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Housewife 49 is set in Northern England and based on a true story about Nella Last's 'Mass Observation' diary. Trapped in a difficult marriage and dreading the departure of her beloved son who leaves to fight in the Second World War, Nella (Victoria Wood) draws strength from the diary, writing down all the things she cannot say to her controlling husband (David Threlfall). Meanwhile, the support and companionship she finds at the Women's Voluntary Service--in particular from the formidable Mrs Waite (Stephanie Cole)--bring her joy and liberation during the difficult years of the war. The film was written by it's leading character, Victoria Wood.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
66 of 68 people found the following review helpful
Normally Victoria Wood has me rolling around the floor laughing so much that tears follow. This time the tears are caused by the pathos of this beautifully crafted film, based on a true story, written and starring Victoria Wood OBE. OBE ? She should be a Baroness, like Margaret Thatcher, or even the Queen ! Her talent lies in getting into the very spirit of 'normal' people, and always surrounding herself with only the best actors. This time around, it is not her normal chums (Celia Imrie, Duncan Preston, Julie Walters, Anne Reid etc), but each and every part was cast and performed perfectly. It is always the small details that she manages to convey: one, in Housewife, 49, is the way in which the British class system was considerably different at the end of WW2 than it was at the beginning, demonstrated beautifully at a garden party to celebrate the end of the war in Japan. When writing the excruciatingly funny Dinnerladies, I saw her being interviewed by Parkinson, I think - she equated writing an ongoing comedy series with designing a workable traffic system in Barcelona - both incredibly difficult. It makes you wonder though - this woman writes (incisively), acts in both comedic and dramatic roles, sings, composes - is there anything she can't do ? (other than fix the traffic in Barcelona, but then that is beyond anyone's talents). This movie is a must-see, not only for fans of Wood, but for anyone who is after a genuine, honest and heartfelt film about life. Five stars.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Housewife 49 is a really wonderful film!
Based on real diaries of the time around WWII as documented in an equally wonderful book, "Nella Last's War", this film is perfectly directed with equally excellent acting. Victoria Wood gives a perfectly measured almost understated performance. David Threalfell is excellent also.
The film is a very close portrayal of the diaries. Unsentimental without being heartless.
I also recommend that you read the book on which the film is based. I have just finished reading the sequel "Nella Last's Peace". My great wish is that a sequel to Housewife 49 might be produced.
I can highly recommend "Housewife 49".
Based on real diaries of the time around WWII as documented in an equally wonderful book, "Nella Last's War", this film is perfectly directed with equally excellent acting. Victoria Wood gives a perfectly measured almost understated performance. David Threalfell is excellent also.
The film is a very close portrayal of the diaries. Unsentimental without being heartless.
I also recommend that you read the book on which the film is based. I have just finished reading the sequel "Nella Last's Peace". My great wish is that a sequel to Housewife 49 might be produced.
I can highly recommend "Housewife 49".
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Doreen Kirby
Congratulations to Victoria Wood (and to Nella Last - the subject of the film). For someone who was a child during WW2, the authentic feel of this film brought back so many memories - the bombing destruction, the difficulty caused by food rationing, but above all the spirit of the British women who coped with so much.
Doreen Kirby
Doreen Kirby
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Green Knight
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
This one's a gem.
Beautifully adapted from the original book (itself an excellent read) and superbly played by an ensemble cast, HOUSEWIFE, 49 has proved that Victoria Wood has grown up as a screenwriter. Her other effort, PAT & MARGARET is nothing like as successful as this, being far too self-conscious, but here she conveys some rich characterisation in a remarkable tale of wartime fortitude.
She also acts in it, beautifully.
It's well worth a look, and if you are a Victoria Wood fan, well worth revelling in her ability to develop as an artist.
It's a good one.
Beautifully adapted from the original book (itself an excellent read) and superbly played by an ensemble cast, HOUSEWIFE, 49 has proved that Victoria Wood has grown up as a screenwriter. Her other effort, PAT & MARGARET is nothing like as successful as this, being far too self-conscious, but here she conveys some rich characterisation in a remarkable tale of wartime fortitude.
She also acts in it, beautifully.
It's well worth a look, and if you are a Victoria Wood fan, well worth revelling in her ability to develop as an artist.
It's a good one.
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By Graham Rust
In a world full of Hollywood sensation, media hype and the horror of "Reality" TV, this is an absolute jewel of communication. What a civilisation we would have if more of us thought like Ms Wood, and used our skills to create such humble and important work.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
This was absolutely brilliant. It left me wanting a sequel! The acting was excellent. Victoria Wood was outstanding as Nella Last, the housewife who was suffering from a mild depression at the beginning of the film. Her writing of the mass observation diary was a kind of therapy for her and she became a stronger person when she joined the WVS in spite of her controlling and unimaginative husband (and his brisk, efficient sister, who despised Nella and had no patience with her depression) and became a dependable member of the organisation, earning the respect and friendship of even some snobbish women who found Nella beneath them at first.
Did Nella understand when one of her sons tried to tell her he was gay? I am not sure.....nor did she seem to have shared that conversation with her husband.
Interestingly, SHE changed but her husband didn't really. One night as they were lying in the Morrison shelter, he did manage to tell her that she meant everything to him.....and I expected him to treat her differently after that, but he didn't.....he was still boring and old-fashioned and selfish.....and totally unable to communicate.
I believe there is a sequel in book form.....maybe it could also be made into a film?!
I liked that we were told at the end what happened to some of the characters as this was a true story.
Did Nella understand when one of her sons tried to tell her he was gay? I am not sure.....nor did she seem to have shared that conversation with her husband.
Interestingly, SHE changed but her husband didn't really. One night as they were lying in the Morrison shelter, he did manage to tell her that she meant everything to him.....and I expected him to treat her differently after that, but he didn't.....he was still boring and old-fashioned and selfish.....and totally unable to communicate.
I believe there is a sequel in book form.....maybe it could also be made into a film?!
I liked that we were told at the end what happened to some of the characters as this was a true story.
36 of 40 people found the following review helpful
By moviesRme
Amazon Verified Purchase
A wonderful heart-warming story beautifully acted by the entire cast. A 'must have' for your DVD collection if you love true and honest stories with heart, feeling and emotion. There's no gratuitous violence, sex or foul language. Congratulations Victoria Wood. I just loved it! A terrific widescreen anamorphic (16x9) transfer, too.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Marina Dram
I thoroughly felt for Housewife 49! And really enjoyed the Historical wartime story unfolding before us from her real life letters and words. Not since Goodnight Mr Tom I have I so relished a Wartime film.It's How I feel a lot of the time living in a foreign City without friends and relations nr by. Poor woman even more of a scared rabbit than me though and she was always ready to write down her thoughts and feelings... Victoria Wood was simply perfect for this role. BUT why tell me does she not do more straight Acting roles??
Perhaps she will in future, I do hope so I am recommending this one to all my female friends!
Perhaps she will in future, I do hope so I am recommending this one to all my female friends!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Heartwarming and honest
A truly heartwarming and honest depiction of an ordinary housewife's experiences during the war. Not only does she deal with the horrors of the war and the bombs falling around... Read more
Published 5 days ago by Sean
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful
Great drama, wonderful acting. Real eye opener as to what it was like for so many women during the World War. Read more
Published 1 month ago by suchard007
5.0 out of 5 stars
Housewife
I bought this for a friend who was very ill and it cheered him up. It was a moving and funny account.
Published 2 months ago by Ms P Cumberpatch
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant film
Fabulous, fabulous film! Rarely do you get to see WWII from the view point of a normal, middle aged housewife. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Jackie
3.0 out of 5 stars
Housewife, 49
Having read the three available diaries of Nella Last (Housewife, 49), I was really keen to see the DVD. Read more
Published 2 months ago by lizziecro
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not to be missed
The quality of this film is second to nun.Good story line V.W at her best I would say don't miss it.
Published 3 months ago by Mrs. Carole J. Hodgson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
I remember watching this on the TV a couple of times and finally got round to buying it, I am glad I did this is very touching and funny, well acted and written by Victoria Wood.
Published 4 months ago by Tinkerbell
5.0 out of 5 stars
A treasure
The tissue of everyday living during wartme is exposed in detail in this extremely balanced and heartfelt film. Hommage is paid to an entire generation. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Cary Rick
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant!
I've watched this several time already, and I never fail to be moved by it. It's a lovely film, with Victoria Wood giving a sensitive performance as the central character, Nella... Read more
Published 4 months ago by elyssa
5.0 out of 5 stars
excellent
Terrific service and arrived very quickly but I can't comment on the DVD as it was for my wife therefore I have not seen it.
Published 4 months ago by Terrence Tilley
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