Release Date: 8/14/2001 Original Release: 2001 Format: DVD Length: 90 minutes Rating:R (MPAA) Rating Reason: For some language and brief nudity. UPC: 786936144697 Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
The British Hairdressing Championship is coming to the small Yorkshire town of Keighley. The Mayor (Warren Clarke) is ecstatic--but initially the townspeople are underwhelmed. The exotic models and their even more exotic hairdressers arrive--among them reigning champion, Ray Robertson (Bill Nighy). The Mayor is disappointed when there is no local entry, especially since Keighley is the hometown of ex-champion, Phil Allen (Alan Rickman). But, Phil stopped competing when his model, Sandra (Rachel Griffiths), ran off with his wife, Shelley (Natasha Richardson). Shelley has cancer, and discovering it is terminal, she tries to reunite her family--Phil, their son Brian (Josh Hartnett), and Sandra--by entering the competition. Phil refuses. However, needled by the confident Ray, Brian enters on behalf of the family. Soon, they are cutting hair together again.
Director Paddy Breathnach maintains the delicate balance between the pathos of Shelley's illness and the breathtaking flamboyance of the hairdressing competition, as it goes from outrageous camp to gorgeous fulfillment. Alan Rickman is splendid--especially when the phlegmatic Phil returns to competition with flashing scissors and tattooed feet. Natasha Richardson is touching as she fights to regain her family. And Rachel Griffiths gives a powerful performance, apparently in support, until she becomes the family's fabulous golden angel.
DVD Features
Region 1 Keep Case Full Frame - 1.33 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English Interactive Features: Interactive Menus Scene Access
The British hairdressing championships are coming to Keighley and it just happens to be the town where Phil (Alan Rickman) lives. He used to be the champion until he wife Shelley (Natasha... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
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