A 1987 British cult film captured the raw reality of life under Margaret Thatcher
In short: Marketed as Thatcher's Britain with her knickers down, this comedy-drama follows two teenagers in Bradford who begin an affair with a married man. While it polarized audiences upon release, the film has since gained a cult following for its unblinking, authentic depiction of working-class life in northern England.
Directed by Alan Clarke and written by Andrea Dunbar, the 1987 film was adapted from two of Dunbar's earlier stage productions. The narrative centers on Rita and Sue, two schoolgirls living on a run-down council estate in Buttershaw, who enter a complex sexual arrangement with Bob, a middle-class man they babysit for. The film explores the fallout of this affair, involving social tensions, domestic instability, and the girls' navigation of their precarious environment.
The film's reception was deeply divided. Some Bradford residents felt the portrayal of their home was negative, while critics like Derek Malcolm praised the authenticity of the performances. Conversely, some reviewers, such as Hal Hinson, argued that the film failed to sufficiently address the predatory nature of Bob's behavior. Notably, Dunbar herself disliked the film's ending, which she felt betrayed the spirit of her original work by opting for a more upbeat, punchline-driven conclusion compared to the darker, more cynical resolution of her stage play.
Despite the controversy, the film is now recognized for its sharp social commentary and its refusal to lecture the audience. It avoids sentimentality, instead presenting a frank, often uncomfortable look at human nature and the conditions of 1980s Britain. With a digital restoration by the British Film Institute in 2017, the work remains a significant cultural artifact, celebrated for its energy and its honest, if sometimes sad, humor regarding the complexities of life and relationships.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Rita, Sue and Bob Too
- Also: Rita, Sue and Bob Too (1986)
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