It's easy to see why many male critics might dislike this odd and quirky slice of seedy realism--mixed with an unlikely romance--simply because most of the men in the film are portrayed as emotional basket cases, while the lead, compellingly played by Marianne Faithful, evolves into a full-fledged character who sacrifices her own well-being for that of her grandchild, and ignores the social rules by which everyone is supposed to play. This will probably be the only semi-mainstream film ever released that deals with an unemployed grandmother who decides to work giving pleasure with her palms (hence the coy name) in a Soho sex club--and doing so with a combination of wit, odd charm, and a good deal of family drama--and there's even a little romance kindled for the old gal. If you set aside the usual middle-class horrors concerning those who choose to live outside the box, this film can be a good deal of fun--strange, but point well-taken!
Review of Irina Palm
