Review of Another Year (2010) by Darren H — 26 Feb 2011

Mike Leigh is one of these filmmakers who always remain genuine and sympathetic towards his characters. Another Year is no exception. The film can be described as a slice-of-life parable on happiness or a lack of thereof.

It centers on a blissfully happy married couple who are surrounded over the course of the four seasons of one average year by friends, colleagues, and family who all seem to suffer some degree of unhappiness.

With his character-driven script, Leigh manages to find the appropriate rhythm within the four differing seasons and thus elicit wonderful performances from the terrific cast. Especially Lesley Manville is amazing as troubled and, on the whole, miserable Mary.

Manville excels in displaying a wide array of emotions throughout the film. She totally loses herself in this multi-dimensional character delivering my favorite acting performance of the year. In the film that is so well observed, Leigh just like in Happy-Go-Lucky, forgets to keep the storyline tight.

A couple of lengthy scenes doesn't belittle the film's emotional impact though. Another Year just stays with you long after the screening and you can't help it. 8/10 (B+).