Look Back in Anger (1959)

In the gritty underbelly of the city, we meet Jimmy Porter, a boisterous, abrasive man with a flair for vitriolic language. His stormy relationship with Alison, his wife from an affluent family, serves as the central conflict. His resentment for her upper-class background fuels his verbal abuse and constant criticisms of her aloof demeanor. Despite his college education, Jimmy finds himself in the humble occupation of a street vendor, selling candies alongside his partner and friend, Cliff Lewis. The trio shares an apartment, an arrangement that brings them close, yet teeters on the precipice of disaster. A moment of recklessness leaves Alison with a burn and a visit to the doctor unearths a secret – she is pregnant. The news, kept hidden from Jimmy, creates a churning sea of fear and uncertainty. Jimmy's world is further complicated by the arrival of Mrs. Tanner, his beloved childhood nanny, and Helena Charles, Alison's actress friend, whom Jimmy despises. As tensions mount, Jimmy's harsh words towards Alison take a dark turn when he wishes for her to experience the pain of losing a child. Helena, unable to bear Jimmy's bitterness, convinces Alison to return to her family, leaving Helena alone in the apartment with Jimmy. When Jimmy learns of his nanny's critical health, he is shattered. Meanwhile, Alison's father whisks her away, leaving Helena to break the news of Alison's pregnancy to Jimmy. His cold response reveals a man lost in his anger and frustration. Unexpectedly, Helena and Jimmy find solace in each other's company, turning the apartment into a pseudo-domestic haven, much to Cliff's discomfort. Cliff, feeling out of place, decides to leave, seeking a better life away from the candy business and the tangled web of relationships. Jimmy, too, contemplates leaving the candy business, but not before acknowledging Cliff's invaluable friendship. As the narrative moves forward, a chance encounter at a train station pub reunites Alison and Jimmy, revealing Alison's tragic loss of their child. This revelation triggers Helena's departure, leaving Jimmy to confront the wreckage of his relationships. In the end, Jimmy and Alison find themselves immersed in a poignant conversation about their lost child, leading to a heart-wrenching reconciliation, painting a picture of two broken souls seeking solace in each other amidst their anger and grief.

Look Back in Anger is a drama movie featuring Richard Burton and directed by Tony Richardson.

Look Back in Anger is currently streaming on Criterion Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.