Happy-Go-Lucky (Ws Sub Ac3 Dol) [DVD] [2008] [US Import]

Reading the other reviews, this seems to be a film that you are likely to either love or hate. I loved it, although if it were described to me, I would fully expect to find the Poppy character (or rather, the implication that she is an ideal that people should strive to emulate) rather patronising. I think what made the difference for me was that the character was shown to have some depth.

It's difficult to summarise plot, because there isn't really one - the film basically follows an extreme of character - the happy-go-lucky person who seems impossible to knock down. It's a 'slice of life' type film, and we see her in various situations that are probably there to show that her life isn't that different from the average. Who knows though? Perhaps we all have secret tragedies, and the fact that there is no real trauma in hers is the real source of her happiness. I suspect not though.

The scene with the tramp for me was critical - it was the point at which I stopped dismissing Poppy as a bit of fluff and started thinking that there was something else rather special about the character - the scene was unrealistic in the sense that few sane people would likely go up to a tramp who is very obviously not in touch with reality - but Sally Hawkins' portrayal was so convincing that instead of thinking, 'Fake' it made me think that Poppy had a very special insight, that she would know the tramp-nutter wouldn't harm her, and that she had sufficient compassion to try to find out how he was. It was that balance of compassion that made her chirpiness in the rest of the film endearing rather than annoying.

I loved the interactions between Poppy and Scott (the driving instructor) - and here again, it was the subtleties of the interaction and the great acting that won me over. Because, basically, Poppy's behaviour was very irritating (IMO) and potentially unsafe, and a driving instructor would have been totally justified in telling her off - but the way he responds, he's just so typical of people who work in customer-interfacing roles who really shouldn't. The scene with the pregnant sister was so brilliant - and such a great illustration of how when people say, "I just want you to be happy", what they really mean is "I just want you to do as I say".

Very well observed and very funny IMO.

A feel good film yes, but what's wrong with feeling good occasionally?

Mike Leigh is the master of the awkward silence and the cringe, of the emotional distress behind so many people's lives.

On the surface, the relentlessly cheerful Happy go Lucky marks a change from that, because the central character, Poppy, is so irritatingly Pollyanna-ish and upbeat. Sally Hawkins carries the film, showing that behind her silliness and happiness, Poppy is in fact intelligent and sensitive. That said, the whole cast turn in great performances.

This is a much more insightful film than might at first meet the eye, fun to watch at the time, with plenty to think about afterwards. Fun and clever - what more ou could you ask for?

Shot in a glossy palate of primary colours, the whole film, and London in particular, look stunning. Highly recommended.

Firstly, please disregard the shamefully negative reviews of the nihilists out there. I'm sure that if an opportunity came knocking at their doors they would complain about the noise. This film is an absolute gem, and for your own enjoyment and life enriching experience I would urge you to watch it. Leighs flawless directing left me breathless at times (see the flamenco dancing lessons and you'll see why) and the lead actress was truly mesmerising. Altogether it's an enchanting and enthralling film, and a real antidote to the pervasive pessimism and negativity that seems to afflict so many in society. A film For lovers of life only perhaps? Heartily recommended!