Heartlands (2003)
A quietly charming British road trip comedy-drama about one man's moped journey to Blackpool in pursuit of love, darts, and a fresh start.
Heartlands - Movie Information
- Original Title: Heartlands
- Release Year: 2003
- Directed by: Damien O'Donnell
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 27, 2003 (United Kingdom)
- Alternative Titles: Heartlands - Mitten ins Herz (DE)
- Production Companies: DNA Films, Miramax, Revolution Films, Vestry Films
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
Heartlands - Plot
Gentle Colin 'Col' Lawes happily lead a quiet life, running a news agency with his soiled-rotten wife Sandra and playing competition darts in the Atletic Arms team. Colin catches her committing adultery with team captain Geoff, a cop, who pretends Colin abused her. Col is thrown off the team just after it qualified for the league finals in Blackpool. He decides to travel there alone, hoping to win her back.
Heartlands - Trailer
Check out a clip from Heartlands and see what awaits on the road to Blackpool.
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An offbeat road trip... An exciting new world!
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Heartlands - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Damien O'Donnell
Main Cast
- Michael Sheen
- Mark Addy
- Eric Bristow
- Russ Bray
- Jim Carter
- Celia Imrie
- Mark Strong
- Phillipa Peak
- Jane Robbins
- Ruth Jones
Writers
- Paul Fraser
- Richard Jobson
- Andrew Keyte
Producers
- Gina Carter
- Richard Jobson
Heartlands - FAQs
What is Heartlands (2003) about?
Heartlands follows Colin, a gentle, unassuming man who discovers his wife is having an affair with his darts team captain. Booted off the team just as they qualify for the Blackpool finals, he hops on his moped and makes the solo journey there, hoping to win her back along the way.
Is Heartlands a road trip movie?
Yes, at its heart Heartlands is a charming British road trip comedy-drama. Colin's solo moped journey from his small Midlands town to Blackpool forms the backbone of the film, and the colourful characters he meets along the way give the story much of its warmth and gentle humour.
Where can you stream or watch Heartlands?
You can rent or buy Heartlands on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's also available to watch for free on Hoopla, making it easy to catch however you prefer to watch.
Who are the main actors in Heartlands?
Michael Sheen leads the cast as the lovable Colin, with Mark Addy as his road trip companion Ron. The film also features Jim Carter, Celia Imrie, Mark Strong, Ruth Jones, and darts legend Eric Bristow playing a version of himself, billed as The Crafty Cockney.
Does Heartlands feature real darts players?
It does! Eric Bristow, one of the most celebrated darts players of his era and a five-time World Champion, appears in the film as himself under his famous nickname The Crafty Cockney. Russ Bray, a well-known darts announcer, also appears in the film.
Who directed Heartlands and what else did they make?
Heartlands was directed by Damien O'Donnell, the Irish filmmaker best known for East Is East (1999), a critically acclaimed British comedy-drama. Heartlands shares a similar warmth and working-class British sensibility with that earlier film, and O'Donnell brings the same light, affectionate touch to the material.
Is Heartlands worth watching for fans of British comedy?
Absolutely. Heartlands is a gentle, feel-good British comedy-drama with a big heart. Michael Sheen delivers a quietly endearing performance, and the film's mix of road trip adventure, eccentric characters, and understated humour makes it a warm and enjoyable watch for fans of films like East Is East or The Full Monty.
Where was Heartlands filmed?
The film was shot on location in the English Midlands and along the road to Blackpool, capturing the authentic texture of working-class northern England. The Blackpool sequences make full use of the seaside resort's iconic landmarks, giving the film a vivid, distinctly British sense of place.
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