Watch Housewife, 49
- NR
- 2006
- 1 hr 33 min
-
7.7 (848)
Set in the early 1940s, Housewife, 49 is a powerful and moving drama that follows the life of Nella Last, played by Victoria Wood. A housewife living in Barrow-in-Furness in Lancashire, Nella's life is turned upside down when World War II breaks out in 1939. Her husband, William (played by David Threlfall), is too old to join the Armed Forces, so Nella worries constantly about her son, Cliff (played by Christopher Harper), who is serving as a soldier in the war.
As the war drags on, Nella finds herself increasingly isolated and alienated from the other women in the community, who are all involved in the war effort in some way. Feeling useless and powerless, Nella decides to join a local women's volunteer organization, where she can contribute to the war effort by knitting socks and scarves for soldiers, collecting salvage, and doing other odd jobs.
At first, Nella is hesitant and unsure of herself, but she quickly discovers that she has a talent for organizing and leading the other women in the organization. As her confidence grows, Nella begins to take on more responsibility, eventually becoming a regional organizer for the organization and traveling to London to meet with senior officials in the government.
But Nella's newfound sense of purpose and identity comes at a cost. She becomes increasingly distant from her husband, who doesn't understand or share her passion for the war effort. And when Cliff returns home from the front, Nella is horrified to discover that he has been deeply traumatized by his experiences.
As Nella struggles to come to terms with her son's condition and reconcile her own desire for independence with her responsibilities as a wife and mother, Housewife, 49 paints a vivid and emotional portrait of a woman trying to find her place in a world that is constantly changing around her. With powerful performances by its lead actors and a thoughtful script that explores themes of identity, community, and sacrifice, Housewife, 49 is a moving and inspiring drama that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
Overall, Housewife, 49 is a must-watch for fans of British drama and historical fiction. With its deft characterizations, rich historical detail, and heartfelt storytelling, it is a shining example of the power of cinema to capture the complexity and nuance of the human experience.
Housewife, 49 is a 2006 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.