Watch Calendar Girls

"Calendar Girls" is a heartwarming comedy-drama film released in 2003, directed by Nigel Cole, that managed to gain critical and commercial success worldwide. Based on a true story, the movie stars Helen Mirren, Julie Walters, and Penelope Wilton. The story revolves around a group of middle-aged women from a small town in Yorkshire, England, who decide to create a nude calendar to raise funds for their local hospital. The women are part of a Women's Institute (WI) group, a British organization that promotes women's education and community involvement. When one of their members, Annie (Julie Walters), loses her husband to leukemia, her best friend Chris (Helen Mirren) comes up with the idea of producing a calendar featuring the WI members posing tastefully nude, with strategically positioned props covering their private parts.

Despite initial hesitation and resistance from some of the women, they eventually agree to the idea, and the calendar becomes an unexpected hit, making the group celebrities, while the money they raise helps pay for a comfortable sofa in the waiting room of the cancer ward, where Annie's husband was treated. The film explores the women's personal lives, their insecurities, and relationships, while also dealing with the challenges of fame, media attention, and the impact of their actions within the conservative community.

Helen Mirren delivers a standout performance as Chris, a vivacious and determined woman who drives the idea to fruition. Her portrayal of a strong and empathetic character reflects a message of female empowerment and friendship, despite age and socio-economic status. Julie Walters also stands out, portraying Annie as a vulnerable and grieving woman whose process of healing and empowerment is a central theme of the film. Penelope Wilton plays Ruth, one of the group's members, who struggles with her religious beliefs and her role in the calendar.

The film's script, written by Tim Firth and Juliette Towhidi, manages to balance the humorous and dramatic moments, capturing both the lightheartedness and deeper themes of the story. The film's cinematography, capturing the scenic landscapes of Yorkshire, adds to its charm and warmth.

"Calendar Girls" is a movie about women finding strength, courage, and friendship in each other, while also challenging societal norms regarding age and body image. The women's decision to create the nude calendar breaks down barriers and brings attention to the importance of women's health issues. The film's message of self-acceptance and empowerment resonates long after watching the movie, making it a timeless gem.

Calendar Girls is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 60.