Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit

Critics Consensus

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Movie Info

Filmed in Britain, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit stars Charlotte Coleman as a champing-at-the-bit teenager named Jess. The girl's domineering mother (Geraldine McEwan), a religious fanatic, wants Jess to become a missionary; to that end, she refuses to allow the girl any friends her own age. Jess' father has nothing to say in the matter--indeed, he has had nothing to say to anyone for years. The girl's growing awareness of her own sexuality (depicted in steamy detail) flies in the face of her mother's carefully orchestrated plans. Funny in a dark sort of way, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit was first seen in America over the Arts and Entertainment cable service in late 1990. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating:

NR
Genre:

Comedy, Drama
On Disc/Streaming:

Jun 3, 1997
Runtime:

165 minutes

Cast

Emily Aston

Cathryn Bradshaw
as Melani

Charlotte Coleman
as Jess

Kenneth Cranham
as Pastor Finch

Freda Dowie
as Mrs. Green

Peter Gordon
as William

Richard Henders
as Graham

Barbara Hicks
as Cissy

Geraldine McEwan
as Mother

Elizabeth Spriggs
as May

Sophie Thursfield
as Jess's real mother

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Critic Reviews for Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit

All Critics (5) | Top Critics (3)

A beguiling BBC drama, "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit,", unfolds like a cinematic, first-person novel, in this case the odyssey of a girl growing up in a fanatical evangelical environment in northern England.

Apr 15, 2019 | Full Review…

Ray Loynd
Los Angeles Times
Top Critic
"Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit" is anything but silly. It's a fresh, challenging and memorable little movie. Parental -- and all other -- attention is advised.

Apr 15, 2019 | Full Review…

John J. O'Connor
New York Times
Top Critic
Unfortunately, the movie's four hours seem to pass almost as slowly as the eight years of the protagonist's life covered in the film.

May 30, 2001 | Full Review…

Nathan Rabin
AV Club
Top Critic
Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit, is one of the few films in theaters or on TV which contains both a coming-out story and another parallel, equally compelling story.

Mar 12, 2019 | Full Review…

Ren Jender
Bitch Flicks