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The Children Act

An impressive array of British heavy-hitters helped to craft this intelligently constructed courtroom drama. With smart direction from Richard Eyre (Iris), a moving score from Stephen Warbeck, a gripping screenplay from novelist Ian McEwan and a superbly vulnerable performance from Emma Thompson, the film magnificently fires on all cylinders.

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Synopsis

Judge Fiona Maye (Emma Thompson) faces a complex moral dilemma, as she must make a life-or-death decision about the medical treatment of a teenage boy (Fionn Whitehead). As her own beliefs and professional ethics are challenged, her life and strained marriage with husband Jack (Stanley Tucci) are tested to breaking point.