Mike Leigh – MRQE

A Sense of History (TV)

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Jim Broadbent wrote and starred in this short film directed by none other than Mike Leigh. As a member of the landed gentry, the 23rd Earl of Leete has a duty to maintain and expand his lands. Shot in the style and manner of a BBC documentary, Broadbent tells his family history to the crew, who slowly come to realise – as do we – that things are not what they seem.

Four Days in July (TV)

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Two couples, one Catholic, one Protestant, exist on two sides of the chasm that is everyday life in Northern Ireland.

Hard Truths

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Pansy is a woman tormented by anger and depression, hypersensitive to the slightest possible offence and ever ready to fly off the handle. She criticises her husband and their adult son so relentlessly that neither bothers to argue with her. She picks fights with strangers and sales clerks and enumerates the world’s countless flaws to anyone who will listen, especially her cheerful sister Chantal, who, despite their clashing temperaments, might be the only person still capable of sympathising with her.

Peterloo

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

An epic portrayal of the events surrounding the infamous 1819 Peterloo Massacre, where a peaceful pro-democracy rally at St Peters Field in Manchester turned into one of the bloodiest and most notorious episodes in British history. The massacre saw British government forces charge into a crowd of over 60,000 that had gathered to demand political reforms and protest against rising levels of poverty.

Mr. Turner

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Eccentric British painter J.M.W. Turner lives his last 25 years with gusto and secretly becomes involved with a seaside landlady, while his faithful housekeeper bears an unrequited love for him.

A Running Jump

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Gary attempts to buy a second-hand car. What should be a straightforward task is turned into something of a quest by various people, including dodgy East End car dealer Perry, Perry’s taxi-driver dad, a garage owner called Derek, Perry’s wife Debbie and couple of twins.

Another Year

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

During a year, a very content couple approaching retirement are visited by friends and family less happy with their lives.

Vera Drake

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Abortionist Vera Drake finds her beliefs and practices clash with the mores of 1950s Britain a conflict that leads to tragedy for her family.

All or Nothing

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Penny works at a supermarket and Phil is a gentle taxi-driver. Pennys love for Phil has run dry and they lead joyless lives with their two children, Rachel, a cleaner, and Rory, who is unemployed and aggressive.

Career Girls

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Two young women reunite and rekindle their friendship after having said goodbye at their college graduation, six years earlier.