, and I am amazed in Leigh's trust for his performers. Scenes go on for minutes without a cut or any camera movement at all. Absolutely not to be missed.

You might also like...

- [i]All or Nothing [/i](Mike Leigh, 2002) - The joy has gone out of Phil's and Penny's life, but when an unexpected tragedy occurs, they are brought together to rediscover their love.