Review of Another Year (2010) by Panta O — 29 Jan 2011
I like Mike Leigh as a director... and I have to say that in this film is one of his masterpieces for another reason... he showed us that he is a brilliant screenwriter as well! Deeply involving mature reflection on life's joys and sorrows results in an intelligent compassionate drama with a fine symmetry of subtly defined characters which could be from any British neighbourhood.
.. All the scenes have the ring of authenticity which was brought to us by the help of the team of amazing actors like Ruth Sheen (Gerri), Jim Broadbent (Tom), Lesley Manville (Mary) and Peter Wight (Ken).
Most of the key cast members had already worked with the director multiple times in the past. Leigh collaborated with the actors for five months to create their characters, world and do research. The director employed his usual technique where the actors improvise extensively during rehearsals, and the result of those improvisations becomes the basis for the final script used on the set.
This is a drama which will divide some of the audience because it is overwhelmingly smart and it'll need your attention for most of the film! I will strongly recommend watching of this acutely well-observed study of needy and unhappy people desperately trying to make sense of their lives!
This review of Another Year (2010) was written by Panta O on 29 Jan 2011.
Another Year has generally received positive reviews.
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