Review of High Hopes (1989) by Joelgreenberg — 28 Jul 2022
High Hopes is not without its flaws,but like any true gem, the flaws can enhance the thing itself. Mike Leigh's dissection of Thatcher's impact on life in Britain never fails to score, sometimes with laughter that sticks in the throat, and sometimes with a piercing pain of recognition.
The downbeat score reminds us that the world of late 1980's London is permanently overcast, almost always threatening a storm. That the clouds fail to break speaks to Leigh's powerful vision and his hold on the truth of the central characters.
I loved this film on first sight when it was shown on tv and I had no idea what was about to unfold. I devoured everything of his work that I could find thereafter and ever since. High Hopes is the best there is.
This review of High Hopes (1989) was written by Joelgreenberg on 28 Jul 2022.
High Hopes has generally received very positive reviews.
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