The Ploughman's Lunch

The Ploughman's Lunch

An age of deceit... A man of our times

1983 · 107 min · ★ 4.8 · Drama

As the UK begins its military engagement in the Falklands, a BBC news journalist attempts to climb up from his working-class roots, at any cost, lying to those around him to get what he wants, only to discover that he is the recipient of a deception far more clever than his own.

Directed by Richard Eyre · Written by Ian McEwan

Your Rating

Where to Watch

Streaming

Shout! Factory Amazon Channel

Rent or Buy

Amazon Video

Cast

Make it a double feature

2h 58m together

The Ploughman's Lunch

Just a Boys' Game

Both from Richard Eyre.

More from Richard EyreSee all →

Long Distance InformationLong Distance Information · 1979
Long Distance Information
★ 10.01979
MovieDramaTV Movie
Play For Today written by and starring Neville Smith. Christian Harvey , a local radio DJ and ageing rocker, is an obsessive fan of Elvis and the news of Elvis's death is for him a personal tragedy as well as the end of an era.
The Metropolitan Opera: WertherThe Metropolitan Opera: Werther · 2014
The Metropolitan Opera: Werther
★ 9.02014
MovieMusicDrama
Star tenor Jonas Kaufmann brings aching intensity and vocal charisma to the tortured title hero of Massenet’s Goethe adaptation. Sophie Koch, in her Met debut, is an appealing and elegant Charlotte, the object of Werther’s passionate affection that will lead to tragedy. Lisette Oropesa as Sophie, David Bižić as Albert, and Jonathan Summers as Le Bailli co-star. Richard Eyre’s atmospheric production is conducted by rising maestro Alain Altinoglu.
Just a Boys' GameJust a Boys' Game · 1979
Just a Boys' Game
★ 9.01979
MovieDramaComedy
Jake lives in the shadow of his dying grandfather, who was once the town's toughest hard man. Despite their hatred of each other, Jake's sole aim is to be as tough as the old man was. One day in Jake's life, as he drifts, drinks and fights, leads to a bleak realisation.
The Imitation GameThe Imitation Game · 1980
The Imitation Game
★ 7.91980
MovieDramaWar
Second World War drama - A young woman decides against working in a munitions factory, and lands a post with the signals corps attempting to crack the Enigma code.
AtonementAtonement · 2007
Atonement
★ 7.62007
MovieDramaRomance
A young girl irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister's lover of a crime he did not commit.
Remembers…Remembers… · 2022
Remembers…
★ 7.52022
SeriesDocumentaryTalk
What are the secrets of our favourite TV shows? Famous names from both sides of the camera reflect on making some of the most popular and influential programs of all time.
10 Minute Tales10 Minute Tales · 2009
10 Minute Tales
★ 7.52009
SeriesComedyDrama
The biggest names in writing, acting and directing come together in a series of shorts on Sky1 HD this festive period. Experience a novel Noel with these original, uplifting and highly creative slices of silent cinema that prove actions do speak louder than words. Starring Mackenzie Crook, Bill Nighy, Peter Capaldi, Ross Kemp, and a host of major stars, each of the 10 Minute Tales promises to be a unique and engaging look at life, loss, and love.
The Hollow CrownThe Hollow Crown · 2012
The Hollow Crown
★ 7.42012
SeriesDramaHistory
A series of British television films featuring William Shakespeare's History Plays.
Screen TwoScreen Two · 1985
Screen Two
★ 7.11985
SeriesDrama
Series of single made-for-television dramas.
Notes on a ScandalNotes on a Scandal · 2006
Notes on a Scandal
★ 7.12006
MovieDramaRomance
A veteran high school teacher befriends a younger art teacher, who is having an affair with one of her 15-year-old students. However, her intentions with this new "friend" also go well beyond platonic friendship.
The Cherry OrchardThe Cherry Orchard · 1981
The Cherry Orchard
★ 7.01981
MovieDramaTV Movie
Madame Ranevsky and her daughter Anya return home from Paris to find their beloved family estate and cherry orchard are to be auctioned off to pay debts. Lopahin, a former serf on the estate who is now a wealthy landowner, proposes razing the home and cherry orchard and dividing the estate into plots that could be leased at great profit. The family, however, continues to hold out hope that their beloved home can somehow be saved from destruction.
Royal Opera House: La TraviataRoyal Opera House: La Traviata · 2019
Royal Opera House: La Traviata
★ 7.02019
MovieMusic
Alfredo Germont and the courtesan Violetta Valéry fall in love at a party in Violetta's Paris salon. Alfredo is determined to cure Violetta of her tuberculosis, and the couple leave Paris and begin a contented life in the country. But Violetta's happiness is destroyed when Alfredo's father Giorgio Germont pays her a visit. Richard Eyre's stunning naturalistic production contrasts the superficial glamour of 19th-century Parisian high life with intimate scenes for Violetta with Alfredo and Giorgio Germont, culminating in the heart-breaking final act.
Manon Lescaut - Metropolitan OperaManon Lescaut - Metropolitan Opera · 2016
Manon Lescaut - Metropolitan Opera
★ 7.02016
MovieMusic
Kristine Opolais is the young woman whose conflicting desires for love and luxury lead to her tragic end, and Roberto Alagna plays the man who falls for her in Puccini’s early hit. Richard Eyre’s elegant production, which sets the action in 1940s occupied France, was one of the highlights of the Met’s 2015–16 season. Massimo Cavalletti as Manon’s brother and Brindley Sherratt as her aging admirer co-star, and Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi is on the podium.
Richard IIIRichard III · 1995
Richard III
★ 6.81995
MovieDramaWar
Having helped his brother King Edward IV take the throne of England, the jealous hunchback Richard, Duke of Gloucester, plots to seize power for himself. Masterfully deceiving and plotting against nearly everyone in the royal court, including his eventual wife, Lady Anne, and his brother George, Duke of Clarence, Richard orchestrates a bloody rise to power before finding all his gains jeopardized by those he betrayed.
The Children ActThe Children Act · 2018
The Children Act
★ 6.62018
MovieDrama
In the midst of a marital crisis, a High Court judge must decide if she should order a life-saving blood transfusion for a teen with cancer despite his family's refusal to accept medical treatment for religious reasons.
Stage BeautyStage Beauty · 2004
Stage Beauty
★ 6.62004
MovieComedyRomance
Humble Maria, who outfits top London theater star Ned Kynaston, takes none of the credit for the male actor's success at playing women. And because this is the 17th century, Maria, like other females, is prohibited from pursuing her dream of acting. But when powerful people support her, King Charles II lifts the ban on female stage performers. And just as Maria aided Ned, she needs his help to learn her new profession.

More Like This

Dating AmberDating Amber · 2020
Dating Amber
★ 7.02020
MovieComedyDrama
Eddie and Amber decide to stage a relationship in order to stop everyone speculating about their sexuality. Eddie is keen to follow his dad into the military, while Amber dreams of moving to the liberal hub of London. The plan seems solid, but as their arrangement begins to fall apart, Eddie’s denial gets deeper as Amber realizes that a perilous future awaits her best friend unless she intervenes.
Finding NeverlandFinding Neverland · 2004
Finding Neverland
★ 7.32004
MovieDramaFantasy
During a writing slump, playwright J.M. Barrie meets a widow and her four children, all young boys—who soon become an important part of Barrie’s life and the inspiration that lead him to create his masterpiece. Peter Pan.
The Elephant ManThe Elephant Man · 1980
The Elephant Man
★ 8.01980
MovieDramaHistory
A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man being mistreated by his "owner" as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of great intelligence and sensitivity.
Jack & SarahJack & Sarah · 1995
Jack & Sarah
★ 6.81995
MovieComedyDrama
Jack always lands on his feet. He lands on his feet when he marries the beautiful Sarah. He lands on his feet when he buys a luxurious new home. However, when Sarah goes into labour, he takes a tumble down the stairs and lands on his head. When he comes around he discovers he is the proud father of a baby girl, but deficient in the spouse department to the tune of 1.
Shakespeare in LoveShakespeare in Love · 1998
Shakespeare in Love
★ 6.81998
MovieRomanceHistory
Young William Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, 'Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter', before it's even written. When lovely noblewoman Viola de Lesseps auditions for a role, they fall into forbidden love — and Shakespeare's play finds a new life (and title). As their relationship intensifies, the comedy soon transforms into tragedy.
EntrapmentEntrapment · 1999
Entrapment
★ 6.21999
MovieRomanceDrama
Two thieves, who travel in elegant circles, try to outsmart each other and, in the process, end up falling in love.
Irina PalmIrina Palm · 2007
Irina Palm
★ 6.92007
MovieDrama
Maggie, a quiet retiring grandmother, finds herself helpless as her grandson’s health deteriorates. When one last chance appears, but money is desperately short, Maggie acts to raise the cash in a fashion that surprises everyone but her.
All or NothingAll or Nothing · 2002
All or Nothing
★ 7.12002
MovieDrama
Penny works at a supermarket and Phil is a gentle taxi-driver. Penny’s love for Phil has run dry and they lead joyless lives with their two children, Rachel, a cleaner, and Rory, who is unemployed and aggressive.
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a DayMiss Pettigrew Lives for a Day · 2008
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
★ 6.82008
MovieDramaComedy
London, England, on the eve of World War II. Guinevere Pettigrew, a strict governess who is unable to keep a job, is fired again. Lost in the hostile city, a series of fortunate circumstances lead her to meet Delysia LaFosse, a glamorous and dazzling American jazz singer whose life is a chaos ruled by indecision, a continuous battle between love and fame.
CashbackCashback · 2007
Cashback
★ 7.02007
MovieDramaComedy
After a painful breakup, Ben develops insomnia. To kill time, he starts working the late night shift at the local supermarket, where his artistic imagination runs wild.
OrlandoOrlando · 1992
Orlando
★ 7.01992
MovieDramaFantasy
England, 1600. Queen Elizabeth I promises Orlando, a young nobleman obsessed with poetry, that she will grant him land and fortune if he agrees to satisfy a very particular request.
A Knight's TaleA Knight's Tale · 2001
A Knight's Tale
★ 6.92001
MovieAdventureDrama
William Thatcher, a knight's peasant apprentice, gets a chance at glory when the knight dies suddenly mid-tournament. Posing as a knight himself, William won't stop until he's crowned tournament champion—assuming matters of the heart don't get in the way.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. HydeDr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde · 1931
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
★ 7.21931
MovieHorrorScience Fiction
Dr. Henry Jekyll believes that there are two distinct sides to men: one that is good and one that is evil. He believes that by separating the two, man can become liberated. He succeeds in his experiments with chemicals to accomplish this and transforms into Hyde to commit horrendous crimes. When he discontinues use of the drug, it is already too late.
Dirty Pretty ThingsDirty Pretty Things · 2002
Dirty Pretty Things
★ 6.92002
MovieCrimeDrama
An undocumented immigrant finds a human heart in one of the toilets of the west London hotel where he works with other undocumented immigrants.
The Last Letter from Your LoverThe Last Letter from Your Lover · 2021
The Last Letter from Your Lover
★ 7.32021
MovieDramaRomance
A young journalist in London becomes obsessed with a series of letters she discovers that recounts an intense star-crossed love affair from the 1960s.
The BrokenThe Broken · 2008
The Broken
★ 5.52008
MovieThrillerDrama
The life of a successful radiologist spirals out of control when she sees the spitting image of herself driving down a London street. While attempting to uncover who the imposter could be, she stumbles into a terrifying mystery that her family and closest friends are somehow involved in, leaving her with no one to trust.
Seance on a Wet AfternoonSeance on a Wet Afternoon · 1964
Seance on a Wet Afternoon
★ 7.21964
MovieCrimeThriller
Working-class British housewife Myra Savage reinvents herself as a medium, holding seances in the sitting room of her home with the hidden assistance of her under-employed, asthmatic husband, Billy. In an attempt to enhance her credibility as a psychic, Myra hatches an elaborate, ill-conceived plot to kidnap a wealthy couple's young daughter so that she can then help the police "find" the missing girl.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter