Looks and Smiles
1981, English. Directed by Ken Loach.
Thatcherism and the Irish troubles provide the backdrop for this study of Mick, a well-meaning youth in Sheffield, who has, unlike Dickens' Pip, no expectations. Mick lives with his parents, works on his motorbike, looks for work, and every two weeks gets his check from the dole. There are no jobs. His best mate Alan joins the army to fix tanks and is sent to Belfast to quell Catholics. At a disco, Mick meets Karen, who works at a shoe shop and lives with her recently-separated mum. She offers emotional stability and a route to adulthood while Alan pitches the army. What will become of Mick?
- Runtime
- 1h 44m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch Looks and Smiles
Looks and Smiles is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Shout! Factory in India.
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Amazon MX PlayerAvailability in India as of 12 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 9 September 1981
- Country
- France, United Kingdom
- Written by
- Barry Hines
Check ratings elsewhere
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Looks and Smiles: quick answers
Is Looks and Smiles worth watching?
Looks and Smiles doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Looks and Smiles?
Looks and Smiles runs 104 minutes (1h 44m).
Does Looks and Smiles have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Looks and Smiles. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Looks and Smiles parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Looks and Smiles yet.
Which OTT platform is Looks and Smiles on?
Looks and Smiles is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Shout! Factory in India. (Checked 12 November 2026.)
What movies are like Looks and Smiles?
If you liked Looks and Smiles, try Inside I'm Dancing, What Maisie Knew, Eleanor the Great.
Who directed Looks and Smiles?
Looks and Smiles (1981) was directed by Ken Loach and stars Graham Green, Carolyn Nicholson, Tony Pitts.