| Reż. Mike Leigh |
| Wielka Brytania 1996 |
| dramat |
| 2 godz. 16 min. |
| Brenda Blethyn (Cynthia Purley), Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hortense Cumberbatch), Timothy Spall (Maurice Purley), Phyllis Logan (Monica Purley), Claire Rushbrook (Roxanne Purley) |
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DESCRIPTION:
A British drama directed by Mike Leigh that earned acclaim from both critics and audiences, as well as a number of prestigious awards, including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1996.
Hortense Cumberbatch (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), an educated Black optometrist, has recently lost her adoptive mother. Faced with this loss, she decides to uncover her biological origins. Her search reveals that her biological mother is Cynthia Purley (Brenda Blethyn), a white working-class woman who leads a modest and chaotic life in London, raising her adult daughter Roxanne on her own.
The initial meeting between Hortense and Cynthia is fraught with tension. Cynthia, shocked by the discovery, initially denies that she could have had a Black child, but eventually has to confront the truth. This turns her life upside down and becomes a catalyst for further emotional confrontations within her family.
GALLERY:
LET’S TALK ABOUT:
What particularly moved you about the film?
Did any particular scene make a special impression on you? Why?
The key themes of “Secrets & Lies” are family and identity.
What family values are the most important to you?
Do you think a family should always be honest, even if the truth might hurt?
Tell us about a difficult experience your family had to go through. What helped you get through it?
The main character, Hortense, discovers her biological mother, which leads to the revelation of long-hidden secrets.
Have you ever been in a situation where hidden facts changed the way you perceived another person?
Why do you think people choose to keep secrets?
Do you agree with the statement that everyone has the right to a private zone – matters they don’t have to discuss with ANYONE (even their closest ones)?
Where does the boundary of that “private” zone lie?
The film shows different approaches to honesty.
Do you think there are situations where it is better not to tell the whole truth? Why?
How do you cope with situations where you have to face an uncomfortable truth?
Each of the characters struggles with problems that lead to conflicts.
Do you think open conversations can resolve most conflicts? Why?
How do you handle difficult conversations in your life?
Tell us about a conflict situation that you managed to resolve well. How did you do it?
Do you agree that revealing secrets is always a step toward something better? Why or why not?
How important is it for you to build relationships based on trust?
The central thread of the film is the relationship between mother and daughter.
How do you assess Cynthia’s reaction to Hortense’s discovery? Do you think her reaction was understandable?
How important is the possibility of mending relationships with loved ones to you, if conflicts have arisen?
Tell us about what you value in your parents.
Tell us about what you value in your siblings.
Cynthia’s brother plays the role of mediator in the family.
Have you ever been the person who tries to resolve conflicts among loved ones? What did that look like?
What qualities are important in order to effectively help resolve conflicts?
In the name of which values – from the list below – would you be willing to stand up against even your closest ones?
Which of them are the most important to you?
The film raises questions about what defines our identity.
Do you think that knowing your roots is essential for understanding yourself?
How important are blood ties to you compared to relationships built on trust and love?
Tell us about an important relationship in your life with someone you are not related to by blood.
Each character carries their own fears and anxieties.
Have you had experiences where trying to understand someone’s problems changed your attitude toward that person?
How do you deal with your own inner difficulties? Do you share them with others, or do you prefer to keep them to yourself?
Do you agree with the statement that we will NEVER be able to fully know another person?
How do you cope with situations that force changes in your life?
How do you interpret the message of the final scene? Do you see hope for rebuilding relationships in it?
What do you think is the key to improving family relationships – and all other relationships?
Does forgiving others come easily to you?
Do you think the film is relevant in the context of today’s interpersonal relationships?
What universal truths about human nature do you see in “Secrets & Lies”?
Does the modern world, full of social media, promote greater honesty, or does it rather create new forms of secrets and lies?
List of values:
Altruism, Assertiveness, Selflessness, Safety, Closeness, Heroism, Patience, Goodness, Spirit, Empathy, Hospitality, Politeness, Generosity, Honor, Humor, Creativity, Loyalty, Wisdom, Courage, Love, Motivation, Hope, Reliability, Nonconformity, Responsibility, Bravery, Composure, Optimism, Openness, Passion, Beauty, Humility, Peace, Ingenuity, Sacrifice, Beauty, Truth, Friendship, Punctuality, Joy, Reason, Integrity, Heart, Strength, Consistency, Respect, Sincerity, Happiness, Transcendence, Care, Honesty, Moderation, Orderliness, Mindfulness, Gratitude, Faith, Credibility, Knowledge, Faithfulness, Freedom, Sensitivity, Support, Compassion, Imagination, Perseverance, Commitment, Life
