Children of a lesser god (USA, 1986)

This is one of the most notable films of the 1980s. A new speech teacher at a school falls in love with the janitor - a deaf woman.

It is also a slight variation on our theme for the month of young love films, The romance here is between older people... but romance it is.

Some of the people who come to our meetup were not born at the time this film was made. But, despite the rather contrived sounding plot, William Hurt and Marlee Matlin deliver up superb performances which have stood the test of time.

The Los Angeles Times reviewer wrote: "An exceptionally adroit adaptation of a play to the screen. As a film, it flows beautifully under Randa Haines' direction and has considerable humor as well as dramatic intensity. It is a classic love story--romantic, passionate, involving vibrant characters."

During the discussion we will try to identify two or three aspects of the film that some notable critics found disconcerting. Come along and spot them!