• Release year: 1969
• Director: Ken Russell.
• Producer: Larry Kramer.
• Screenplay by: Larry Kramer.
• Cinematography by: Billy Williams.
• Music by: Georges Delerue.

Shotgun Commentary: love from all possible perspectives.

Review

Women in Love was released at the end of the 60s. Still, the way the subject of love is approached is surprisingly not too dated. In fact, if one looks closely into the fundamentals of all the troubles presented, one will find that, in essence, individuals still fall into the same self-destructive routines. Only now we call them fancy terms like ghosting or gaslighting. BFI has released a physical copy restored in 4K UHD with extra content about this feature. More information on that after the review!

The joys of friendship

This film follows a couple of young women as they navigate the complications of love in their society. They each like a different man, both of which also happen to be friends. The relationships between the four of them are complicated and ever-changing, making the feature unpredictable and emotionally taxing. Additionally, a few supporting characters come and go to make the narrative even juicier. Adding a few layers of depth to the overall product.

The main characters are Gudrun (Glenda Jackson)  and Ursula (Jennie Linden). They are teachers at a school where Ursula falls in love with Rupert (Alan Bates). In the same town, the big fish is one Gerald Crich (Oliver Reed). He the son of an old man who owns a big coal mine. As the biggest business there, they are significantly richer than everyone else. Gerald happens to be Rupert’s friend and in love with Gudrun, or so it seems. As the story progresses, the definition of love gets distorted in different ways for each character, the most traditional version being the one that guides Ursula’s decisions.

Gudrun and Ursula, like most BFFs, could not be more different from each other in matters of love. While Ursula is wholly devoted to Rupert and the ground he walks on, Gudrun likes her independence and sees marriage as a mere inconvenience that women have to suffer in order to be accepted in society. Those are the two most common perspectives on love, positions that are highly relatable and easily understandable, ensuring your instant immersion in the film.

The intricacies of love

However, as the film progresses, their positions acquire certain nuances that eventually make their story unique. Ursula is tested on how far she’s willing to go for love, and Gudrun on the matter of love itself, her definition of it, and what she really wants out of it. Naturally, these explorations would be bland and pointless if they didn’t have fascinating love interests. Mind you, the word is “fascinating”, not perfect or even likeable most of the time, which brings the film closer to a real-life experience.

The men in the feature are even more clueless about what they want out of “love” than the women. Not only because they are slightly emotionally constipated, but because they both seem to crave a love that will never be accepted in the society they occupy. In addition to their struggles, they are surrounded by one of the most judgemental social strata: the upper class.

The prejudice of the upper class

This part of society is mostly represented by three supporting characters, two women and a man. The man is Gerald’s father, Thomas (Alan Webb), a man who built his own company and keeps the values and empathy he learned as part of the working class in his every action. He treats his workers as equals and cares for their wellbeing. This provides a huge contrast with Gerald’s heartless behaviour, based only on profit and forgoing any care about the people.

As for the women, Thomas’ wife Winifred (Phoebe Nicholls) and Hermione Roddice (Eleanor Bron), they showcase the worst of this class. Winifred is heartless and elitist, while Hermione is bland, conceited, and obsessed with power and control. While their portrayals are slightly caricaturesque, the point of their appearances is clear and provides a necessary context to a film that would be far too unidimensional otherwise.

Lastly, it should be mentioned that, in case you lose your footing in this chaotic trip down insanity road via love, there is a couple, constantly in the background, who remind you of the actual goal of having a partner. A completely irrelevant but ever-present couple of two young individuals who laugh, love and enjoy life together without any care, worry or argument. A relationship so ideal that it could only come out of a fairytale. At least, until everything is over, that is.

All in all, Women in Love is a fascinating exploration of love and its endless possibilities. The dynamic meaning of the word provides the perfect playground for the filmmakers to experiment, and they do so beautifully. If you happen to be a fan of romantic dramas, this is undeniably a must-watch.

BFI’s release of Bhaji on the Beach can be ordered now on their website. Details and links below!

Special features

• 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• Human Relations: Alexander Verney-Elliott Discusses Women in Love (2025, 17 mins): a newly recorded interview with Ken Russell’s son
• A British Picture: Portrait of an Enfant Terrible (1989, 49 mins): Ken Russell’s documentary on his life and career
• ATV Today (1968, 10 mins): interviews with writer and producer Larry Kramer and actors Alan Bates and Jennie Linden on the set of Women in Love
• Billy Williams OBE BSC in conversation with Phil Méheux BSC (2015, 49 mins)
• Audio commentary with director Ken Russell
• Audio commentary with writer and producer Larry Kramer
• Second Best (1972, 27 mins): film starring Alan Bates, based on the short story by D H Lawrence 
• The Guardian Lecture: Glenda Jackson (1982, 77 mins, audio only)
• The Pacemakers: Glenda Jackson (1971, 14 mins): a documentary profile of the actor
• Stills and collections gallery
• Original theatrical trailer
• ***FIRST PRESSING ONLY*** Illustrated booklet featuring new writing by Matthew Melia and archive essays by Michael Brooke, Claire Smith and Vic Pratt; notes on the special features and film credits

Where to buy

All BFI Blu-ray releases are available from usual home entertainment retailers (HMV, Zavvi, Amazon UK; for American audiences DiabolikDVD) and in person from the BFI Shop at BFI Southbank.

Advice to take from this movie:

• Even the description of a fig can become one of the most uncomfortable conversations you’ve ever had. One just needs enough imagination.
• Love unapologetically, what’s the point otherwise?
• If a relationship doesn’t feel right, don’t stay in it.

What’s your take? Have you watched Women in Love? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message in my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀