The Lady in the Van

2015 "A mostly true story"
6.7| 1h44m| PG-13| en| More Info
Released: 04 December 2015 Released
Producted By: BBC Film
Country: United Kingdom
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfilms/film/the_lady_in_the_van
Synopsis

The true story of the relationship between Alan Bennett and the singular Miss Shepherd, a woman of uncertain origins who ‘temporarily’ parked her van in Bennett’s London driveway and proceeded to live there for 15 years.

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Reviews

Solemplex To me, this movie is perfection.
Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.
Calum Hutton It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...
Josephina Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.
mateszalai The Lady in the van is a touching, interesting movie, but the most important part of the film is the actress in the leading role, Dame Maggie Smith. She is one of the best actresses in the world and her talent is extraordinary. Her performance is breathtaking, she portrays a very odd, maybe bizarre person, whose life is full of tragedies. These are not big things, but they mean a lot for this woman. Smith works with many feelings, one time we see a very old and sick woman, after that a queen, and many times a child. She jumps properly between the periods of a human beings development, but the wounds in her soul are important to recognize. Her past is a secret, just one or two people know the truth. (It's an interesting fact, that many things are based on misunderstandings) Not only Maggie has a stunning performance, but to tell the truth, the others are very very far from this queen of acting. (Jim Broadbents role is very tiny in the movie) It's worth mentioning how good the "every-day" people are portrayed. Many stereotypes are presented that's why the movie is a great society critic. (How react people when they are forced to live next to a homeless lady? Are people who seem to be helpful, really friendly? Or do they have a not so friendly goal?) All in all, the film is wonderful, Maggie Smith is excellent. I cannot understand why she hasn't got an Oscar nomination (or maybe an award, which would be well deserved) for this role. But it doesn't matter. The Lady in the van worth watching.
sirenebern "The Lady in the Van" is based on the true story of successful (though not socially successful) playwright and actor Alan Bennett, who reluctantly allows a very eccentric homeless woman (played with shrill comic delight by Maggie Smith) to park her decrepit, junk-filled yellow van in his driveway in an upscale suburb of London. She winds up staying there for years, and Bennett comes to care about her well-being more than he likes to admit. Through Bennett's witty, self-deprecating dialogue with the audience (fourth wall) as well as himself (he plays both himself and his alter ego, a more confident version of himself), the film reveals the gift of caring for someone selflessly, someone who is truly in need, who has been victimized -- and who isn't particularly grateful for the help. I watched "The Lady in the Van" at Christmas, and I think, though it is not a "holiday movie" per se, that it has a message that resonates at that time of the year. When you're worn out by the mall crowds and turned off by the crass commercialism, watch "The Lady in the Van" with a cup of hot, spiked tea. You will be moved and have a lot of laughs along the way, I promise. Excellent acting by both Alex Jennings as Bennett and Maggie Smith, as well as the many stars in supporting roles and cameos (most of the cast of Bennett's hit "The History Boys").
Michael Ledo The film is based on a true story, shot on location where the event happened.Margaret T, Fairchild (Maggie Smith) aka Mary, is an elderly woman who lived in her van. In the opening scene, which is dark, there is an accident, one in which she runs from. She ends up in Camden Town and in the yard of playwright Alan Bennett (Alex Jennings). Bennett separates himself into two people, the author, and the individual who deals with stubborn woman in the van.As the film progresses, the glimpses we get of her younger life fill in, as we discover this is an educated woman, who is accomplished, and whose life is now being wasted. Alan constantly contrasts her to his own mother, in a home who doesn't remember him.But it is not a sad story. Maggie Smith gives us a delightful performance of a quirky woman with hygiene issues.Guide: Occasional F-word. No sex or nudity.
heatherm-714-239091 What a beautiful film. I can't understand how some reviewers have given it such low marks. You can almost smell Maggie Smith through the telly and the two Alan's are just perfect. As the story unfolds and more mysteries abound but are not revealed, the intrigue based around these two characters grows. "Hold my Hand... it's clean" sprung tears and made this film simply perfect.