Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4241 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-01-07
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 93 minutes

Video Description
Facing imminent forced retirement, Jean, a house-sitter on her last job in a beautiful country house, begins to live in the place as if she owns it. When fate brings two strangers to the house - Michael, a small-time thief, and Steph, a pregnant girl on the run from her abusive boyfriend - Jean discovers the family she has always wanted.

Together, Michael, Steph and Jean gradually take over the home and the lives of the owners of Walden Manor, creating an isolated, idyllic life for themselves. Although it's a life based entirely on deception and delusion, as the summer progresses, they find a security, happiness and freedom they have never before experienced. But when the past catches up with them, and the threat of discovery looms, murder is the only solution.

As the possible consequences of their actions become apparent, and the net closes in, the tension in the house leads inexorably towards a harrowing but inevitable ending.

A haunting drama which blurs the lines between good and evil, Half Broken Things is a dark, disturbing psychological thriller.

Half Broken Things is a 2 hour film for ITV based on the award winning novel by Morag Joss.

Aired on ITV on 28th October 2007 with viewing figures of 5 million, with a 22.8% audience share

Synopsis
Two tearaways and a housesitter meet and become a family.

Customer Reviews

It Hits The Spot
This is one of the best films I have seen for a long time; certainly of British films. Interestingly, it was made for or first shown on British TV, not in the cinema. Real quality and with a thriller edge which just keeps on hitting whenever you think things are slowing a little. The story is that a petty thief helps a heavily pregnant young woman to escape her violently abusive chavscum boyfriend, who then pursues them...they flee into the countryside and stop at a house which the young thief has seen as a possible sneak thief target in Country Life. The woman who answers the door of the lovely country house is just house-sitting for the Summer, her last assignment before being thrown on the scrapheap at 60. Fate intervenes as the young woman gives birth unexpectedly. I shall keep the rest to myself, so as not to spoil the surprises, but I can say that this film will not bore you! Also, it does make one think about wider ethical issues, as well as issues of wealth, poverty, lack of opportunity for both young AND old in the UK at present.

A top qaulity film - highly recommended.
Being a fan of Morag Joss's writing I bought the DVD of Half Broken Things when I discovered I'd missed the TV broadcast. This is a brilliantly-crafted story given the top quality production it deserves. Penelope Wilton, a truly first-rate actor, excels in the lead role of Jean and is supported by a consistently excellent cast, with Daniel Mays and Sinead Matthews outstanding. Direction and music are also excellent. Oh, if only the rest of British telly were as good as this! Buy it and have a great night in.

Great Drama
Thoroughly enjoyable watch. Haven't read the book but may do now. Great location and cast. The suspense kept me riveted. Would definitely recommend the DVD.