Girls' Night
| Girls' Night | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | Nick Hurran |
| Produced by | Bill Boyes |
| Written by | Kay Mellor |
| Starring |
Julie Walters Brenda Blethyn |
| Cinematography | David Odd |
| Edited by | John Richards |
| Distributed by |
Granada Productions Showtime Entertainment |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 102 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $4.5 million |
Girls' Night is a 1998 British comedy-drama directed by Nick Hurran. Loosely based upon the real experiences of writer Kay Mellor, the film stars Julie Walters and Brenda Blethyn as two sisters-in-law, one dying of cancer, who fulfil a lifelong dream of going to Las Vegas, Nevada after an unexpected jackpot win on the bingo.[1]
Premiered to a mixed response by critics at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival, who noted it a "rather formulaic tearjerker [with] two powerhouse Brit actresses",[2] Hurran won a Silver Spire at the San Francisco International Film Festival[3] and received a Golden Bear nomination at the 48th Berlin International Film Festival for his work.[4]
Story
Dawn and Jackie, two workers in an electronics factory, have been best friends since childhood and share practically everything. So it is no surprise to anybody when Dawn shares her big bingo win with Jackie. Eventually Dawn discovers the results of her tests and knows for sure that she has terminal cancer. Dawn has always dreamed of going to Las Vegas so, on impulse, Jackie buys the tickets and off they go on one last great adventure together. In Las Vegas they meet the enigmatic Cody who is attracted to Jackie but immediately understands the situation and helps the two friends to enjoy their dream holiday in Las Vegas by taking them on a trip into the desert. The two friends return home for Dawn to make her peace with her friends and family before her ultimate demise. Dawn's death, even though expected, devastates Jackie leaving her friendless and alone, or does it?[5]
Cast
- Julie Walters — Jackie Simpson
- Brenda Blethyn — Dawn Wilkinson
- Kris Kristofferson — Cody
- Philip Jackson — Dave Simpson
- George Costigan — Steve Wilkinson
- Anthony Lewis — Mathew Wilkinson
- Maxine Peake — Sharon
- James Gaddas — Paul
- Judith Barker — Helen
- Sue Cleaver — Rita
- Meera Syal — Carmen
- Sophie Stanton — Jane
- Fine Time Fontayne — Ken
- Brent Huff — Bobby Joe
- Nigel Whitmey — Tyrone
- Kathryn Hunt — nurse
References
- ↑ Contemporary British And Irish Film Directors. Google Books. 2001-01-01. Retrieved 2010-10-15.
- ↑ Harvey, Dennis (1998-01-22). "Girls Night Review". Variety. Retrieved 2010-10-15.
- ↑ "Awards for Nick Hurran". IMDb. Retrieved 2010-10-15.
- ↑ "Berlinale: 1998 Programme". berlinale.de. Retrieved 2012-01-15.
- ↑ Mark Smith, "Girls' Night Plot Summary" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119201/plotsummary?ref_=tt_ov_pl