Anne

Some might say that after the Jimmy McGovern drama on the Hillsborough football disaster there would be little more to add about the tragic events of that fateful day in April 1989 but not so. There are hundreds of stories about Hillsborough, from those who were directly impacted by the events of that day, to those who were subsequently affected by it later. The fight for justice and truth far exceeded the narrative of the 1996 drama and in many ways still continues to this day. One of the key individuals who fought for justice for her son was Anne Williams, who lost her son, Kevin aged 15. Williams co-authoured a book about her experiences (When You Walk Through A Storm) but her campaigning for justice went far beyond that. She took her case to the European Court of Human Rights.

Anne is the story of this incredible woman and I know she was incredible because I was lucky enough to meet her in person. Everything that she was is brilliantly brought to life in this drama by a tour de force performance by Maxine Peake. Her husband Steve (played by the hugely underrated Stephen Walters, who also appeared as Ian Glover in the 1996 drama) is the perfect pairing opposite her and fine casting on the part of the Casting Director. We follow their search for the truth which ultimately pulls their family apart. The production expertly recreates the scenes from that tragic day and all that followed in the wake of one of the worst catastrophes in the history of British football. The bigger horror of course was the way these individuals were treated and the extent to which the cover-up permeated every element of the subsequent events. The film conveys these in a visceral way which takes you firmly back to all that those who lost someone experienced. It's raw and brutal and Walters and Maxine relive every moment of it as if they lived it themselves. The number 51 scene alone is Oscar-worthy for both of these actors.

Anne Williams and her family are the people whose stories deserve to be told and I am so glad that a project which was no doubt tough to get funding, found a way to get made. People like Williams are the unsung heroes of humanity. Her like are the people who should be on the honours list. Ultimately she came to represent the best of us and this drama has done her justice. When her life became all about that same word - Justice. Producers, director, writers, cast, and production team, you have done her proud. I will raise a glass to Anne and you all tonight. First-rate superb drama.

Summary: Anne - first rate, acting, direction, writing - the type of drama we should be making.

Anne Williams tragically loses her son in The Hillsborough disaster, and begins a lengthy process to get justice.

Part one is the real choker, it hits you hard, some of the descriptions, some of the footage, it is almost possible not to have tears in your eyes. The rest of it will move you, but also frustrate you, as you'll witness one of the worst cover ups in living memory.

I think they got the balance just right here, there are lots of tears as you'd expect from such a harrowing story, but there are also several positive moments throughout also.

I was none when the events happened, it feels like the first big tragedy I remember from my youth. Even to this day, the footage still shocks me.

Maxine Peake is tremendous as Anne, the last time I saw a performance this good, it was David Tennant as Des, I'd be surprised if she doesn't win awards for this. The whole cast are fantastic.

Seriously recommended, 10/10.

I really felt that this drama was handled in a very real and realistic way! The excellent acting from all the cast was balanced ,the contradictions came thick and fast and the approach from Kevin's mom;another excellent performance from Maxine Peake.

Growing up in Liverpool I've heard A lot about this disaster and the woman who started the campaign for justice for the victims.

But sadly she died years before the victims got justice. It great to see her story finally be told all these years later.

I was half expecting a watered down version of Anne Williams and her fight, along with other affected fans and families, but Maxine Peake knocked it out the park. Some of the stuff we've heard before, some never, like Lord Justice Stuart-Smiths appalling words to the bereaved families before determining his own views on new evidence. Right up until the end, Anne, you were a battler. #JFT97 #YNWA.