Calendar Girls (Movie)

Title — Calendar Girls
Available on — VUDU, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Production Country — India
Release Date — 2015
Five calendar models try to navigate the twists and turns thrown in their path by the seductive and ruthless world of glamour.

🪶 Story & Synopsis

“Calendar Girls” is a heartwarming tale that follows the women of the Rylstone Women’s Institute in North Yorkshire, as they embark on an unconventional fundraising endeavor that catapults them into unexpected fame. The story revolves around middle-aged best friends, Chris Harper (Dame Helen Mirren) and Annie Clarke (Dame Julie Walters), who are part of the local Women’s Institute in Knapely, Yorkshire.

After Annie’s husband passes away from leukemia, Chris proposes a unique idea to raise money for a new sofa in his memory: creating a nude calendar featuring the members of the WI. Inspired by the belief that “the last phase of the women of Yorkshire is always the most glorious,” the women rally together to pose tastefully for the calendar, with December featuring a group photograph.

Despite initial skepticism and concerns about potential backlash from the community and the national WI organization, the calendar project gains momentum. As the calendar gains international attention, it surpasses all expectations, outselling even celebrity calendars and becoming a symbol of empowerment and solidarity for the women involved.

Through humor, friendship, and a touch of rebellion, “Calendar Girls” celebrates the strength and resilience of women coming together to support a meaningful cause, showcasing that sometimes the most unconventional ideas can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

🧑 Cast & Crew

Akanksha Puri, Avani Modi, Kyra Dutt, Ruhi Singh, Satarupa Pyne, Mita Vashisht, Keith Sequeira, Deepak Wadhwa, Indraneil Sengupta, Vikram Sakhalkar

  • Julie Walters as Annie
  • Helen Mirren as Chris
  • Celia Imrie as Celia
  • John Alderton as John
  • Ciarán Hinds as Rod
  • Linda Bassett as Cora
  • Penelope Wilton as Ruth
  • Georgie Glen as Kathy

💬 Reviews and feedback

Have you ever wondered what would happen if a group of middle-aged Yorkshire women decided to spice up their lives by posing for a nude calendar? Well, look no further than “Calendar Girls”! This heartwarming film, based on a true story, is a delightful mix of humor, warmth, and a dash of cheekiness.

Imagine the Golden Girls meet the Full Monty – that’s the vibe you get when watching “Calendar Girls”. The movie follows the spirited Yorkshire housewife Chris Harper, played brilliantly by Helen Mirren, as she embarks on a mission to raise money for charity after the loss of her friend’s husband to cancer. What ensues is a rollercoaster of emotions, laughter, and a strong sense of camaraderie.

Plot and Themes:

  • The plot revolves around the unconventional idea of creating a nude calendar to raise funds for leukemia research. It beautifully captures the essence of friendship, empowerment, and embracing life’s challenges with humor and grace.
  • The themes of aging, illness, and loneliness are portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity. The movie strikes a perfect balance between heartwarming moments and poignant reflections on mortality.

Binge-watching Tip: Keep some tissues handy because you’ll laugh till you cry and then cry some more!

Acting and Characters:

  • Helen Mirren shines in her role as Chris Harper, infusing the character with charisma and depth. Her portrayal captures the resilience and vulnerability of a woman navigating life’s ups and downs.
  • The ensemble cast delivers stellar performances, each bringing their unique charm to the screen. From Julie Walters to Celia Imrie, every character feels authentic and relatable.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the real Calendar Girls were all friends of John Baker’s wife Angela? Talk about turning friendship into a fundraising phenomenon!

Direction and Production:

  • Nigel Cole’s direction infuses the film with warmth and authenticity. He balances humor with emotional depth, creating a narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages.
  • The production design transports viewers to the picturesque Yorkshire countryside, adding to the film’s charm. The attention to detail in recreating the real-life events is commendable.

Binge-watching Tip: Pay close attention to the subtle nuances in each scene – they add layers to the storytelling experience!

Score and Cinematography:

  • The score complements the emotional beats of the film perfectly, enhancing key moments without overpowering them. It creates an immersive viewing experience that tugs at your heartstrings.
  • The cinematography captures the beauty of rural England while also focusing on intimate character moments. The visuals evoke both nostalgia and a sense of timelessness.

Interactive Element: If you enjoyed “Calendar Girls”, you might also like “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” for its similar themes of aging gracefully and finding joy in unexpected places!

Special Effects and Editing:

  • While “Calendar Girls” may not rely heavily on special effects, its editing is seamless and enhances comedic timing. The pacing keeps viewers engaged without feeling rushed or dragged.
  • The editing skillfully weaves together different narratives, allowing each character’s story to shine through while maintaining overall cohesion.

Binge-watching Tip: Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to recreate your own calendar after watching this film – just make sure it stays PG-13!

Tone and Dialog:

  • The tone of “Calendar Girls” strikes a delicate balance between humor and poignancy. It tackles serious themes with light-heartedness, making it an enjoyable watch for audiences looking for both laughter and introspection.

In conclusion,“Calendar Girls” is like a comforting cup of tea on a rainy day – it warms your soul while making you chuckle at life’s quirks. With its stellar performances, heartfelt storytelling, and uplifting message,“Calendar Girls” earns an enthusiastic8/10 rating. So grab your friends (or your knitting circle) for a movie night that celebrates life in all its naked glory!

Pros Cons
Realistic portrayal of aging and its challenges Not all characters have uplifting stories
Based on a true story of women raising money for charity Some viewers may find certain scenes predictable
Warm, touching, and funny Not suitable for children
Positive messages about finding meaning in life Limited kid appeal

Feedback

  • Calendar Girls - Wikipedia

    Calendar Girlsis a 2003 British comedy film directed by Nigel Cole. Produced by Touchstone Pictures, it features a screenplay by Tim Firth and Juliette Towhidi, based on a true story of a group of middle-aged Yorkshire women who produced a nude calendar to raise money for Leukaemia Research (subsequently Blood Cancer UK) under the auspices of the Women’s Institutes in April 1999 after the husband of one of their members dies from cancer. The film stars an ensemble cast headed by Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, with Linda Bassett, Annette Crosbie, Celia Imrie, Penelope Wilton, Geraldine James, Harriet Thorpe and Philip Glenister playing key supporting roles.

  • Calendar Girls (2003) - Plot - IMDb

  • Calendar Girls (2003) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb

  • Calendar Girls | Rotten Tomatoes

  • Calendar Girls - amazon.com

⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)

The “Calendar Girls” movie is a heartwarming and inspiring documentary that follows a group of vibrant and spirited women in their 50s and over, based in Florida. These women form a dance troupe that performs regularly, bringing joy and entertainment to their community. Their performances are a delightful mix of showgirls, Zumba class, and tons of attitude, capturing the hearts of their audience in bingo halls and nursing homes.

What sets these Calendar Girls apart is their mission to make the world a better place through their performances and the sale of an annual calendar, which raises funds for providing dogs to disabled veterans. They are not just dancing for the sake of it; they are dancing with a purpose, showing that age is no barrier to making a positive impact.

The documentary beautifully portrays the women’s camaraderie and support for each other, referring to themselves as sisters. Despite facing challenges like illness, marital conflicts, and life changes, these women stand together, showcasing resilience, love, and understanding. The film captures intimate moments of rehearsals, interviews, and performances, adding a poetic and wistful quality to their story.

One of the newcomers to the group finds a newfound sense of self-worth and purpose as a Calendar Girl, breaking away from a life of caretaking to do something for herself. The women’s dedication to their craft is evident through their elaborate costumes and dance numbers, but what truly shines is their bond and care for each other.

Amidst discussions on assisted death, marital challenges, and personal sacrifices, the Calendar Girls exhibit strength, wisdom, and a zest for life. They choose paths that lead to growth, connection, and fulfillment in their later years, embodying the essence of learning, friendship, art, and helping others.

The film not only celebrates the joy of dance and performance but also the power of female friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of meaningful experiences in the twilight years of life. It is a touching and uplifting portrayal of a group of women who choose to dance toward the light, inspiring viewers to embrace life’s challenges with grace and purpose.

👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating

TV-14

Age Rating:

This movie “Calendar Girls” is rated PG-13 for audiences aged 14 and above. The content is suitable for teenagers and adults due to thematic elements and some mature content.

Parental Guide:

Parents should be aware that “Calendar Girls” is a charming and feel-good flick that may not have much appeal for kids. The movie is based on a true story of a Yorkshire women’s group that produced a calendar featuring older ladies in tastefully nude poses to raise money for charity. The film explores themes of friendship, empowerment, and finding meaning in life.

Sex & Nudity:

The movie contains tasteful nudity as part of the storyline, involving older women posing for a calendar photoshoot. The nudity is non-sexualized and is presented in a positive and empowering context.

Violence & Gore:

There is no graphic violence or gore in the movie. The focus is on the heartwarming and comedic aspects of the women’s fundraising efforts.

Profanity:

The movie may contain mild language and some adult themes that are suitable for a teenage audience. Parents may expect occasional instances of mild profanity.

Overall, “Calendar Girls” is a lighthearted and inspiring film that can be enjoyed by teenagers and adults, especially those interested in heartwarming stories with a touch of humor and empowerment.

📺 Streaming and where to watch

streaming service extra information
VUDU Currently you are able to watch ‘Calendar Girls’ streaming on VUDU Free, Freevee for free with ads or buy it as download on VUDU.
Amazon Prime Video You can buy or rent ‘Calendar Girls’ for as low as $4.99 to rent or $9.99 to buy on Amazon Prime Video.
Apple TV You can buy or rent ‘Calendar Girls’ for as low as $4.99 to rent or $9.99 to buy on Apple TV.
Google Play Movies It is possible to rent ‘Calendar Girls’ on Google Play Movies or buy it as download.
YouTube It is possible to rent ‘Calendar Girls’ on YouTube or buy it as download.

❝ Quotes and Cult

  • Not because it looks like the sun but because it follows the sun. During the course of the day, the head tracks the journey of the sun across the sky. A satellite dish for sunshine. Wherever light is, no matter how weak, these flowers will find it. And that's such an admirable thing. And such a lesson in life.
  • The flowers of Yorkshire are like the women of Yorkshire. Every stage of their growth has its own beauty, but the last phase is always the most glorious.
    John Clarke
  • I'm about to commit heresy. Look, I hate plum jam. I only joined the WI to make my mother happy. I do, I hate plum jam. I'm crap at cakes, I can't make sponge.
    Chris

🤖Calendar Girls Reddit Talks

Calendar Girls: A Heartwarming and Inspiring True Story

Calendar Girls, released in 2003, is a heartwarming and inspiring British comedy-drama film based on a true story about a group of middle-aged Yorkshire women who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for leukemia research. The film follows their journey as they overcome their fears and inhibitions to create a calendar that would ultimately raise millions of pounds for charity.

Critical Reception

Calendar Girls received generally positive reviews from critics. The film was praised for its charming and uplifting story, as well as its strong performances from the cast. However, some critics felt that the film was a bit too sentimental and predictable.

Audience Response

Audiences also responded positively to Calendar Girls. The film was a box office success, grossing over $23 million worldwide. Audiences praised the film for its humor, heart, and inspiring message.

Discussion Points

1. The Power of Community

Calendar Girls is a story about the power of community. The women in the film come together to support each other through a difficult time, and they ultimately achieve their goal of raising money for leukemia research. The film shows how important it is to have a strong support system, and how working together can make a difference in the world.

2. Overcoming Fear and Inhibitions

The women in Calendar Girls face a lot of fear and inhibition when they decide to pose nude for a calendar. They are worried about what their families and friends will think, and they are afraid of being judged by society. However, they ultimately overcome their fears and inhibitions, and they create a calendar that is both beautiful and empowering. The film shows how important it is to step outside of our comfort zones and to pursue our dreams, even when we are afraid.

3. The Importance of Charity

Calendar Girls is a film about the importance of charity. The women in the film raise millions of pounds for leukemia research, and their story inspires others to give back to their communities. The film shows how important it is to help others, and how even a small act of kindness can make a difference.

4. The Power of Women

Calendar Girls is a film about the power of women. The women in the film are strong, independent, and resourceful. They overcome adversity and achieve their goals, proving that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. The film is an inspiring reminder of the strength and resilience of women.

Conclusion

Calendar Girls is a heartwarming and inspiring film that celebrates the power of community, the importance of charity, and the strength of women. The film is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, and that even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference in the world.

Top discussions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story behind Calendar Girls?

The movie “Calendar Girls” is based on a true story of a group of middle-aged Yorkshire women who produced a nude calendar to raise money for Leukaemia Research (subsequently Blood Cancer UK) under the auspices of the Women’s Institute in April 1999.

How accurate is the film Calendar Girls?

“Calendar Girls” is based on a true story and tells the fictionalized account of a group of Women’s Institute members from Yorkshire who decided to create a unique calendar to raise funds for charity.

How much did the Calendar Girls raise for leukemia?

In the 25 years since the calendar was released, the Calendar Girls managed to raise over £6 million for blood cancer research, making it a significant and successful fundraising initiative.

Is Calendar Girls worth watching?

“Calendar Girls” provides a realistic portrayal of aging and the challenges it brings, offering a touching and meaningful story about finding connection and purpose, especially towards the end of life. Despite some poignant moments, it may not be particularly uplifting for all viewers.

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