Review of Another Year (2010) by Jean-Philippe S — 18 May 2011

Yet again, Mike Leigh creates another film that is more concerned with well drawn characters and their relationships over conventional narrative, and what emerges is a brilliantly acted and somber piece which takes a while to digest.

The central couple, Tom & Gerri played by Jim Broabent & Ruth Sheen are basically the conventional happy couple who have made the right life choices. They find themselves surrounded by their friends who are very unhappy and hit the bottle a little too often.

The friend we see the most on screen is Mary, brilliantly played my Lesley Manville who is lonely, neurotic and very desperate for comfort and guidance from the central couple. She is a very sympathetic character who is so beyond help, you just can't help but feel a bit sorry for.

While Tom and Gerri appear to be happy and kind people, they do have their flaws. They can be a bit condecending and a little snobby. This is all portrayed very subtley and it is one of those movies where you will notice something different with each viewing.

Some people may be annoyed at the 'non ending' and the long, drawn out scenes and sometimes bleak outlook. It is also is one of those films where you draw your own conclusions as to how it comments on British society and how you judge the characters.

For me, I feel it serves as a profound statement about how British culture lacks compassion and honesty.