- Actors: Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Thora Hird, Sian Thomas, Dinah Handley
- Directors: Richard Loncraine
- Writers: Deric Longden, Jack Rosenthal
- Producers: David Lascelles, Margaret Matheson, Richard Broke, Simon Mills
- Format: Closed-captioned, Colour, DVD-Video, NTSC
- Language English
- Region: Region 1 (US and Canada DVD formats.)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 - 1.85:1
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) (US MPAA rating. See details.)
- Studio: Miramax
- DVD Release Date: 5 Aug 2003
- Run Time: 102 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00008L3SN
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 72,920 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
WHAT A FILM,
This review is from: Wedding Gift [DVD] [1993] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC] (DVD)
This is a totally British film that captures the essence of the British stiff upper lip and the "just get on with it" mentality. To me if a film stirs my emotions, whatever kind, anger; frustration; love; etc etc, then it must be good, and boy was this one good!!! You will not regret watching this film. Julie Walters' humour is fantastic and Jim Broadbent gave a superb performance as the Husband. I cannot rate this film enough. A bit of a chick flick at times, but please give it a try!.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Originally filmed as "Wide Eyed and Legless",
By
This review is from: Wedding Gift [DVD] [1993] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC] (DVD)
This is the television adaptation of Diana's Story by Deric Longden. It's the autobiographical story of his marriage to his first wife, Diana, and follows her battle with M.E. as she and Deric struggled to find answers from a completely baffled medical profession.Diana was never diagnosed with the illness: she died before M.E. became more widely known. Perfectly cast, this story of how a vibrant woman, full of life, can be struck down by a debilitating illness that no-one can diagnose, treat or cure, is often hilariously funny, sad, poignant and will bring you to tears. The follow-up film, also starring Thora Hird as Deric's mother, is Lost for Words. Both are examples of British film-making at it's best.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.2 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews) 14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
paralysis is a state of mind,
By Peter Shelley "petershelley" - Published on Amazon.com
This BBC TV is based on the true story of Deric and Diana Longden, who were faced with the debilitating symptoms of what was at the time undefined Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, with Diana a paralytic who has blackouts. The trap in dramatising this kind of tale is allowing the proceedings to get either too maudlin or too icky sweet uplifting. Adapter playwright Jack Rosenthal and director Richard Loncraine overcome this but fall into the opposing trap, by making the situations mundane and distracting the narrative with the seemingly unnecessary plight of the Longden's to be married son, and the lack of success of Deric's business. We don't so much resent the time given to Deric's doddery mother played by Thora Hird since her addle-mindness is so funny, with the reactions to her underplayed as a given. Thankfully as the Longden's, Julie Walters and particularly Jim Broadbent partially restore the balance by investing their characters with warmth and wit. Walters has the tougher role since it is her last wish for Deric to re-marry, and though she makes her Diana someone to be treasured we also see the pain and frustration of her dependence on Deric. Unlike the couple in the Jill Clayburgh Miles to Go, Diana's wish is only activated by Deric's chance meeting with Aileen (if that name wasn't based on the real person it would be unforgiveable), a writer who happens to be blind. As Diana witnesses Deric's interest in Aileen, she sees that the blindness would allow for Deric to continue his need to watch out for someone, without them being totally dependent. The arrangement isn't pushed, much like Diana's anger towards the medical profession's inability to help her. Since the disease she suffers from is unknown to them, they dismiss her as an "hysteric" which matches the medieval hand aides she is given to wear. The film's second half is definitely stronger than the first, as if we need to pause after the gothicness of Diana's encounters with hospitals and before Aileen makes her entrance, and by the conclusion we become grateful that things are left somewhat open, which nicely undercuts what could have deteriorated into tragedy and sentimental sludge.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Masterful, Gripping, Witty,
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Wedding Gift [DVD] [1993] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC] (DVD)
Why only two reviews?
My DVD cover calls it charming, stunning, witty and spirited, all of which are absolutely correct. "Real brilliance," says another. Yep. Julie Walters and Jim Broadbent are absolutely phenomenal as Diana and Deric. They bring this real-life couple to life so well that all you can do is watch and marvel. Wry wit and genuine warmth. They're positively gripping. I'm glad I didn't read the DVD jacket, by the way, for its plot spoilers, but I'm guessing you know what happens in the film, somewhat. It doesn't really matter. Some other unexpected things happen, besides which this is very much a character-based film. It had to be. And guess what? I'm slipping it into my little "keeper" collection to watch again. 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ailing wife and loving husband...and a medical mystery,
By Viva - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Wedding Gift [DVD] [1993] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC] (DVD)
You have to wait until the end of this film to find out what this British woman was suffering from, but you will recognize it when you see the words.
Until then, her loving husband attends to her any way he can, as her body continues to deteriorate and fail her. It is a struggle and a triumph for her just to walk unassisted down the aisle at her son's wedding. The actors give very moving performances, especially the two leads. |
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