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03/22/02
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Liam (2001)
70
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:76
Fresh:53
Rotten:23
Average Rating:6.4/10
Consensus: Though Liam's harrowing story is reminiscent of Angela's Ashes, it showcases strong performances, including one by child actor Anthony Borrows.
Theatrical Release:Sep 21, 2001 Limited
Synopsis: In the 1930s, Britain was between wars and on the verge of depression. Family homes were rented, pubs were smoke-filled dens and streetlights were minimal. For seven year old, Liam (Anthony... [More]
Starring: Anthony Burrows, Ian Hart, Anne Reid, Claire Hackett
Director: Stephen Frears
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Reviews for Liam
An emotional investment well worth making -- the vision Frears creates is hard, but, even at its bleakest, recognizably human.
10/29/01
Underwritten characters and broad-brush scripting dilute its impact.
07/02/01
There's not a bad performance in the lot, but it is young Borrows who steals the heart away.
10/03/01
It's been beautifully made with tact and care.
10/12/01
Frears has put enough heart into the movie to overcome its limitations.
04/04/02
Liam casts a warm glow as a lyrical, humorous-minded morality tale.
09/06/01
One of [Frears'] loveliest, most heartfelt films.
10/09/01
Top CriticIn Frears' hands the script by Jimmy McGovern, despite its cliches, is brought to life with surprising freshness...far better than it has any right to be.
10/08/01
A convincing drama about how the open-heartedness of an eight-year-old boy is dashed by the world-hating dogma of the church and the stranger-hating prejudice of his father.
10/13/01
Your heart will ache for the little Liam, who has yet to lose his innocence in the face of unbelievable cruelty.
10/04/01
Top CriticBetter suited to the intimacy of television than a cinema outing.
03/26/03
A biographical piece featuring an 8-year-old in the title role that goes far in explaining how bad times can lead to the growth of extremist groups.
07/18/01
At times deeply moving and at other times subversively funny.
09/19/01
Top CriticA sterling-silver ensemble and Stephen Frears' visually sensitive direction lift a familiar, but ultimately potent, 1930s portrait of a Liverpool family.
09/21/01
Top CriticA welcome if somewhat familiar picture.
10/04/01
Top CriticStephen Frears makes every note count for a lot in this beautifully gauged microcosm of big emotions expressed in small gestures.
10/08/01
Top CriticIt is an ugly story with the ring of truth, and could hardly be more timely.
10/21/02
Within the shopworn limits of McGovern's script, Frears and his actors make the most of things.
10/22/01
The harshness of his movie is affecting, never completely demoralizing.
10/28/01
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