Liam

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Liam

R

2001

1h 31m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

70%

Tomatometer

76 Reviews

72%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

A powerful and emotionally charged portrait of an ordinary family caught up in extraordinary circumstances, "Liam" tells the story of a seven-year-old boy growing up in Liverpool during the 1930s. As he prepares to make his First Communion, young Liam tries to make sense of the complex and unsettled world around him, a world that is about to change forever because of cataclysmic economic, political, and social upheaval.

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Critics Consensus

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

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Jeff Strickler

Minneapolis Star Tribune

11/06/2002

2/4

Liam is largely devoid of emotion. He's a detached, distanced observer, and it's hard for the viewer not to feel the same way.

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Adam Nayman

eye WEEKLY

10/29/2001

4/5

An emotional investment well worth making -- the vision Frears creates is hard, but, even at its bleakest, recognizably human.

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Charles Taylor

Salon.com

10/12/2001

It's been beautifully made with tact and care.

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Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

04/29/2009

This is a fascinating and heartbreaking glimpse into poverty under the Catholic Church's tight grip...

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Steven Snyder

Zertinet Movies

10/01/2005

3.5/4

Harry Guerin

RTÉ (Ireland)

03/26/2003

3/5

Better suited to the intimacy of television than a cinema outing.

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Linda J

@Jenkos 10/24/2024

This was not a good movie. No plot nor ending. I am not catholic, but it seemed very mean spirited. All around wish I never watched it.

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12/17/2012

Well-made and heartfelt movie about a difficult time and place. Stephen Frears is underrated.

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08/04/2012

Cutest kid ever, but OD on the Catholic guilt trip.

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08/07/2011

good movie. absolutely

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02/09/2011

A good concept that would have been much better served by a more subtle touch, in both writing and direction. The film's hysterics are not charming or exciting, and within a matter of 10 minutes the narrative has settled into dull repetition. Although some of the set-ups are adequately paid off in the third act, it's not enough to save what is a fairly unmoving experience on the whole. Nicely shot, though.

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09/07/2010

Horribly sad, but apparently true to life story of a little Liverpool lad.

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Stephen Frears

Director

Ian Hart

Dad

Claire Hackett

Mum

Anthony Borrows

Liam

David Hart

Con

Megan Burns

Teresa

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Synopsis

A powerful and emotionally charged portrait of an ordinary family caught up in extraordinary circumstances, "Liam" tells the story of a seven-year-old boy growing up in Liverpool during the 1930s. As he prepares to make his First Communion, young Liam tries to make sense of the complex and unsettled world around him, a world that is about to change forever because of cataclysmic economic, political, and social upheaval.

Director: Stephen Frears
Producer: Colin McKeown, Martin Tempia
Screenwriter: Jimmy McGovern
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Production Co: Mida, B.I.M.
Rating: R (Nudity|Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 21, 2001, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 31, 2020
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.0M
Runtime: 1h 31m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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