For all of you middle-aged men and women who wonder just who you are, and where you're going; this is the movie for you!! What an insight to the real human spirit!! I've watched this several times and never fail to shed a tear over how I spent my life. This is a MUST DO for any adult struggling to make it. ( Bring a hankie) This is for men also!! The director has touched on the basic human emotion; who are we, why are we here, and most of all; what happened to "ME"? This movie has addressed so many questions that we all have, being caught up in the every day life, but always wondering-----"what if"? What a release for us to see that some times a person will follow their dreams! The message here is---Be true to yourself!!
64 Reviews
The greatest journey leads us to ourselves
wisewebwoman7 August 2000
Shirley had lost herself in the humdrum lifestyle of a housewife with kids grown and an indifferent husband stuck in his own boring routine. She strikes out on a vacation to Greece to get in touch with the girl she once was. The show worked better as a theatre piece - as a one woman show. Here it gets cluttered up with a lot of characters and Shirley's asides to the camera do not always work. Pauline Collins is as great in the role as she was on stage. Greek men seeing this must cringe at the Tom Conte caricature of a Greek lover. I rated it an 8 for Pauline's performance and the music.
Pauline Collins winning
SnoopyStyle26 December 2016
Shirley Valentine (Pauline Collins) is a bored housewife. She's not simply breaking the 4th wall. She's actually talking to the wall. Her husband Joe has grown cold with a set schedule and she doesn't have many friends left from the old days. They're alone after their starving poet son Brian and daughter Millandra moved out. Her friend 'feminist' divorcée Jane wins two tickets to Greece and brings Shirley along with her. At school, she had hoped to be an air hostess but she was always put down by the headmistress. She became a rebel jealous of her school rival goodie Marjorie Majors. She meets Marjorie again as adults with surprising revelations. She fights with Joe and her daughter. Jane abandons her for a guy once they're on the plane. She meets local bar owner Costas (Tom Conti).
This is based on an one-woman play and this is very much about that one woman. It all rests on Pauline Collins' shoulders and she is absolutely winning. She takes up the screen. She is charming, funny, and a fully-formed woman. Some of the side characters can be too broad. There are a couple of big laughs but mostly it's Pauline Collins' humanity that shines through.
This is based on an one-woman play and this is very much about that one woman. It all rests on Pauline Collins' shoulders and she is absolutely winning. She takes up the screen. She is charming, funny, and a fully-formed woman. Some of the side characters can be too broad. There are a couple of big laughs but mostly it's Pauline Collins' humanity that shines through.
A thoughtful comment on a fabulous film
Trancer_UK1 December 2004
This is a sweet yet hilariously funny film about a housewife from the north of England, who takes a trip to Greece and finds that there is more to life than the kitchen sink.
It's one of those films that should be seen by anyone that has at any point felt that there's something missing in their life or that they've had missed opportunities as you will have great empathy with the main character Shirley. Having said that, it's generally just a great film. Not only does it do a very good job at putting one in Shirley's shoes but it's also a great social comment about an average English persons life.
Having said all this, it's one of the funniest films I have ever seen. The humor is ever present throughout the film yet never takes away from the seriousness of Shirley's situation. I found I was smiling to myself all the way through. I particularly liked the way that it pokes fun at the common Englisman's appreciation of foreign hospitality.
Each character brings great life to the film particularly Pauline Collins and Tom Conti. Pauline's regular off-the-cuff comments add character to the film while Tom's smarmy approach entwined with his overall role in the story (without wanting to spoil it) make for an excellent watch.
Great appearances by Julia McKenzie, Alison Steadman and Joanna Lumley add great depth to Pauline's character whilst adding great comedy and life to the film.
Shirley Valentine is a gem of a film and a must see. The style is certainly not "Hollywood" and it appeals to the same tastes as other English greats such as -The Full Monty-.
I give it a strong 10 out of 10.
It's one of those films that should be seen by anyone that has at any point felt that there's something missing in their life or that they've had missed opportunities as you will have great empathy with the main character Shirley. Having said that, it's generally just a great film. Not only does it do a very good job at putting one in Shirley's shoes but it's also a great social comment about an average English persons life.
Having said all this, it's one of the funniest films I have ever seen. The humor is ever present throughout the film yet never takes away from the seriousness of Shirley's situation. I found I was smiling to myself all the way through. I particularly liked the way that it pokes fun at the common Englisman's appreciation of foreign hospitality.
Each character brings great life to the film particularly Pauline Collins and Tom Conti. Pauline's regular off-the-cuff comments add character to the film while Tom's smarmy approach entwined with his overall role in the story (without wanting to spoil it) make for an excellent watch.
Great appearances by Julia McKenzie, Alison Steadman and Joanna Lumley add great depth to Pauline's character whilst adding great comedy and life to the film.
Shirley Valentine is a gem of a film and a must see. The style is certainly not "Hollywood" and it appeals to the same tastes as other English greats such as -The Full Monty-.
I give it a strong 10 out of 10.
Shirley Valentine
jboothmillard14 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Directed by Lewis Gilbert (Alfie, You Only Live Twice, The Spy Who Loved Me, Educating Rita), I studied the play by Willy Russell for English Literature in Secondary School, of course we watched the film also, I hadn't seen it in years since then, so I decided to watch it again. Basically Shirley Valentine (BAFTA winning, and Oscar and Golden Globe nominated Pauline Collins) is a bored middle- aged Liverpudlian housewife who finds herself talking to her kitchen wall and wondering what has happened to her life. In school Young Shirley (Gillian Kearney) was rebellious most of the time, but tried and failed to impress the Headmistress (Sylvia Syms), and her enemy, who she wanted to be like, was well elocuted Marjorie Majors (Catharine Duncan), one day they happen to meet each other as adults, Marjorie (Joanna Lumley) reveals that she was envious of Shirley, and she is now a high class hooker. Shirley still loves her husband Joe (Bernard Hill), and memorises their happy times when he was fun loving, but as time has gone by he has a routine for her, especially when it comes to what food they eat on what night when he comes home from work, he snaps if he doesn't get his way. Shirley's flamboyant friend Jane (Alison Steadman) wins a trip to Greece for two, she invites Shirley to join her, she doubts herself leaving everything behind, but unexpected encouragement from her neighbour Gillian (Miss Marple's Julia McKenzie) reignites her confidence. Shirley does tell Joe, he of course objects, and she almost forces herself to stay when her daughter Millandra (Tracie Bennett) returns home, who also objects, but Shirley is determined not to change her mind and give herself a two week break and find herself. Soon after arriving in Greece however, Jane abandons Shirley for a holiday romance with a passenger from the plane, she meanwhile talks to a rock, enjoys the Greek culture, but other holidaymakers seem to want English food and stereotypical entertainment, Shirley finds herself feeling lonely. This is until she meets nearby tavern owner Costas Dimitriades (Tom Conti), he helps Shirley fulfil her dream of drinking wine by the seashore, and invites her to travel the islands on his brother's boat, he promises not to attempt to seduce her. Jane finally returns and asks for forgiveness for abandoning her, she is stunned by the plans Shirley has made with Costas, but Shirley continues, enjoying the day, even swimming in the sea naked, and realising she doesn't want Costas to keep his promise, they share a kiss and make love on the boat. Jane believes Shirley has fallen in love with Costas, she says to the camera she has fallen in love with life, she even runs back to the tavern at the airport that would take her home, Costas is shocked to see her, he was even trying to seduce another woman, Shirley says she wants a job, and she is not upset at catching him in the act. Joe was angry and confused by Shirley's departure, he finds himself talking to the wall too, he awaits her return, but is embarrassed that she chose to stay, he calls her constantly to plea and argue with her to return, speculating that she is going through a mid-life or menopause, she refuses to come back. Shirley becomes content with her new life, and a success with narrow-minded holidaymakers who want familiar British food, Joe's son tells his father to go and get her, she receives a telegram that he is coming, Costas makes his excuses and leaves her, Shirley is sipping wine by the sea in the sunset when Joe arrives in a suit, he doesn't recognise her, in the end they have a drink together, it is unclear whether matters are resolved. Also starring George Costigan as Dougie, Anna Keaveney as Jeanette, Ken Sharrock as Sydney, Karen Craig as Thelma and Gareth Jefferson as Brian. Collins became an instant star from this film, she is a lovable character breaking the fourth wall and talking to the audience, and wanting to escape her dull home life. Conti does have a dodgy Greek accent but is likeably hammy, and supporting cast members Hill and Lumley do very well also, you can tell it is based on a play, it is a simple story of a bored housewife escaping to paradise to find herself, but it is well crafted and easy to enjoy comedy. It was nominated the Oscar for Best Song for "The Girl Who Used to Be Me" (also nominated the Golden Globe), it was nominated the BAFTA for Best Adapted Screenplay for Willy Russell and Best Film, and it won the British Comedy Award for Top Comedy Film. Very good!
Finding your own reality
ace-15013 April 2007
I just recommended this movie to a friend who's having her mid-life crisis. Just like Shirley, she can't stop taking care of other people at her own expense. Everyone who reviews this film focuses on its heart-warming qualities, making it sound like Pollyanna. The reality of Shirley Valentine is that it's very grounded in reality. Every moment of the film is fraught with ambiguity, moral and emotional. Shirley's trip to Greece and subsequent adventures are not Hallmark moments. She realizes quite clearly that her fantasies are superimposed on the necessities of reality. She doesn't marry a tycoon: she gets a waitress job. She realizes from the get-go that her relationship with Costas is a good-natured fraud. The ending of the movie doesn't answer any questions except "How does Shirley feel right at this moment in time?" This is not a film about escaping to a fantasy. It's about finding a reality that works for who you really are. Every human being on earth who's dissatisfied with their life should watch this film.
Shirley valentine. Why change the script?
wayne-farrar25 October 2005
in Shirley valentine recently brought out on DVD some of the words said by Shirley have been dubbed over. this spoils the original concept of the film. can anyone explain why this has been done.The film however is still great viewing. My wife knows the words to the film and was surprised that words had been taken out and replaced which seem totally unnecessary. We could only think that it may be for a younger viewing audience or perhaps for the purpose of sale in other countries. In conclusion still a really great film with fantastic views of Greece. I'm sure the film has been made many girls think that they too would like to be shirley.
That's it! I am going to Greece next year:
Galina_movie_fan15 August 2005
It's been my dream since childhood, since I read for the first time the immortal ancient myths and legends; Greece where the sea is so blue that Aphrodite could be born only from its foam and the sun so gold that it makes the whole country glow with the eternal forever young smile, Greece that the Gods chose as their residence. I always wanted to go but the film "Shirley Valentine" (1989) directed by Lewis Gilbert and written by Willy Russell (also play) with Pauline Collins has added to my desire to see the magic country.
Pauline Collins reprises her Broadway's role as the hilariously charming and unpredictable 45 (or so) year old Liverpool housewife Shirley Valentine Bradshaw whose life is the humorist Sam Levinson's lament: "When I was a kid, they told me to do what my parents wanted. When I became a parent, they told me to do what my kids wanted. When do I get to do what I want?" until one day she proves to herself that it is never too late to try to make your dream come true. When a friend wins the paid trip to Greece for two, Shirley joins her and finds that Greece is her dream because she always wanted to see the sunset over a blue sea. She says yes to the romance with a handsome Costas Caldes (Tom Conti) who likes her in spite her extra weight, saggy boobs and the stretch marks. She began to like herself, too. Sounds like your typical sloppy romantic comedy, ah? Wait until you see it. This is a wonderful and delightful film - clever, witty, funny, and thought-provoking. And to Roger Ebert goes my question "what is wrong with you, man?!"
Pauline Collins reprises her Broadway's role as the hilariously charming and unpredictable 45 (or so) year old Liverpool housewife Shirley Valentine Bradshaw whose life is the humorist Sam Levinson's lament: "When I was a kid, they told me to do what my parents wanted. When I became a parent, they told me to do what my kids wanted. When do I get to do what I want?" until one day she proves to herself that it is never too late to try to make your dream come true. When a friend wins the paid trip to Greece for two, Shirley joins her and finds that Greece is her dream because she always wanted to see the sunset over a blue sea. She says yes to the romance with a handsome Costas Caldes (Tom Conti) who likes her in spite her extra weight, saggy boobs and the stretch marks. She began to like herself, too. Sounds like your typical sloppy romantic comedy, ah? Wait until you see it. This is a wonderful and delightful film - clever, witty, funny, and thought-provoking. And to Roger Ebert goes my question "what is wrong with you, man?!"
Falling In Love With Life
boblipton22 July 2021
Pauline Collins is a 42-year-old Liverpudlian housewife who talks to the walls. One day she gives husband Bernard Hill's Thursday steak to the hound of the snooty lady across the street; she has been keeping it on a vegetarian diet. Hill explodes when she gives him fish and chips; that's Tuesday's meal. Her friend Alison Steadman wins a trip for two to Greece, takes Miss Collins along and abandons her to her own devices. She has no issue with that. She enjoys Greek food, drinks retsina and has an affair with tavern owner Tom Conti.
In her second movie role -- she had played a stripper in an exploitation film in 1966 -- Miss Collins recreates her Tony-winning role in the stage's one-hander. Given the bareness of the actual stage production, there is a shift of tone, from fantasy to anomie, and the other characters are given little depth, Miss Collins seems to be the character she plays in this gender-switching variation on ZORBA THE GREEK. If it also seems reminiscent of EDUCATING RITA, that's because Willy Russell wrote both plays, produced their transfers to the screen under the same director, Lewis Gilbert. Miss Collins is, as you might guess from the above, wonderful.
In her second movie role -- she had played a stripper in an exploitation film in 1966 -- Miss Collins recreates her Tony-winning role in the stage's one-hander. Given the bareness of the actual stage production, there is a shift of tone, from fantasy to anomie, and the other characters are given little depth, Miss Collins seems to be the character she plays in this gender-switching variation on ZORBA THE GREEK. If it also seems reminiscent of EDUCATING RITA, that's because Willy Russell wrote both plays, produced their transfers to the screen under the same director, Lewis Gilbert. Miss Collins is, as you might guess from the above, wonderful.
Wonderful Shirley speaks for us all...
Enrique-Sanchez-5625 March 2001
Pauline Collins is my hero. So is Shirley Valentine. They really are. I'm not kidding you. And I am man. This movie speaks to me, even so.
We all have dreams that have not been realized. We all need Shirley's courage to do as much as we can to live these dreams before we go off to the other place.
This movie taught me about life. It's not too late to be happy, to be in love, to smile every day and mean it. No matter what age you are.
Conti is charming and it is a shame we don't see him much anymore. He offers us a type of romantic hero we will never find in a Tom, Hanks or Cruise...too bad.
Joanna Lumley brings a special charm to her meeting with Shirley. Julia Mackenzie is especially good as her annoying friend.
Willy Russell cooked up a wonderful script from the wonderful play. Lewis Gilbert put it all together and worked hard to make us smile.
If you don't fall in love with this movie, you'll need a swift kick. Don't look at me. You'll have to give it to yourself. That's the magic and wonder of Shirley Valentine. She taught me how to kick myself into living!
Thank you, Shirley. Thank you, Pauline, Bill, Willy and Lewis.
We all have dreams that have not been realized. We all need Shirley's courage to do as much as we can to live these dreams before we go off to the other place.
This movie taught me about life. It's not too late to be happy, to be in love, to smile every day and mean it. No matter what age you are.
Conti is charming and it is a shame we don't see him much anymore. He offers us a type of romantic hero we will never find in a Tom, Hanks or Cruise...too bad.
Joanna Lumley brings a special charm to her meeting with Shirley. Julia Mackenzie is especially good as her annoying friend.
Willy Russell cooked up a wonderful script from the wonderful play. Lewis Gilbert put it all together and worked hard to make us smile.
If you don't fall in love with this movie, you'll need a swift kick. Don't look at me. You'll have to give it to yourself. That's the magic and wonder of Shirley Valentine. She taught me how to kick myself into living!
Thank you, Shirley. Thank you, Pauline, Bill, Willy and Lewis.
Funny Valentine
writers_reign20 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I'm guessing that this will work best with those who didn't see the play, based on nothing more that the play was a tour de force, a one-actor piece which relies on the actress being good enough to make the audience 'see' the other characters as she conjures them up from her imagination/memory. In a movie, of course, it's easier to show the other characters and risk weakening the concept. It's not exactly new -way back in the 50s/60s Anthony Newley played 'Sammy' on television; a role which called for him to spend 50 minutes on the telephone calling a series of unseen people as he bought/sold and connived in an effort to stave off a beating or worse from the guys to whom he was in hock. When they adapted it to the big screen they also expanded it to include the characters on the end of the phone and changed the title to The Small Sad World Of Sammy Lee. This is virtually the same thing and works about as well. No major surprises/revelations but still a pleasant film.
One of the great movies.
ashkakaylee19 April 2013
This is one of the great movies. One of the most satisfying movies you are ever likely to see. Any woman who has been married and reached a certain stage in their life will be able to identify with Shirley Valentine.
Pauline Collins gives one of the most memorable performances ever on screen as Shirley. It would be difficult to imagine anybody else in the part. There is so much in this movie. Every scene is a work of art. Shirley Valentine is one of the great heroines simply because she is so real. And we feel for her all the way along.
It's also very emotionally charged. In particular the scenes with Joanna Lumley's Marjorie and Shirley are particularly poignant. I won't reveal why. But it's a great scene. But they all are. There is nothing tired about this movie. It is quite simply a masterpiece. A must see.
Pauline Collins gives one of the most memorable performances ever on screen as Shirley. It would be difficult to imagine anybody else in the part. There is so much in this movie. Every scene is a work of art. Shirley Valentine is one of the great heroines simply because she is so real. And we feel for her all the way along.
It's also very emotionally charged. In particular the scenes with Joanna Lumley's Marjorie and Shirley are particularly poignant. I won't reveal why. But it's a great scene. But they all are. There is nothing tired about this movie. It is quite simply a masterpiece. A must see.
Excellant screen adaptation
malcolmgsw9 March 2021
Modest character study/comedy elevated by Collins' performance...
moonspinner5518 August 2007
Pauline Collins received a deserved Oscar nomination for feel-good performance as Shirley Valentine, stifled working-class housewife from Liverpool who tires of her boring job and dull marriage and splits for a vacation alone in Greece. Willy Russell adapted his own play, with Collins occasionally addressing the camera directly, and for a few awkward scenes it feels like nothing more than a stunt. Russell balances antiquated "You Can Do Anything"-isms with saucier set-pieces and gags, and the results are both warm and queasy. Still, Collins overcomes the self-conscious, unsure handling of the material and creates a memorable, funny woman. She's the genuine article, the picture itself is not. **1/2 from ****
The Classic Married Person's Midlife-Crisis Comedy
scotorum5 October 2004
Every woman - and man for that matter - experiencing or approaching their 40s-50s midlife and/or who suspects they are living a stuck-in-a-rut lifestyle ought to be required to see this movie ASAP!! A rare gem that is simultaneously interesting, hilarious AND potentially life-changing! Plus a true feminist statement that is never obnoxious. I wonder how many marriages have been rescued by this film - although some may have been ended by it too. Beats the heck out of most books on the subject. Timeless.
"He needs to feel the sun on his skin and swim in water that is as deep as forever"
"He needs to feel the sun on his skin and swim in water that is as deep as forever"
Shirley Valentine
lasttimeisaw26 September 2012
This film is derived from the eponymous Tony-award winning play starring Pauline Collins as the titular protagonist, who reprises her role on the big screen by director Lewis Gilbert, the film captures two Oscar nominations BEST ACTRESS for Collins and BEST ORIGINAL SONG "THE GIRL WHO USED TO BE ME".
Entertainingly satisfactory, SHIRLEY VALENTINE features a direct talking-to-you approach from the very start (also including talking-to-the-wall and talking-to-the-Greek-stone antics), and it distinctively assists the film to be saturated in a zanily humorous tone, and all the dialogues are astutely written, after 20 years, it still could feasibly express the zeitgeist of the independence of woman in a quite smart fashion.
Collins is fully equipped with all the wisecracks which can easily crack audience up with and the life-inspiring adventure in an exotic country to pursue self-seeking catharsis has its adequate ammunitions to cheer up middle-aged women who are trapped in their drudgeries and may set a paradigm but in reality a free trip to Greece does not happen every day, although the uplifting message has been effectively and manifestly delivered and Collins is spectacular in conveying her pertinent way of narrating with the viewers, and successfully mingles the mundane escapism with a whiff of upscale self-esteem (as a theatrical old- hander, she might could overdo it), although her nude scenes are rather too realistic to be admired on screen, it is gutsy for the actress per se, but this feminist bravura is plain unnecessary. Tom Conti and Bernard Hill are the two male foils, one is Shirley's Greek womanizer, one is her stereotyped British husband, both are serviceable and it has a wackily comical response to watch Conti murmuring with his feigned Greek accent while wooing his sex prey. Also in the Liverpool locale, Collins' inadvertent encounter with her high-school bestie (a wonderful cameo of Joanna Lumley) is pure amazement, especially when Lumley gracefully confesses to Collins her high-end occupation, this is the authentic Anglo spirit!
Entertainingly satisfactory, SHIRLEY VALENTINE features a direct talking-to-you approach from the very start (also including talking-to-the-wall and talking-to-the-Greek-stone antics), and it distinctively assists the film to be saturated in a zanily humorous tone, and all the dialogues are astutely written, after 20 years, it still could feasibly express the zeitgeist of the independence of woman in a quite smart fashion.
Collins is fully equipped with all the wisecracks which can easily crack audience up with and the life-inspiring adventure in an exotic country to pursue self-seeking catharsis has its adequate ammunitions to cheer up middle-aged women who are trapped in their drudgeries and may set a paradigm but in reality a free trip to Greece does not happen every day, although the uplifting message has been effectively and manifestly delivered and Collins is spectacular in conveying her pertinent way of narrating with the viewers, and successfully mingles the mundane escapism with a whiff of upscale self-esteem (as a theatrical old- hander, she might could overdo it), although her nude scenes are rather too realistic to be admired on screen, it is gutsy for the actress per se, but this feminist bravura is plain unnecessary. Tom Conti and Bernard Hill are the two male foils, one is Shirley's Greek womanizer, one is her stereotyped British husband, both are serviceable and it has a wackily comical response to watch Conti murmuring with his feigned Greek accent while wooing his sex prey. Also in the Liverpool locale, Collins' inadvertent encounter with her high-school bestie (a wonderful cameo of Joanna Lumley) is pure amazement, especially when Lumley gracefully confesses to Collins her high-end occupation, this is the authentic Anglo spirit!
Engaging and entertaining from start to finish
aromatic-26 March 2001
I certainly had no trouble relating to Shirley Valentine. In fact, in a lot of this movie, I thought she was talking straight from my head. She sees the humour in all the humdrum b.s. of life, and comes out triumphant. Excellent job by director Lewis Gilbert in adapting one-woman show into a movie that did not feel the least bit claustrophobic. Highly imaginative. I've seen it 3 times now, and will watch again the next time it's on: 10/10.
A Stage Show For Sure
deepfrieddodo17 November 2020
A fun story of self-discovery and empowerment. It is very clear that Shirley Valentine comes from a stage adaptation, and so if you're not keen on lengthy monologues filled with questions to no one in particular, this definitely isn't for you.
The script is witty and Collins is charismatic in her role, throwing up the contrast between her character and the British stereotypes. However, it's very dated by today's standards, and not just because of the fashion. A little too long complete silences when Valentine has finished talking to herself and some really poor dubbing very much give the it the 80s stamp. But, the story is enjoyable, the lead is engaging, and the setting is beautiful too, it's an easy watch.
The script is witty and Collins is charismatic in her role, throwing up the contrast between her character and the British stereotypes. However, it's very dated by today's standards, and not just because of the fashion. A little too long complete silences when Valentine has finished talking to herself and some really poor dubbing very much give the it the 80s stamp. But, the story is enjoyable, the lead is engaging, and the setting is beautiful too, it's an easy watch.
Lovely and compassionate movie
jeremy316 March 2008
Warning: Spoilers
If it weren't for being a little slow paced at times, I would give this a 10. Still, it is a terrific movie. Shirley Valentine is a beautiful, witty, and aging woman who starts to wear from her tiresome and dull life in Manchester, England. However, she doesn't brow beat or turn herself into an us against the world person like most Hollywood actors and actresses do in their characters. Shirley Valentine has flaws and she can poke fun of others in a funny, sensitive way. She loves her husband, but he has become a terrible bore. Her daughter is spoiled. Her neighbor is too prying. Her son is a dreamer.
There are flashbacks throughout her life that are hysterical. She remembers in school that she hated this one prissy girl. She hates the class prejudice at the school that condemns her as a dimwit and troublemaker, when she knows that she is better than that. She finally runs into the prissy girl, whom she was so jealous of, and is surprised that she has become a high-class call girl, and secretly admired her for being a person who didn't just take things as they were.
She has a "feminist" friend who invites her along to Greece on holiday, only to prove that she is a fickle "ist". In her Manchester blue collar common sense wisdom, Shirley Valentine, knows people better than they know themselves. After all, "ists" are often failures and weak-willed when it comes to reality. Her "feminist" friend ends off abandoning her in pursuit of a man (whom she pretends to be bitterly angry with).
So, Shirley Valentine is all alone in beautiful Greece, until she meets a terrifically charming Greek. It turns out that he is a tourist seducer, but Valentine doesn't care. He has reawakened her passion for life. One more thing - there is a beautiful scene before Valentine leaves for Greece. Her hubby comes home and flips out when he doesn't get the dinner he wants. He ends up smashing the table, and the food ends up all over his wife's lap. However, in the end, Valentine saves her husband. It is her son that tells him what an incredible bore he has become, and how times have changed, but he hasn't. So, in the end, her husband comes to Greece to look for Valentine, and for them finally to meet on equal terms - as two aging individuals. It was this beauty in the film of not counting out one person from the equation that makes this film so winning. No one is a "bad person", but just flawed and needed to find a new look at things.
There are flashbacks throughout her life that are hysterical. She remembers in school that she hated this one prissy girl. She hates the class prejudice at the school that condemns her as a dimwit and troublemaker, when she knows that she is better than that. She finally runs into the prissy girl, whom she was so jealous of, and is surprised that she has become a high-class call girl, and secretly admired her for being a person who didn't just take things as they were.
She has a "feminist" friend who invites her along to Greece on holiday, only to prove that she is a fickle "ist". In her Manchester blue collar common sense wisdom, Shirley Valentine, knows people better than they know themselves. After all, "ists" are often failures and weak-willed when it comes to reality. Her "feminist" friend ends off abandoning her in pursuit of a man (whom she pretends to be bitterly angry with).
So, Shirley Valentine is all alone in beautiful Greece, until she meets a terrifically charming Greek. It turns out that he is a tourist seducer, but Valentine doesn't care. He has reawakened her passion for life. One more thing - there is a beautiful scene before Valentine leaves for Greece. Her hubby comes home and flips out when he doesn't get the dinner he wants. He ends up smashing the table, and the food ends up all over his wife's lap. However, in the end, Valentine saves her husband. It is her son that tells him what an incredible bore he has become, and how times have changed, but he hasn't. So, in the end, her husband comes to Greece to look for Valentine, and for them finally to meet on equal terms - as two aging individuals. It was this beauty in the film of not counting out one person from the equation that makes this film so winning. No one is a "bad person", but just flawed and needed to find a new look at things.
We have met Shirley, and she is us
Goloh9 October 2003
A review called "Shirley Valentine" a chick-flick. Nonsense. This film cuts right to the core of dreams and plans and bravery, and does it in settings so totally believable that Reality TV looks made-up in comparison. What a great film, most likely treasured by the relatively few people who seem to have seen it. One of my all-time favourites.
If they make you run around like R2D2, there's only one thing that you can do.
lee_eisenberg10 October 2007
If you thought that Lewis Gilbert did a good job focusing on a woman in "Educating Rita", wait until you see "Shirley Valentine". This story of an abused Liverpool wife (Pauline Collins) who gets fed up and goes on vacation to Greece does everything perfectly. It very much has the feeling of a play, what with the characters talking directly to the camera occasionally (after she goes to Greece, her husband (Bernard Hill of the "Lord of the Rings" movies) talks to the camera and you can see around him how the house is turning into a mess). And they did a great job adapting it to the screen. Whether it's Shirley's talk about a her previous mispronunciation of a certain body part, or her rip at the people badmouthing Greece, this is one of the coolest movies that I've ever seen. Also starring Tom Conti and Joanna Lumley.
Rallying cry for the selfish women
haz2219 May 2006
There was a case recently of a woman who abandoned her child in England so she can be with her lover in Turkey. The inspiration for her must be this movie, a film that tells women to find their own dreams and damn everyone else, and gives them the rallying cry - the one that screams out "ME! ME! ME!!!" and only "ME!!!".
It is easy to do really, just think of your husband as a selfish brute, your children as whiny ungrateful spoilt brats (wonder how they got that way, could it be their upbringing? Oh perish the thought that you could be a bad mother). And you have this beautiful dream that just cries out to be fulfilled, and there are beautiful men in distant lands just there to service your deepest needs.
So now you find prematurely wrinkled ladies, inspired by the film, wandering around remote corners of the world like Zambia picking up young (and poor, why else would anyone think that these young men would make love to bloated or disintegrating bodies) local men to satisfy their desires. One comment I read from one of these used young men is that these women are like vampires, going to those countries looking shrivelled and saggy, sucking up the life-blood from them, before returning home looking all freshened and plumped-up.
So, cheers to Pauline Collins, a great service you have done to all the Shirley Valentines of the Western World, liberating them from their drudgery and care, and hello to freedom and great sex.
It is easy to do really, just think of your husband as a selfish brute, your children as whiny ungrateful spoilt brats (wonder how they got that way, could it be their upbringing? Oh perish the thought that you could be a bad mother). And you have this beautiful dream that just cries out to be fulfilled, and there are beautiful men in distant lands just there to service your deepest needs.
So now you find prematurely wrinkled ladies, inspired by the film, wandering around remote corners of the world like Zambia picking up young (and poor, why else would anyone think that these young men would make love to bloated or disintegrating bodies) local men to satisfy their desires. One comment I read from one of these used young men is that these women are like vampires, going to those countries looking shrivelled and saggy, sucking up the life-blood from them, before returning home looking all freshened and plumped-up.
So, cheers to Pauline Collins, a great service you have done to all the Shirley Valentines of the Western World, liberating them from their drudgery and care, and hello to freedom and great sex.
Life
markovicevo18 December 2006
For me, this movie Shirley Valentine is about changes! You CAN all ways make your self better person and develop. There are no age groups, or other obstacles but only ourselves. Like in movie Sostiene Pereira, when Pereira in his late 50 or 60 made tremendous change in his life, shocked by death of a young man. But he only made change when he will stop to live in the past. Also when Shirley meets her high school friend decides that she has to move one. Partners should push each other ahead, so as they are getting better, the relationship will be better. Like Shirley I am only sorry that I don't have copy of a movie. Carpe diem!
Absolutely the best!
angeladenis4 June 2018
I first saw this movie when I was 20 yrs old. A time when the people around me started pushing the need to settle down: marriage, kids, grow old. I saw this movie and it mirrored everything I was mentally doing to push against the pushers! It's been many years since then and I have been to 26 countries on my own. Remarkably not Greece (yet)! I was inspired for it being ok to want to discover myself first. To have a life of my own and to be proud of it! One lady wrote a negative review about it being selfish to abandon your child- she failed to mention it was 2 adult children, not even close to being the same thing. I have watched this movie so many times I know it by heart!
Getting older doesn't mean getting old
cvmoreau5 February 2003
I've often used this film to cheer me up when I feel down. As I pass through middle age myself, it reminds me that, with the right attitude toward life, the years alone need not make us feel old.
Shirley discovers what we all need to learn: if life ain't right, then fix it!
Shirley discovers what we all need to learn: if life ain't right, then fix it!
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