Karel Reisz's 1960 classic follows a dissatisfied factory worker Arthur Seaton (Albert Finney) through a difficult time in his life. It is the difficult transition from being an 'Angry Young Man' to a man who accepts the world around him. In his attempt to find satisfaction from his monotonous factory job, Arthur becomes involved with a married woman, Brenda (Rachel Roberts). The film follows their relationship in light of the rules and moral codes present in the late 50's and early 60's, it deals with issues of extra-marital sex and pregnancy. At the time this film was controversial and received a great deal of censorship before it was allowed to be released. The issues may seem dated today but were revolutionary at the time of its release.
The film explores deep concepts such as fatalism and leaves you feeling that life isn't yours to change. This very British film is a good example of 'British New Wave' or 'Brit Grit' cinema, sometimes referred to as 'kitchen sink' drama. However I feel that it is more than this; it is the mother of phrases such as "Don't let the bastards grind you down" and "What I want is a good time. All the rest is propaganda;" phrases that underpin the ethos of the film and make its star, Albert Finney' more than just a rebellious lout. His words sum up the feelings of disillusionment and disquiet of the time and make the film a must see for anyone with an interest in good old working-class British Cinema. The 1997 film 'Nil By Mouth' (Oldman) provides a modern outlook on similar themes. Both films are bleak with intentionally unsatisfactory endings. Definitely worth a look for the thoughtful.
Special Features
Something I did find disapppointing about the DVD itself is its lack of special features. It includes:
But there is nothing in terms of interview with the director or even any special footage of the making of the film. Still the film itself is worth a watch, even without the contextual stuff.
The film is a PG and can be bought from Amazon marketplace for £13.93.
More details
Soundtrack
Unmemorable
How does it compare to others by the same director?
Good
Value for Money
Good
What format are you reviewing?
DVD
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box-office success - audiences were thrilled by its anti-establishment energy the gritty realism of its setting and most of all by a working-class hero of a fresh and ou...
Drama - Director: Steve Shill, David Nutter, Danny Leiner, Tim Van Patten, Alan Taylor, Steve Buscemi, Jack Bender - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over
![Saturday Night And Sunday Morning [1960]](http://picnic.ciao.com/uk/68997622.jpg)
