Crime,Drama
United Kingdom,France
Vera Drake is a British drama film directed by Mike Leigh and starring Imelda Staunton in the lead role. The film is set in 1950s London, where Vera works as a cleaner for affluent families and also secretly performs abortions for women who cannot afford them or are too ashamed to go to a doctor.
Vera's family, including her husband, son, and daughter, are unaware of her illegal activities, but when her latest patient suffers complications and ends up in the hospital, the police investigate and uncover Vera's operation. She is arrested and charged with performing illegal abortions, and her family is shocked and devastated by the revelation.
The film explores the moral and ethical implications of abortion in a time when it was considered a crime and women had little choice in the matter. It also delves into the class divide of post-war Britain, where the wealthy had access to safe medical procedures while the poor were left to resort to dangerous and often lethal methods.
Staunton's powerful portrayal of Vera earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations, including an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film also won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and was named one of the top ten films of the year by the National Board of Review.
