Distant Voices, Still Lives
Teens

Distant Voices, Still Lives

Best from age 14 · PG-13 · 1988 · 84 min

Distant Voices, Still Lives

This drama follows a working-class Liverpool family in the 1940s and 50s. While celebrating a wedding, siblings Maisie and Tony reflect on their difficult childhood marked by an abusive father, revealing the lasting emotional impact on their adult lives.

What's in it

0 = none · 10 = intense

Violence & peril

Moderate

5/10

Language

Moderate

3/10

Drinking, drugs & smoking

Moderate

4/10

Romance & sensuality

Mild

1/10

Scary moments

Moderate

3/10

Heads up

  • Scenes depict domestic abuse, including verbal and physical aggression.
  • Some characters smoke and drink alcohol frequently.
  • Emotional distress and discussions of past trauma are central to the film.

Models well

  • Family bonds endure
  • Resilience in hardship
  • Finding joy amidst sorrow

Talk about it after

  • The long-term effects of domestic abuse on family members.
  • How past experiences can shape adult relationships.
  • The challenges of forgiveness and healing.
  • Different ways people cope with trauma.
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Cast & crew

4K Re-Release Trailer

Mark Kermode reviews Distant Voices, Still Lives