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Mary and Martha

Play trailer Poster for Mary and Martha TV-PG 2013 1h 45m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
56% Tomatometer 16 Reviews 64% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
After losing their sons to malaria, two women (Hilary Swank, Brenda Blethyn) dedicate their lives to helping others affected by the disease.
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Mary and Martha

Mary and Martha

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Critics Consensus

Hilary Swank and Brenda Blethyn deliver moving performances in this well-intentioned drama, but rote storytelling and a shallow depiction of Africa diminishes its impact.

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Critics Reviews

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Tom Meltzer Guardian Oct 8, 2020
Its story of loss, love, guilt, awakening and redemption -- while artfully shot, tightly written and well-acted -- ultimately served as a vehicle for a handful of familiar and uncomfortable facts about a disease. Go to Full Review Jessi Cape Austin Chronicle Oct 8, 2020
The remainder of the film is captivating, perhaps in part because it taps into humans' innate voyeurism, perhaps because Curtis props open our eyelids to the cause despite the film's missteps. Go to Full Review Neal Justin Minneapolis Star Tribune Oct 8, 2020
It has an important statement to make, but any semblance of a story keeps getting interrupted by the filmmakers' need to remind you that malaria in Africa is really, really bad. Go to Full Review Daily Express (UK) Staff Daily Express (UK) Oct 11, 2020
Written by Richard Curtis and directed by Phillip Noyce, it's sentimental at times but still unmissable viewing. Go to Full Review Jasper Rees The Arts Desk Oct 8, 2020
3/5
Mary and Martha is a work of fiction, and it's notably light on comic relief. But the real game-changer is that Curtis here tugged on the heart strings by putting his First World characters in the line of fire. Go to Full Review Matt Roush TV Guide Oct 8, 2020
Mary is headstrong and abrasive, Martha matronly and warm, and the actresses' chemistry makes up for an earnest predictability in the storytelling. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Keith B @Okbullard Sep 13, 2026 This film was such a nice surprise but so sad as well. I've really liked Hilary Swank since Million Dollar Baby and she was excellent here. Frank Grillo was really good and he actually played a good guy for a change. The excellent cinematography was definitely a plus. Give it a look, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. See more Julie R @JulieDR Jul 3, 2023 Fantastic film! Beautiful cinematography and outstanding acting. I disagree with criticism saying it's preachy. There's a big difference between shining a light on an important issue and preaching to the audience. I actually learned a lot from this movie and was touched by the story. See more Apr 1, 2020 Great great great great movie.... See more Sep 26, 2017 I would say the generational issue can connect to lots of people. For me, it encourages the ideology of empathy, and also encourage people to be aware of things that look little. I would say it is worth to watch but I would not watch again shortly. See more Alexandra H @RT99463632 Jul 28, 2017 Sad story but engaging--I enjoyed it. See more Jul 26, 2017 Wonderful movie!! A tear jerker....fantastic synopsis. See more Read all reviews
Mary and Martha

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Cast & Crew

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Phillip Noyce

Director

Hilary Swank

Mary

Brenda Blethyn

Martha

James Woods

Mary's Father

Frank Grillo

Peter

Ian Redford

Charles

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Mary and Martha

Mary and Martha (2013) Mary and Martha (2013) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis After losing their sons to malaria, two women (Hilary Swank, Brenda Blethyn) dedicate their lives to helping others affected by the disease.
Director
Phillip Noyce
Screenwriter
Richard Curtis
Production Co
HBO Films, Working Title Television, NBC Universal Television
Rating
TV-PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 3, 2016
Runtime
1h 45m
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