The Full Monty - A Movie Review

We gotta work together if we want to make this strip show work.

The Full Monty arrived in theaters in 1997. Set in Sheffield, England, six unemployed steel workers form a male striptease act. As they plan their routine they experience reluctance, body issues, and uproar from their community about the act.

The Full Monty is an important film. I had my doubts that this film would have any message whatsoever, but I was proved wrong. It’s nice when movies do that. Be proud of your body no matter what, especially for male audiences.

With the films I’ve seen him in I would never have expected to see Robert Carlyle in this. He is a splendid actor and exceeds expectations here. Tight on money and not wanting to miss time with his son, Gaz’s creation of this group turns into a reflective journey.

A terrific ensemble of men leads The Full Monty. Tom Wilkinson, Mark Addy, Steve Huison, Paul Barber, and Hugo Spier steal the show with witty dialogue or talented dance moves.

The interactions between the men are important. Hostile towards each other in the beginning, gradually they open up even lending respective advice to one another.

Male friendships are not given enough representation in films. They’re just as important as women's friendships. Men can also have deep conversations and seek out advice. The camaraderie among the lead characters makes the journey more engaging. Their friendship also opens new doors and boosts their mental health.

The Full Monty is more than its raunchy premise. Believe me, I was on the fence about the film, but I ended up enjoying it and had the best time. The funniest scene was when the men distracted Gerald in his job interview with a gnome show in the windows.

Now I understand why this is a groundbreaking film. The Full Monty’s greatest strength is body positivity a subject that has not been discussed enough in films. This film opens the door for men to come forward and have discussions. The Full Monty exists for a reason to promote body positivity, a message that remains as relevant today as it was in 1997.

Masculinity has garnered several definitions and varied opinions among genders. Based on opinions from society, men are looked down upon for showing emotions or vulnerability. Nobody is made of steel. We all have feelings and fears. Breaking free from societal expectations, the characters confront their vulnerabilities and challenge toxic opinions.

Peter Cattaneo directed The Full Monty with an open eye. He let the actors dictate the film and he also opened the door for conversations about body image for men. By normalizing conversations about male bodies, The Full Monty encouraged people, especially men, to appreciate their bodies despite society's unrealistic expectations.

There were scenes that I found weird like Gaz letting his young son watch their stripping sessions. I know he is desperate to spend more time with him and make this striptease happen, but Nathan (Wim Snape) witnesses some inappropriate things in the strip rehearsals.

The final scene of the film was shot in an impressive one-take. Bravely baring themselves - both physically and emotionally - the strength of the men’s bond is the highlight of the climax seeing how far they have come in this odd adventure.

The Full Monty was a successful British film that accumulated a musical that I am looking forward to seeing in the fall. Only mature audiences should watch The Full Monty due to the content and some nudity. My best advice is to view it with an open mind.