A funny, tender story of first love, community and growing up, Beautiful Thing follows neighbours Jamie and Ste as their friendship deepens into romance over the course of one long, hot summer. Alongside them are Jamie’s mum Sandra and friend Leah, two women with humour, struggles and stories of their own.
Directed by Hettie Macdonald and adapted for the screen by Jonathan Harvey from his acclaimed play, Beautiful Thing transforms the familiar landscape of a council housing estate into a world alive with warmth, wit and bold primary colours, casting everyday life in a new light.
Thirty years on, it’s a joy to discover, or rediscover, this much-loved landmark of British cinema, with the music of Mama Cass beating at its heart.
Reclaim The Frame’s 30th anniversary celebration of Beautiful Thing forms part of BFI Film Audience Network’s Rip It Up season, with support from the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding, and from Film4.
Presents
A weekly strand of film, championing a curated and eclectic mix of independent, world and arthouse cinema.
Director Hettie MacDonald
Year 1996
Duration
1h 29m
Language English
Cast Linda Henry, Glen Berry, Scott Neal