Ladybird, Ladybird

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Ladybird, Ladybird ★★★ 1993 (R)

Loach's emotionally bruising look at working-class life and family in the '90s. Maggie (Rock) is a tough unmarried mother of four who's been battered by her lovers and has come under the over-watchful eye of Britain's social services. She meets Jorge (Vega), a gentle Paraguayan, and just when things are looking up, Jorge gets immigration heat, Maggie's insecurities surface, and her baby daughter is taken into care by child welfare. Rock has a nononsense manner and acerbic wit that precludes any handwringing for her character, even as you hope she'll win out over circumstance. Based on a true story. 102m/C VHS . GB Crissy Rock, Vladimir Vega, Ray Winstone, Sandie Lavelle, Mauricio Venegas, Clare Perkins, Jason Stracey, Luke Brown, Lily Farrell; D: Ken Loach; W: Rona Munro; C: Barry Ackroyd; M: George Fenton. Berlin Intl. Film Fest. '94: Actress (Rock).