Lost for Words

One of the most fantastic dramas I have ever seen. There is good writing and there is pure genius. This exemplifies quality tv production - there is nothing I can say to put into words just exactly how wonderful this drama is. I am absolutely lost for words

I very highly recommend this tale of an aging parent's last days. This sweet, touching story accurately depicts a succession of strokes and partial recoveries -- complete with physical, emotional, and mental struggles that frustrate and frighten not only the elderly patient but her middle-aged son. The performances are brilliant and sincere. The staging and pace/editing perfect. You may want to keep a hankie nearby.

Deric Longden is one of those authors who wriggles into one's psyche and stays there, so when one of his works gets made into a film or TV play, you feel as though you have a vested interest in it. This has been done very well - I have the VHS version of it, as being in New Zealand we seem to have missed it on TV -with actors of the highest calibre possible. Thora Hird was golden in anything that she did, and her comedic timing was impeccable. Pete Postlethwaite plays the straight man (as it were) because all the best lines are hers. That's not to undermine his work in any sense. He is faultless. There is a strong sense of reality throughout this piece, so that the viewer does not feel that they are watching a play, but simply observing someone's life through an open window. Excellent.

I watched this movie in a covered Drama class and by the end it had me in tears. Although my parents are still middle aged and thankfully very healthy, I have a grandma who is in a similar position to Dame Thora Hirds character (Who played her role brilliantly and is definitely the best character actress I've ever seen.) Luckily she has the support of her Husband and Son as well as all her many Grandchildren, of which I am proud to be one. My grandma suffered a stroke last year, like Mrs Longden did, and, thankfully, she is still alive and well. I found this movie really helpful in understanding the thoughts of an ageing woman like her, more than all the complicated books on strokes. Amazing film

This is a very "British" movie in that everything is understated. Thoroughly enjoyable. High praise for Dame Thora Hird and Pete Postlethwaite. I recommend the movie and especially for anyone with aging parents.