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From Amazon.co.uk
Jeanette Winterson's semi-autobiographical novel Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit transfers wonderfully to the screen in this BBC adaptation (with a screenplay by Winterson). Jess is the adopted daughter of evangelical Christians living in the northwest of England in the 1960s. Her mother wants Jess to be a missionary, but when she falls in love with Melanie, Jess begins to realise that there is more to life than church. When Jess' mother begins to suspect the girls of "unnatural passions" she tries to destroy their relationship with the help of Pastor Finch (Kenneth Cranham) and his congregation. But their efforts--including a terrifying attempt at exorcism--only push Jess further away. Jess eventually understands that the only way to survive is to escape, and she sets her sights on a place at Oxford.
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit is both a broad comedy and a moving coming-of-age story. Charlotte Coleman is perfect as the teenage Jess, attempting to reconcile her religious devotion and her adolescent passion, but the film belongs to Geraldine McEwan as Jess' mother. McEwan obviously relishes Winterson's script, and she creates a character both monstrous, ridiculous and surprisingly sympathetic. It's a difficult role to carry off, but McEwan succeeds. Her performance is the high-point of this award-winning, provocative film. --Simon Leake
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 0 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Interactive Menu, SYNOPSIS: Jessica's extraordinarily strong will and heart enables her to rebel against her fanatical, cult-like upbringing. From seven to seventeen Jess is brainwashed to be one of the 'saved', to devote her life to Jesus, to follow the discriminatory teachings of Pastor Finch and his understanding of Revelations. As her warm personality dictates she succeeds in fitting into this regime and spreads the word of Jesus in a fairly content manner. But when her friendship with Melanie develops into something a little more 'unnatural' she easily realizes the error of the Pastors teachings. The girls are subjected to terrible treatment to convince them to repent. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, ...Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 32 people found the following review helpful
By M. Cunliffe
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I was about ten or maybe eleven when Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit was broadcast on BBC2. With a Dad that worked nights, my Mum for some reason allowed me to watch it alone with her, despite its (some would say) raunchy subject matter.
Back then BBC Drama was peerless, and there are many programmes of that time that I have had the pleasure of discovering anew, or indeed have remained with me to this day.
Oranges, is one of them.
I recently purchased the DVD to watch it again for the first time in 20 years, the first time since I was 10, and its uncanny how much I can remember from that first viewing. Just the opening bars of that haunting theme tune transported me back to 1989 and sent the hairs up on the back of my neck.
Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit is a story that will stay with you, and a superior drama that once seen is never forgotten. I am proof of that, and I'm glad my Mum would allow me to sample such things even at a young age. I suppose it's made me who I am.
Hilarious (its laced with wonderful North West wit and observation) gripping, poignant and touching, with superb performances all round - in particular the lovely and talented Charlotte Coleman, who died far too young - it deserves your attention.
Back then BBC Drama was peerless, and there are many programmes of that time that I have had the pleasure of discovering anew, or indeed have remained with me to this day.
Oranges, is one of them.
I recently purchased the DVD to watch it again for the first time in 20 years, the first time since I was 10, and its uncanny how much I can remember from that first viewing. Just the opening bars of that haunting theme tune transported me back to 1989 and sent the hairs up on the back of my neck.
Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit is a story that will stay with you, and a superior drama that once seen is never forgotten. I am proof of that, and I'm glad my Mum would allow me to sample such things even at a young age. I suppose it's made me who I am.
Hilarious (its laced with wonderful North West wit and observation) gripping, poignant and touching, with superb performances all round - in particular the lovely and talented Charlotte Coleman, who died far too young - it deserves your attention.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By rickwill47
Format:DVD
This is still the bench mark for the making of any film about love,sexuality, and relationships about young people, especially in the 12years to 20years age group.In fact "Oranges" should be required viewing for any person making a film about blossoming sexuality, without being either trite, judgemental, holier than though or hysterical!
Simply brilliant!
Simply brilliant!
41 of 43 people found the following review helpful
By "pinnietops"
Format:DVD
When the Television adaptation of Jeanette Winterson’s classic ‘Oranges are Not the Only Fruit’ first hit the BBC in 1990 it was considered revolutionary to portray a lesbian love affair on the terrestrial screen. This is only one aspect of an amazing semi-autobiographical tale.
Jess is adopted into a Pentecostal family in the north of England and learns about life through her mother and her church. When her mother is forced to put Jess into a conventional education Jess finds herself very out of place.
By the time Jess reaches her mid teens she is a strong member within her church often preaching the word of the Lord. Soon she finds herself in conflict again, this time with her family – Jess has fallen in love with another girl.
Jeanette Winterson’s tale is not just a coming out story it is about having the strength to follow your heart and think for yourself.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good
It had been recommended - it got a little repetitive in parts - but excellent acting and portrayal of the story .
Published 17 days ago by Marie
4.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
Great story & makes a great film. The acting is just brilliant especially from Geraldine Mc Ewan who plays a religious nutter, totally over protective of her adopted daughter. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Ally
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sublime
A film that is not only well written, but a good commentary on the stark homophobia of the past. That love trumps predudice and sexual sterotype
Published 2 months ago by Jonathan Paul Munn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Oranges are the only fruit!
I love this story. This was bought as a replacement for a well used and very worn video tape. What can be said about this slightly biographical story of fanatical mothers and... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mary Chipping
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great TV programme
Very bittersweet, sad, funny and portrays how it feels to be different in a world of everyone being the same.
Published 3 months ago by Miss Munro
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jeanette Winterson's story
Really good dvd, watched a program on tv about jeanette winterson and then sent for this dvd ,lve also read one of her books.
Published 4 months ago by bezzerbabe
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brill
Great little story, enjoyed watching it very much and no doubt will watch again, funny and sad at times ...
Published 5 months ago by Ms. Jacqueline Blackwood
1.0 out of 5 stars
please, change your picture!
I'm very disappointed, I ordered the copy issued in 2003 (165 minutes) and received the one from 2008 (150 minutes). The two copies have different cover pictures! Read more
Published 5 months ago by Antoine Ewald
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good film
When 'Oranges....' was shown on the TV some time ago I watched some of the episodes but since then I have read the book and recently have just finished Jeanette Winterson's 'Why... Read more
Published 7 months ago by J. Bryan
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Desirability of Avoiding Extremes
This adaptation for the BBC by Jeanette Winterton of her Whitbread prize-winning novel is a masterpiece. Read more
Published 12 months ago by H. A. Weedon
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