
The Lady in the Van
2015, Comedy/Drama, 1h 44m
150 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Led by a marvelous performance from Maggie Smith, Lady in the Van wrings poignant, often hilarious insight from its fact-based source material. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Miss Shepherd
Alan Bennett
Rufus
Pauline
Ursula Vaughan Williams
Mam
News & Interviews for The Lady in the Van
Critic Reviews for The Lady in the Van
All Critics (150) | Top Critics (56) | Fresh (133) | Rotten (17)
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The Lady in the Van follows a fairly typical old-people-are-more-than-they-seem storyline ... The bizarreness of this true story is underplayed.
August 2, 2016 | Rating: 2.5/5 | Full Review… -
She's not easy to love and the film is slow-going and a little laboured in its attempts to shape her idiosyncrasies into a plot, but the gradual revelation of the reasons for her decline give Smith plenty of opportunities to soften her grouchiness.
March 4, 2016 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
Bennett offers Maggie Smith a chance to renovate her own recent persona with a woman who's heroically alive. Smith takes it with both hands, giving us more of the loneliness and despair of old age than the glib comedy.
March 4, 2016 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
It's as charming and enjoyable as it is decidedly lightweight.
February 26, 2016 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review… -
Jennings' portrayal isn't as flashy as Smith's - the things she can do with just a glance - but the balance they achieve is absolutely glorious.
February 12, 2016 | Rating: B | Full Review… -
Of course, the film's showpiece is another incomparable lady, the always amazing Maggie Smith.
February 11, 2016 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Lady in the Van
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Jun 07, 2016http://cinephilecrocodile.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/the-lady-in-van-dir-nicholas-hytner.htmlAnthony L Super Reviewer
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Jun 06, 2016Lady In The Van is the true story of a woman who lives on a man's driveway for 15 years. Sounds boring? Quite the opposite! This is an entertaining sweet film that actually has some funny moments as well some sadder times. Maggie Smith delivers yet another fantastic performance, let's face it she can do no wrong! I did however find that the majority of the film was rather forgettable and felt like the film was just abit too sweet for my taste. The script was decent though and that prevented the film from being a disaster.Luke A Super Reviewer
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May 02, 2016The biggest problem with this witless, excruciating movie is that it feels almost impossible to have any sympathy for such an odious old lady (is she supposed to be adorable in her annoying eccentricity? I can't tell), and I couldn't wait to see her die so it would be finally over.Carlos M Super Reviewer
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Apr 14, 2016An elegant and amusing drama. This sweet movie is slow but the wonderfully talented Smith carries it through to the end!Film C Super Reviewer
The Lady In The Van Quotes
Housekeeper At Convent: | Who are you to come here asking whether the Bishop likes meringues? |
Miss Shepherd: | I'm studying incognito in Paris. |
Miss Shepherd: | You're not Saint John are you? |
Miss Shepherd: | I'm lady on a van! |
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