64 reviews
What a wonderful, beautiful movie!!
For all of you middle-aged men and women who wonder just who you are, and where you're going; this is the movie for you!! What an insight to the real human spirit!! I've watched this several times and never fail to shed a tear over how I spent my life. This is a MUST DO for any adult struggling to make it. ( Bring a hankie) This is for men also!! The director has touched on the basic human emotion; who are we, why are we here, and most of all; what happened to "ME"? This movie has addressed so many questions that we all have, being caught up in the every day life, but always wondering-----"what if"? What a release for us to see that some times a person will follow their dreams! The message here is---Be true to yourself!!
The greatest journey leads us to ourselves
Shirley had lost herself in the humdrum lifestyle of a housewife with kids grown and an indifferent husband stuck in his own boring routine. She strikes out on a vacation to Greece to get in touch with the girl she once was. The show worked better as a theatre piece - as a one woman show. Here it gets cluttered up with a lot of characters and Shirley's asides to the camera do not always work. Pauline Collins is as great in the role as she was on stage. Greek men seeing this must cringe at the Tom Conte caricature of a Greek lover. I rated it an 8 for Pauline's performance and the music.
- wisewebwoman
- Aug 6, 2000
- Permalink
Shirley Valentine
- jboothmillard
- Aug 13, 2015
- Permalink
A thoughtful comment on a fabulous film
This is a sweet yet hilariously funny film about a housewife from the north of England, who takes a trip to Greece and finds that there is more to life than the kitchen sink.
It's one of those films that should be seen by anyone that has at any point felt that there's something missing in their life or that they've had missed opportunities as you will have great empathy with the main character Shirley. Having said that, it's generally just a great film. Not only does it do a very good job at putting one in Shirley's shoes but it's also a great social comment about an average English persons life.
Having said all this, it's one of the funniest films I have ever seen. The humor is ever present throughout the film yet never takes away from the seriousness of Shirley's situation. I found I was smiling to myself all the way through. I particularly liked the way that it pokes fun at the common Englisman's appreciation of foreign hospitality.
Each character brings great life to the film particularly Pauline Collins and Tom Conti. Pauline's regular off-the-cuff comments add character to the film while Tom's smarmy approach entwined with his overall role in the story (without wanting to spoil it) make for an excellent watch.
Great appearances by Julia McKenzie, Alison Steadman and Joanna Lumley add great depth to Pauline's character whilst adding great comedy and life to the film.
Shirley Valentine is a gem of a film and a must see. The style is certainly not "Hollywood" and it appeals to the same tastes as other English greats such as -The Full Monty-.
I give it a strong 10 out of 10.
It's one of those films that should be seen by anyone that has at any point felt that there's something missing in their life or that they've had missed opportunities as you will have great empathy with the main character Shirley. Having said that, it's generally just a great film. Not only does it do a very good job at putting one in Shirley's shoes but it's also a great social comment about an average English persons life.
Having said all this, it's one of the funniest films I have ever seen. The humor is ever present throughout the film yet never takes away from the seriousness of Shirley's situation. I found I was smiling to myself all the way through. I particularly liked the way that it pokes fun at the common Englisman's appreciation of foreign hospitality.
Each character brings great life to the film particularly Pauline Collins and Tom Conti. Pauline's regular off-the-cuff comments add character to the film while Tom's smarmy approach entwined with his overall role in the story (without wanting to spoil it) make for an excellent watch.
Great appearances by Julia McKenzie, Alison Steadman and Joanna Lumley add great depth to Pauline's character whilst adding great comedy and life to the film.
Shirley Valentine is a gem of a film and a must see. The style is certainly not "Hollywood" and it appeals to the same tastes as other English greats such as -The Full Monty-.
I give it a strong 10 out of 10.
- Trancer_UK
- Nov 30, 2004
- Permalink
Shirley valentine. Why change the script?
in Shirley valentine recently brought out on DVD some of the words said by Shirley have been dubbed over. this spoils the original concept of the film. can anyone explain why this has been done.The film however is still great viewing. My wife knows the words to the film and was surprised that words had been taken out and replaced which seem totally unnecessary. We could only think that it may be for a younger viewing audience or perhaps for the purpose of sale in other countries. In conclusion still a really great film with fantastic views of Greece. I'm sure the film has been made many girls think that they too would like to be shirley.
- wayne-farrar
- Oct 24, 2005
- Permalink
Finding your own reality
I just recommended this movie to a friend who's having her mid-life crisis. Just like Shirley, she can't stop taking care of other people at her own expense. Everyone who reviews this film focuses on its heart-warming qualities, making it sound like Pollyanna. The reality of Shirley Valentine is that it's very grounded in reality. Every moment of the film is fraught with ambiguity, moral and emotional. Shirley's trip to Greece and subsequent adventures are not Hallmark moments. She realizes quite clearly that her fantasies are superimposed on the necessities of reality. She doesn't marry a tycoon: she gets a waitress job. She realizes from the get-go that her relationship with Costas is a good-natured fraud. The ending of the movie doesn't answer any questions except "How does Shirley feel right at this moment in time?" This is not a film about escaping to a fantasy. It's about finding a reality that works for who you really are. Every human being on earth who's dissatisfied with their life should watch this film.
Falling In Love With Life
Pauline Collins is a 42-year-old Liverpudlian housewife who talks to the walls. One day she gives husband Bernard Hill's Thursday steak to the hound of the snooty lady across the street; she has been keeping it on a vegetarian diet. Hill explodes when she gives him fish and chips; that's Tuesday's meal. Her friend Alison Steadman wins a trip for two to Greece, takes Miss Collins along and abandons her to her own devices. She has no issue with that. She enjoys Greek food, drinks retsina and has an affair with tavern owner Tom Conti.
In her second movie role -- she had played a stripper in an exploitation film in 1966 -- Miss Collins recreates her Tony-winning role in the stage's one-hander. Given the bareness of the actual stage production, there is a shift of tone, from fantasy to anomie, and the other characters are given little depth, Miss Collins seems to be the character she plays in this gender-switching variation on ZORBA THE GREEK. If it also seems reminiscent of EDUCATING RITA, that's because Willy Russell wrote both plays, produced their transfers to the screen under the same director, Lewis Gilbert. Miss Collins is, as you might guess from the above, wonderful.
In her second movie role -- she had played a stripper in an exploitation film in 1966 -- Miss Collins recreates her Tony-winning role in the stage's one-hander. Given the bareness of the actual stage production, there is a shift of tone, from fantasy to anomie, and the other characters are given little depth, Miss Collins seems to be the character she plays in this gender-switching variation on ZORBA THE GREEK. If it also seems reminiscent of EDUCATING RITA, that's because Willy Russell wrote both plays, produced their transfers to the screen under the same director, Lewis Gilbert. Miss Collins is, as you might guess from the above, wonderful.
That's it! I am going to Greece next year:
It's been my dream since childhood, since I read for the first time the immortal ancient myths and legends; Greece where the sea is so blue that Aphrodite could be born only from its foam and the sun so gold that it makes the whole country glow with the eternal forever young smile, Greece that the Gods chose as their residence. I always wanted to go but the film "Shirley Valentine" (1989) directed by Lewis Gilbert and written by Willy Russell (also play) with Pauline Collins has added to my desire to see the magic country.
Pauline Collins reprises her Broadway's role as the hilariously charming and unpredictable 45 (or so) year old Liverpool housewife Shirley Valentine Bradshaw whose life is the humorist Sam Levinson's lament: "When I was a kid, they told me to do what my parents wanted. When I became a parent, they told me to do what my kids wanted. When do I get to do what I want?" until one day she proves to herself that it is never too late to try to make your dream come true. When a friend wins the paid trip to Greece for two, Shirley joins her and finds that Greece is her dream because she always wanted to see the sunset over a blue sea. She says yes to the romance with a handsome Costas Caldes (Tom Conti) who likes her in spite her extra weight, saggy boobs and the stretch marks. She began to like herself, too. Sounds like your typical sloppy romantic comedy, ah? Wait until you see it. This is a wonderful and delightful film - clever, witty, funny, and thought-provoking. And to Roger Ebert goes my question "what is wrong with you, man?!"
Pauline Collins reprises her Broadway's role as the hilariously charming and unpredictable 45 (or so) year old Liverpool housewife Shirley Valentine Bradshaw whose life is the humorist Sam Levinson's lament: "When I was a kid, they told me to do what my parents wanted. When I became a parent, they told me to do what my kids wanted. When do I get to do what I want?" until one day she proves to herself that it is never too late to try to make your dream come true. When a friend wins the paid trip to Greece for two, Shirley joins her and finds that Greece is her dream because she always wanted to see the sunset over a blue sea. She says yes to the romance with a handsome Costas Caldes (Tom Conti) who likes her in spite her extra weight, saggy boobs and the stretch marks. She began to like herself, too. Sounds like your typical sloppy romantic comedy, ah? Wait until you see it. This is a wonderful and delightful film - clever, witty, funny, and thought-provoking. And to Roger Ebert goes my question "what is wrong with you, man?!"
- Galina_movie_fan
- Aug 14, 2005
- Permalink
Funny Valentine
- writers_reign
- Mar 19, 2010
- Permalink
Wonderful Shirley speaks for us all...
Pauline Collins is my hero. So is Shirley Valentine. They really are. I'm not kidding you. And I am man. This movie speaks to me, even so.
We all have dreams that have not been realized. We all need Shirley's courage to do as much as we can to live these dreams before we go off to the other place.
This movie taught me about life. It's not too late to be happy, to be in love, to smile every day and mean it. No matter what age you are.
Conti is charming and it is a shame we don't see him much anymore. He offers us a type of romantic hero we will never find in a Tom, Hanks or Cruise...too bad.
Joanna Lumley brings a special charm to her meeting with Shirley. Julia Mackenzie is especially good as her annoying friend.
Willy Russell cooked up a wonderful script from the wonderful play. Lewis Gilbert put it all together and worked hard to make us smile.
If you don't fall in love with this movie, you'll need a swift kick. Don't look at me. You'll have to give it to yourself. That's the magic and wonder of Shirley Valentine. She taught me how to kick myself into living!
Thank you, Shirley. Thank you, Pauline, Bill, Willy and Lewis.
We all have dreams that have not been realized. We all need Shirley's courage to do as much as we can to live these dreams before we go off to the other place.
This movie taught me about life. It's not too late to be happy, to be in love, to smile every day and mean it. No matter what age you are.
Conti is charming and it is a shame we don't see him much anymore. He offers us a type of romantic hero we will never find in a Tom, Hanks or Cruise...too bad.
Joanna Lumley brings a special charm to her meeting with Shirley. Julia Mackenzie is especially good as her annoying friend.
Willy Russell cooked up a wonderful script from the wonderful play. Lewis Gilbert put it all together and worked hard to make us smile.
If you don't fall in love with this movie, you'll need a swift kick. Don't look at me. You'll have to give it to yourself. That's the magic and wonder of Shirley Valentine. She taught me how to kick myself into living!
Thank you, Shirley. Thank you, Pauline, Bill, Willy and Lewis.
- Enrique-Sanchez-56
- Mar 24, 2001
- Permalink
Excellant screen adaptation
Lewis Gilbert has made an excellent job of adapting this successful play for the screen.Pauline Collins has the role of a lifetime as the middle aged woman who has a mid life crisis.
- malcolmgsw
- Mar 8, 2021
- Permalink
Engaging and entertaining from start to finish
I certainly had no trouble relating to Shirley Valentine. In fact, in a lot of this movie, I thought she was talking straight from my head. She sees the humour in all the humdrum b.s. of life, and comes out triumphant. Excellent job by director Lewis Gilbert in adapting one-woman show into a movie that did not feel the least bit claustrophobic. Highly imaginative. I've seen it 3 times now, and will watch again the next time it's on: 10/10.
- aromatic-2
- Mar 5, 2001
- Permalink
Shirley Valentine
This film is derived from the eponymous Tony-award winning play starring Pauline Collins as the titular protagonist, who reprises her role on the big screen by director Lewis Gilbert, the film captures two Oscar nominations BEST ACTRESS for Collins and BEST ORIGINAL SONG "THE GIRL WHO USED TO BE ME".
Entertainingly satisfactory, SHIRLEY VALENTINE features a direct talking-to-you approach from the very start (also including talking-to-the-wall and talking-to-the-Greek-stone antics), and it distinctively assists the film to be saturated in a zanily humorous tone, and all the dialogues are astutely written, after 20 years, it still could feasibly express the zeitgeist of the independence of woman in a quite smart fashion.
Collins is fully equipped with all the wisecracks which can easily crack audience up with and the life-inspiring adventure in an exotic country to pursue self-seeking catharsis has its adequate ammunitions to cheer up middle-aged women who are trapped in their drudgeries and may set a paradigm but in reality a free trip to Greece does not happen every day, although the uplifting message has been effectively and manifestly delivered and Collins is spectacular in conveying her pertinent way of narrating with the viewers, and successfully mingles the mundane escapism with a whiff of upscale self-esteem (as a theatrical old- hander, she might could overdo it), although her nude scenes are rather too realistic to be admired on screen, it is gutsy for the actress per se, but this feminist bravura is plain unnecessary. Tom Conti and Bernard Hill are the two male foils, one is Shirley's Greek womanizer, one is her stereotyped British husband, both are serviceable and it has a wackily comical response to watch Conti murmuring with his feigned Greek accent while wooing his sex prey. Also in the Liverpool locale, Collins' inadvertent encounter with her high-school bestie (a wonderful cameo of Joanna Lumley) is pure amazement, especially when Lumley gracefully confesses to Collins her high-end occupation, this is the authentic Anglo spirit!
Entertainingly satisfactory, SHIRLEY VALENTINE features a direct talking-to-you approach from the very start (also including talking-to-the-wall and talking-to-the-Greek-stone antics), and it distinctively assists the film to be saturated in a zanily humorous tone, and all the dialogues are astutely written, after 20 years, it still could feasibly express the zeitgeist of the independence of woman in a quite smart fashion.
Collins is fully equipped with all the wisecracks which can easily crack audience up with and the life-inspiring adventure in an exotic country to pursue self-seeking catharsis has its adequate ammunitions to cheer up middle-aged women who are trapped in their drudgeries and may set a paradigm but in reality a free trip to Greece does not happen every day, although the uplifting message has been effectively and manifestly delivered and Collins is spectacular in conveying her pertinent way of narrating with the viewers, and successfully mingles the mundane escapism with a whiff of upscale self-esteem (as a theatrical old- hander, she might could overdo it), although her nude scenes are rather too realistic to be admired on screen, it is gutsy for the actress per se, but this feminist bravura is plain unnecessary. Tom Conti and Bernard Hill are the two male foils, one is Shirley's Greek womanizer, one is her stereotyped British husband, both are serviceable and it has a wackily comical response to watch Conti murmuring with his feigned Greek accent while wooing his sex prey. Also in the Liverpool locale, Collins' inadvertent encounter with her high-school bestie (a wonderful cameo of Joanna Lumley) is pure amazement, especially when Lumley gracefully confesses to Collins her high-end occupation, this is the authentic Anglo spirit!
- lasttimeisaw
- Sep 25, 2012
- Permalink
Modest character study/comedy elevated by Collins' performance...
Pauline Collins received a deserved Oscar nomination for feel-good performance as Shirley Valentine, stifled working-class housewife from Liverpool who tires of her boring job and dull marriage and splits for a vacation alone in Greece. Willy Russell adapted his own play, with Collins occasionally addressing the camera directly, and for a few awkward scenes it feels like nothing more than a stunt. Russell balances antiquated "You Can Do Anything"-isms with saucier set-pieces and gags, and the results are both warm and queasy. Still, Collins overcomes the self-conscious, unsure handling of the material and creates a memorable, funny woman. She's the genuine article, the picture itself is not. **1/2 from ****
- moonspinner55
- Aug 17, 2007
- Permalink
The Classic Married Person's Midlife-Crisis Comedy
Every woman - and man for that matter - experiencing or approaching their 40s-50s midlife and/or who suspects they are living a stuck-in-a-rut lifestyle ought to be required to see this movie ASAP!! A rare gem that is simultaneously interesting, hilarious AND potentially life-changing! Plus a true feminist statement that is never obnoxious. I wonder how many marriages have been rescued by this film - although some may have been ended by it too. Beats the heck out of most books on the subject. Timeless.
"He needs to feel the sun on his skin and swim in water that is as deep as forever"
"He needs to feel the sun on his skin and swim in water that is as deep as forever"
A Stage Show For Sure
A fun story of self-discovery and empowerment. It is very clear that Shirley Valentine comes from a stage adaptation, and so if you're not keen on lengthy monologues filled with questions to no one in particular, this definitely isn't for you.
The script is witty and Collins is charismatic in her role, throwing up the contrast between her character and the British stereotypes. However, it's very dated by today's standards, and not just because of the fashion. A little too long complete silences when Valentine has finished talking to herself and some really poor dubbing very much give the it the 80s stamp. But, the story is enjoyable, the lead is engaging, and the setting is beautiful too, it's an easy watch.
The script is witty and Collins is charismatic in her role, throwing up the contrast between her character and the British stereotypes. However, it's very dated by today's standards, and not just because of the fashion. A little too long complete silences when Valentine has finished talking to herself and some really poor dubbing very much give the it the 80s stamp. But, the story is enjoyable, the lead is engaging, and the setting is beautiful too, it's an easy watch.
- deepfrieddodo
- Nov 16, 2020
- Permalink
One of the great movies.
This is one of the great movies. One of the most satisfying movies you are ever likely to see. Any woman who has been married and reached a certain stage in their life will be able to identify with Shirley Valentine.
Pauline Collins gives one of the most memorable performances ever on screen as Shirley. It would be difficult to imagine anybody else in the part. There is so much in this movie. Every scene is a work of art. Shirley Valentine is one of the great heroines simply because she is so real. And we feel for her all the way along.
It's also very emotionally charged. In particular the scenes with Joanna Lumley's Marjorie and Shirley are particularly poignant. I won't reveal why. But it's a great scene. But they all are. There is nothing tired about this movie. It is quite simply a masterpiece. A must see.
Pauline Collins gives one of the most memorable performances ever on screen as Shirley. It would be difficult to imagine anybody else in the part. There is so much in this movie. Every scene is a work of art. Shirley Valentine is one of the great heroines simply because she is so real. And we feel for her all the way along.
It's also very emotionally charged. In particular the scenes with Joanna Lumley's Marjorie and Shirley are particularly poignant. I won't reveal why. But it's a great scene. But they all are. There is nothing tired about this movie. It is quite simply a masterpiece. A must see.
- ashkakaylee
- Apr 18, 2013
- Permalink
We always have steak on a Thursday
- JamesHitchcock
- Feb 15, 2009
- Permalink
Getting older doesn't mean getting old
I've often used this film to cheer me up when I feel down. As I pass through middle age myself, it reminds me that, with the right attitude toward life, the years alone need not make us feel old.
Shirley discovers what we all need to learn: if life ain't right, then fix it!
Shirley discovers what we all need to learn: if life ain't right, then fix it!
Lovely and compassionate movie
Rallying cry for the selfish women
There was a case recently of a woman who abandoned her child in England so she can be with her lover in Turkey. The inspiration for her must be this movie, a film that tells women to find their own dreams and damn everyone else, and gives them the rallying cry - the one that screams out "ME! ME! ME!!!" and only "ME!!!".
It is easy to do really, just think of your husband as a selfish brute, your children as whiny ungrateful spoilt brats (wonder how they got that way, could it be their upbringing? Oh perish the thought that you could be a bad mother). And you have this beautiful dream that just cries out to be fulfilled, and there are beautiful men in distant lands just there to service your deepest needs.
So now you find prematurely wrinkled ladies, inspired by the film, wandering around remote corners of the world like Zambia picking up young (and poor, why else would anyone think that these young men would make love to bloated or disintegrating bodies) local men to satisfy their desires. One comment I read from one of these used young men is that these women are like vampires, going to those countries looking shrivelled and saggy, sucking up the life-blood from them, before returning home looking all freshened and plumped-up.
So, cheers to Pauline Collins, a great service you have done to all the Shirley Valentines of the Western World, liberating them from their drudgery and care, and hello to freedom and great sex.
It is easy to do really, just think of your husband as a selfish brute, your children as whiny ungrateful spoilt brats (wonder how they got that way, could it be their upbringing? Oh perish the thought that you could be a bad mother). And you have this beautiful dream that just cries out to be fulfilled, and there are beautiful men in distant lands just there to service your deepest needs.
So now you find prematurely wrinkled ladies, inspired by the film, wandering around remote corners of the world like Zambia picking up young (and poor, why else would anyone think that these young men would make love to bloated or disintegrating bodies) local men to satisfy their desires. One comment I read from one of these used young men is that these women are like vampires, going to those countries looking shrivelled and saggy, sucking up the life-blood from them, before returning home looking all freshened and plumped-up.
So, cheers to Pauline Collins, a great service you have done to all the Shirley Valentines of the Western World, liberating them from their drudgery and care, and hello to freedom and great sex.
It's all good stuff! (Minor spoilers)
- world_of_weird
- Sep 15, 2004
- Permalink
25 House Points
I first saw this film when it first came out in 1989.I immediately loved it. What an excellent story and cast. Pauline Collins as Shirley is excellent. I think it is a wonderful story of a women who is not content with who she is and her process of rediscovering who she was at a younger age. She refuses to give up that old fire burning in her. The scenery in Greece is also breath taking .. I love the idea that she "escapes" to Greece and really "lets her hair down". I have not seen Pauline Collins in much. She is an excellent actress with a dynamite supporting cast. I highly recommend this film to anyone looking for a bit of "escape"
- chevy_malibu97
- Feb 12, 2002
- Permalink
Doesn't go as well as the Ford Taurus!
Such a great movie! Hilarious in parts, and certainly one women everywhere can relate to. I loved Marjorie, the Concord Hostess, in particular.
Shirley is a good person who has, despite her claims to the contrary, always done what is expected of women, in England and everywhere else. Somewhere along the way she lost herself, and this film is about her adventures in finding that lost treasure.
One thing I like about Shirley Valentine is that it does not make anybody the "bad guy." Shirley's husband is a person who has his own lost dreams and he isn't cast as the villain.
This is a wonderful film for any female who dreams of a ride on,"My brother's boat."
Shirley is a good person who has, despite her claims to the contrary, always done what is expected of women, in England and everywhere else. Somewhere along the way she lost herself, and this film is about her adventures in finding that lost treasure.
One thing I like about Shirley Valentine is that it does not make anybody the "bad guy." Shirley's husband is a person who has his own lost dreams and he isn't cast as the villain.
This is a wonderful film for any female who dreams of a ride on,"My brother's boat."
Shirley, a rebel we all can associate with.
How many people lack the courage to do something that they really feel passionate about. Like so many of us Shirley Valentine coped with the everyday responsibilities of life and like so many of us fell deeper into the everyday drudgery of routine, boredom and despair.
A chance to have two weeks in Greece may be her opportunity to escape. The 40 something desperate housewife is transformed into the mature rebel. We long for her to take advantage of her new found freedom and she does not disappoint us. Willy Russell allows her to do what many of us only dream of doing, making ourselves happy.
Superbly written and acted and with a superb cast. This film is as fresh in the 21st century as it was on release. If you are ever in need of reminding that life is what you make it watch Shirley Valentine.
A chance to have two weeks in Greece may be her opportunity to escape. The 40 something desperate housewife is transformed into the mature rebel. We long for her to take advantage of her new found freedom and she does not disappoint us. Willy Russell allows her to do what many of us only dream of doing, making ourselves happy.
Superbly written and acted and with a superb cast. This film is as fresh in the 21st century as it was on release. If you are ever in need of reminding that life is what you make it watch Shirley Valentine.
- john_birtles
- May 27, 2001
- Permalink