Happy-Go-Lucky (Mike Leigh, 2008)
 

<img src="http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/movie/gallery/1195103/photo_02_hires.jpg">
<a href="http://www.apple.com/trailers/miramax/happygolucky/"><b>HD Trailer</b></a> | <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1045670/">IMDB</a> | 10 October 2008 (limited)

Just how hard is it to be happy? In the effervescent new comedy from writer/director Mike Leigh (“Vera Drake,” “Secrets & Lies”), Sally Hawkins stars as Poppy, an irrepressibly free-spirited school teacher who brings an infectious laugh and an unsinkable sense of optimism to every situation she encounters, offering us a touching, truthful and deeply life-affirming exploration of one of the most mysterious and often the most elusive of all human qualities: happiness. Poppy’s ability to maintain her perspective is tested as the story begins and her commuter bike is stolen. However, she enthusiastically signs up for driving lessons with Scott (Eddie Marsan), who turns out to be her nemesis — a fuming, uptight cynic. As the tension of their weekly lessons builds, Poppy encounters even more challenges to her positive state of mind: a fiery flamenco instructor, her bitter pregnant sister, a troubled homeless man and a young bully in her class, not to mention that she has also thrown out her back. How this affects not only Poppy’s world view but also the outlook of those around her begs the question, “glass half full or half empty?”

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This looks pretty good. A friend of mine said it reminds him of <b>Amelie</b> but even with Mike Leigh behind it I doubt this movie could match that one in terms of tone and execution.

Trailer didn't do anything for me. But I'll see anything Mike Leigh does over having to watch Amelie again. :)

Caught this at the NYFF - liked it a lot! There are some hysterical scenes involving the various people she encounters, including her driving instructor and a flamenco teacher. It's quite different from other Leigh movies, and will probably appeal to a broader audience than usually enjoy his work.

Leigh is one of my favorite directors so I will definitely check this out.


Same here, but this may be due to Miramax's marketing philosophy in trying to appeal to the mainstrem American audience. I would like to check out the British trailer.

I bought the R2 DVD. I didn't think it was anything special, but it's a nice little film. I only paid £6.98

from the reviews I've been reading the UK press has equally been positive and negative about the film. I'm looking forward to seeing it though.

It's at 97% RT as of last night.

I'm kind of surprised at the glowing reviews. I enjoyed it but it is not even in my top 30 of the year. It's just like the other poster said, a nice little film.

I saw the trailer. It was so syrupy sweet that it gave me diabetes. Looks like Pollyanna with an adult as the main character. Blergh.

One of the best films of the year! I highly recommend it.

I've only seen three outstanding films this year - THE FALL, ARRANGED, and now HAPPY GO LUCKY...The Dark Knight is the best superhero movie, but as a movie in general it's okay.

I saw this last night and i was pleasantly surprised - Sally Hawkins is great as Poppy and the film in general had a lot to say about the dynamics and interplay of people's personalities and outlooks on life.