Review of Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) by Jim F — 11 Aug 2011

Great Mike Leigh comedy featuring all the signs of a true Leigh classic: realism, thought-provoking characters, great performances, and buckets of English charm. Sally Hawkins shines in a star-making breakthrough performance, and though many will find her Poppy grating to the extreme, she's actually a complex and wonderful character brought to life with immense skill and candour.

Beside her Eddie Marsan's tightly-wound, racist driving instructor is a great counter to Poppy's endless cheer, and together they make a dynamic pairing. Granted the leisurely pacing will prove tiresome to certain viewers, but after a summer stuffed with never-ending and ever-quickening blockbusters, Happy-Go-Lucky is the perfect antidote for some quiet, ponderous and very pleasurable cinema.