Liam

Critics Consensus

Though Liam's harrowing story is reminiscent of Angela's Ashes, it showcases strong performances, including one by child actor Anthony Borrows.

70%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 76

73%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 1,154
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Liam Photos

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Movie Info

The story of a 7-year-old boy growing up in 1930s Liverpool. Liam's father works at the local shipyard, while his mother keeps the household afloat, pinching pennies, yet keeping spirits high. Life takes a terrible turn when the shipyard closes and Dad loses his job. Humiliated by the fact that his teenage daughter, Teresa, must work as a maid in a wealthy Jewish household, and that his eldest son is the family's major breadwinner, Dad loses his self-respect and becomes disillusioned. A Jewish pawnbroker buys their family trinkets for cash. Their Jewish landlord harasses them for rent. And Teresa's Jewish employer, the owner of the shipyard, is responsible for Dad's unemployment. Desperate for someone to blame for his misfortunes, Dad finds comfort and a sense of community with a group of Fascists who encourage him to blame the Jews for all of his troubles. Meanwhile, Teresa and Liam face their own crises of conscience and faith, as their mother hopes that the Church can hold the family together.
  • Rating:
    R (for some nudity and language)
  • Genre:
    Art House & International, Drama
  • Directed By:
    Stephen Frears
  • Written By:
    Jimmy McGovern
  • In Theaters:
     limited
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Lions Gate Films

Cast

Anthony Borrows
as Liam
Ian Hart
as Dad
Claire Hackett
as Mam
Anne Reid
as Mrs. Abernathy
Anthony Burrows
Megan Burns
as Teresa
David Hart
as Con
Russell Dixon
as Father Ryan
Julia Deakin
as Auntie Aggie
Andrew Schofield
as Uncle Tom
Bernadette Shortt
as Lizzie
David Carey
as Lizzie's Husband
David Knopov
as Mr. Samuels
Jane Gurnett
as Mrs. Samuels
Gema Loveday
as Jane Samuels
Martin Hancock
as David
Sylvia Gatril
as Nunney
Chris Darwin
as Nunney's Husband
James Foy
as Lofty
Arnold Brown
as Pawnbroker
Billy Moocho
as Clubman
Stephen Walters
as Black Shirt
Bryan Reagan
as Gaffer
Sean Styles
as Big Micky
Sean McKee
as Little Micky
George Maudsley
as Man at Political Rally
Tim Baker
as (uncredited)
Joshua Cox
Thomas Hopkins
View All

Critic Reviews for Liam

All Critics (76) | Top Critics (26) | Fresh (53) | Rotten (23)

View All Critic Reviews (76)

Audience Reviews for Liam

  • Jul 23, 2009
    The trials and tribulations of a 7 yr old lad in 1930's Liverpool. Oppressed by poverty and his Catholic faith, Liam tries to cope with a speech impediment and a school system determined to literally beat the devil out of him. A gritty, solid little film that falls somewhere between <i>Angela's Ashes</i> and <i>This Is England</i>.
    Randy T Super Reviewer
  • Jun 04, 2007
    A strong story told without mercy but never losing any realism. A very important British gem to watch, and to learn and think with. 61/100
    Edgar C Super Reviewer
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