Character driven period-drama about a woman who commits a crime without being conscious about that. Vera Drake is a selfless woman who is completely devoted to and loved by her working class family. She spends her days doting on them and caring for her sick neighbor and elderly mother. However, she also secretly visits women and helps them induce miscarriages for unwanted pregnancies. While the practice itself was illegal in 1950s England, Vera sees herself as simply helping women in need, and always does so with a smile and kind words of encouragement. When the authorities finally find her out, Vera's world and family life rapidly unravel. Spotless performance by Imelda Staunton, British acting at its best.

Abortion became legal in the UK 1968. As David Steel, sponsor of the private member's bill that became the legalising act of Parliament, wisely pointed out 'abortion did not begin in 1968'. Women have always limited the number of babies they choose to have. It was just that before 1968 these methods were illegal and often horrific. The method practised by Vera Drake in this film, pouring soapy water into the womb to terminate the pregnancy, was a popular one. It was effective and generally safe. Generally not always. Other methods used by women included drinking a bottle of whisky and rolling down the stairs. Women would push knitting needles into their wombs and similar horrors. Their desperation to abort was such. Surely no-one wants a return to this? Heterosexual women have every right to an active sex life and to limit the number of children they have. As the film points out for the rich and well-connected there were always doctors willing to perform safe if illegal abortions for money. It was always the poor but no less sexually active and fertile women who had to resort to women like Vera Drake. The struggle for women's reproductive rights continues and the hysterical anti-abortionists have not given up in the least. (They are not 'Pro-life', they are pro-death penalty, pro-nuclear weapons, pro-war in almost any form.) Women are not mere breeding machines for men despite some reactionary men wishing they were. A slogan once went "If men became pregnant abortion would be a sacrament." Every child should be a wanted child. There is no shortage of unwanted babies needing parents to adopt them. Indeed there is an oversupply. The natural sex drive of the young is such that there will always be some unwanted pregnancies although hopefully less and less as sex education becomes more widespread and contraceptives more readily available, but always some. Hence there will always be a need for safe free and legal abortions, hopefully as early as possible in the pregnancy. We should all be grateful to Mike Leigh for this thoughtful film reminding us of the bad old days which surely no sensible people would wish us to return to.

What's especially amazing about Mike Leigh's slice of life films is his attention to detail. Detail in the way they look (art direction, lighting, cinematography...), detail in the actor's interaction (acting, writing) and the treatment of the script. Very few directors can create such authentic piece of life. His stories are about the common working citizen and one can easily relate to all the people he introduces us to. There is something unique about these people.Set in post-war 50's London, Leigh introduces us to Vera Drake, a working class citizen. 'Makes her living by cleaning people's houses, she's a homemaker, takes care of her family, takes care of her ailing mother and takes care of girls in trouble. She lives in a tiny crowded little apartment with her husband and two grown-up children. Yet, they're a happy family, content with what they have. Vera smiles through it all and even in the harshest circumstance she remains the kind soul that she always has been.The washed out colours and slightly dimmed light bring out the post-war look. The sets and costumes look very real. The score is subtle and effective. The editing is very good.Imelda Staunton delivers a transcendent performance. It's one of the greatest and most natural performances by an actress. Staunton completely embodies Vera. It's difficult to tell whether Staunton was just being herself or playing a character. Her performance could serve as a source of education for aspiring actors.She is supported by a cast of amazing actors who are brilliant. Alex Kelly is great as the shy and quiet daughter. Daniel Mays, Richard Graham, Philip Davis and Eddie Marsan are wonderful. Sally Hawkins does a fine job too in a brief role.The theme of abortion plays a key theme and it does raise questions but this isn't an issue based abortion film. Class distinction is also a key element and kindness plays an important part. No matter what difficulties Vera is confronted with, she deals with it through kindness.'Vera Drake' is Mike Leigh and Imelda Staunton's triumph.

Why don't you "Put the kettle on" on and read this review of director Mike Leigh's 2004 drama that is very engaging and very British. He won numerous awards along with actress Imelda Staunton, while also being nominated for dozens more.Taking place in early 1950s London, Staunton gives a jolly good performance in a career defining role as Vera Drake, a woman who "helps" out other women who can't manage. This helping involves performing illegal abortions. Before you start judging her, we see her as the absolute model of perfection. She cleans houses, cares for her elderly mother as well as her own family. She has a husband and two grown children (Ethel and Sid) who all live in a cramped flat with barley enough room to turn around. Vera is so kind, loving and generous you are reminded of Mary Poppins. Repressed childhood trauma and a need to help people led her down this path.She has done this for many years and has never taken any money for doing it. Her long time friend Susan brings her the address of a woman in need and Vera arrives with her bag of tools. "First thing we do is put the kettle on". We see Vera visit a number of women all of whom deal differently with their situation. Some are doing it for the first time, while some are disturbingly use to it. Vera rationalizes her actions by feeling she is doing good and helping women at the most dire hour.When a young girl becomes ill and needs to be hospitalized, Vera's life and spotless reputation is about to be aborted as well. During her daughter's engagement dinner the police coming knocking, and Vera has a huge "oh sh*t" moment. The film then takes a strong emotional turn as her family has to deal with this secret life of hers. At the police station she admits to everything and signs a full confession. For the rest of the film Vera is in a state of shock and disbelief. Her bail is posted but her family life will never be the same. Her son Sid is disgusted by what she has done and refuses to be in the same room with her, while her daughter is sheepish but supportive. Her husband is torn and bewildered but remains supportive as well. This brings us to a very awkward Christmas celebration in contrast to the very joyful and lively engagement party from earlier (before the police crashed it). Vera eventually goes on trial and is sentenced.Although she does perform these abortions Vera is not a monster, she is not a leftist radical. She is a sympathetic mother of mercy to countless women. Because of the subject matter this film will no doubt divide people but the character of Vera Drake is one to remember.In recent years Imelda Staunton can be seen playing Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter movies.