Beautiful Thing (1996)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: An engaging slice of life drama that happens to double as a gay coming-of-age story, Beautiful Thing captures its place and time with deceptive depth and skill.
Movie Info
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Cast
as Sandra Gangel
as Jayson
as Jamie Gangel
as Gina
as Rose
as Ste Pearce
as Tony
as Trevor Pearce
as Leah
as Slasher
as Brewery Official
as Marlene
as Betty
as Claire
as Kelly
as Drag Performer
as Wheelchair Queen
as Miss Chauhan
as Mr Bennett
as Ryan McBride
as Lenny
as Ronnie Pearce
as Kevin
as Louise
as Rodney Barr
as Brewery Official
Critic Reviews for Beautiful Thing
All Critics (23) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (21) | Rotten (2) | DVD (5)
Beautiful Thing might be the most beloved of all the gay-youth movies released in the late 90s
Because the film is so effective for its first two-thirds and because it has its heart in the right place throughout, audiences may be willing to forgive its final third.
Represents a keen, personal look at the difficulties of growing up gay in a heterosexual world.
In portraying romance, the film transcends its homosexual themes, while at the same time celebrating them.
Reminds me of some of Jonathan Demme's early movies, where ordinary people are celebrated for their eccentricities but not condescended to.
Beautiful Thing isn't particularly deep, nor is it a great piece of filmmaking, but it's so sweet-natured and well-acted that it's hard to resist.
Audience Reviews for Beautiful Thing
I'm going to hold off on providing a higher rating for this film which probably deserves it solely for the touching nature of the two leads and how they interact with one another. What loses the film points is unlikelihood of the eventual acceptance of the couple and a plodding side story that adds nothing to the central picture other than minutes.
Super Reviewer
Touching film with quite capable actors. As an American, however, I must say that it was often difficult to follow the dialogue due to the thick accents and use of unfamiliar British slang. Despite this difficulty, I would recommend this movie highly to an American looking for a well-done, meaningful LGBT film.
Super Reviewer
It's a sweet coming of age tale. Set in 1995 it was great to see in the background some Batman Forever candy holders. I used to have these and they were coooool. Anyway the film deals with its subject splendidly and avoids cliche, however as a byproduct of this it also seems to avoid any real conflict. Though it is good to see a guy bullied who isn't bothered by it. Ben Daniels is brilliant as the caring but clueless Tony but the real stand out is Tameka Empson as the Mama Cass obsessed youth. She lights up the screen and steals every moment she's in. A nice script that fashions its scenarios via realistic set-ups although the end dance is a BIT much.
Super Reviewer
Beautiful Thing Quotes
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