Family Life [DVD]

What I like about this docudrama produced by Ken Loach is the harsh reality of the effect of over strict parents on a child with mental health issues. Both parents were to blame but the girl's mother is the worst culprit forcing her daughter to have an abortion because she is afraid of what the neighbours might say. Also not letting her in the house when she arrives late. The harsh treatment exacerbates Janice's condition to the extent she is admitted to a mental institution. When a ward dealing with cognitive and talk therapy is closed down for administrative reasons including the fact it wasn't succesful with all patients Janice is subjected to harsher treatments including electroconvulsive therapy. The only person who knew that Janice's condition was caused by her parents was deployed when his ward was closed down. The situation was a difficult one but both parents should have sat down and talked through the options including adoption with Janice and allow her to make up her own choice. Admittedly adoption is not an easy option as this can also cause psychological harm but is the lesser of the two evils. Clearly she would not have made a good mother but she was trying to live an independent life the best she could with her boyfriend. Her snobbish over strict mother didn't approve of that.

Great actors, and a really harrowing film. So disappointing that Sandy Ratcliff didn't do much beyond this (except EastEnders).I have seen the play "In Two Minds" upon which this film is based, but I much preferred this film.Although I was quite young in the 70's, I still felt some nostalgia at the clothes, furnishing etc.

I was chuffed to find this marvellous film which has proved so very difficult to come by. The parents in it are so obnoxious that one hasa to restrains oneself in order not to throw a bottle on to the tv screen in dismay and anger.Seller's business methods are impeccable.from

One of the top three films in cinema history.Loach's best work.

this movie depicited a young girl growing up in an extremely controlling and invalidating environment . It focuses on relationships in the family and how they influence their daughters onset of borderline personality disorder .

Good value, arrived on time.

excellent value and quality

it was ok though it is starting to show its age