Happy-Go-Lucky
2008 Directed by Mike Leigh
Synopsis
A look at a few chapters in the life of Poppy, a cheery, colorful, North London schoolteacher whose optimism tends to exasperate those around her.
Cast
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Funny how the first time I saw this, I wished there was more of a reason why Sally Hawkins' character was so "Happy-Go-Lucky" because I'm such a cynic (or was such a cynic) that I couldn't accept someone being happy to be happy but now I'm ok with it because it's just so endearing. As harsh as the world is, it's nice seeing someone be so happy all the time just cause'.
Also, that little theory on Mike Leigh's world that I professed in my Career Girls review applies here too.
Despite the downers (though most are pretty minor) she experiences in the film, Poppy is still able to pull herself into the next day to be "Happy Go Lucky" and it's both endearing and inspiring to watch. -
Review from my VOD column "This Week on Demand".
Unusually light as Mike Leigh films go, his 2008 Happy-Go-Lucky is the upbeat, amusing tale of primary school teacher Poppy, an infectiously cheery individual whose relentlessly optimistic view of the world clashes with the ferocious anger of his new driving instructor. Sally Hawkins works wonders with the character, sidestepping the potential annoyance of her chirpy exterior with her sheer sweetness and likeability, but it’s Eddie Marsan who really owns the film. Spewing a torrent of venomous aggression and voluminous spittle, Marsan is utterly hilarious yet somehow so quietly sad; his immitigable anger begs the difficult question of whose worldview is more delusional, his or Poppy’s. Leigh’s trademark improvisational style—reputedly overseen by the director crouched on the floor of the car in those scenes shot during driving lessons—allows the characters to feel so real and lived-in, and their relationship so magnificently believable, that its abundant comedy works all the more effectively.
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I came across this movie on the dish, thought it sounded interesting, and started watching it. As it turns out, this was is one of my favorite movies, ever. And it's all because of Poppy, who is played by the amazingly talented Sally Hawkins.
It's a breath of fresh air. And I totally get why Poppy is the way she is. Happiness is constant struggle, but Poppy is determined to keep on shining. She's a beacon of light for the rest. Poppy is, by far, one of the most soulful characters I've seen come to life in film. It's obvious that Poppy has a troubled past, but I think it's because she's suffered that she's able to be as compassionate…
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An engaging character study about a woman blessed with a sunny disposition. It is a rare occasion that you see a protagonist who's care-free nature isn't looked down upon. Her naivety a source of contempt. Poppy the protagonist is in many ways the antithesis of a protagonist in a Sam Mendes film. She isn't cynical, jaded, or doing all in her power to not drown in the minutiae of everyday life. She is sweet, intuitive, independent, and always looking on the bright side. But rather than having her be an empty sack of smiles, Leigh fleshes her out in a way that even when you don't understand her, you root for her.
Poppy does not wish to imitate "adult" life,… -
In years to come, this film will be looked upon as a record of London in the early 21st century, just as Woody Allen's Annie Hall is regarded as a recording of New York City in the 1970s. To watch this film is to be plonked onto a street corner in North London, and to immerse yourself in London life.
It is also a rather dark in its portrayal of contemporary Britain.
Reading some of the reviews on this site and from critics, it's striking how many don't seem to get it. Happy-Go-Lucky is not 'light', nor is it 'feel-good'. It is beautifully filmed, with a radiant leading lady, Sally Hawkins, who delivers one of the best performances I've ever…
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Quite simply... Absolutely incredible film making. So much narrative depth it will cripple you. I enjoyed this immensely. I won't say much more than this since it's all down to you and what you make of it.
For a social commentary nerd, this is (like any of Mike Leigh's) the absolute oasis of heaven.
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Third time seeing this, still a great demonstration of maintaining joy and wonder in a world pressured by negative cynics.
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Meh... Salva-se o facto de não obedecer a uma certa inevitabilidade do género. De resto, não vale o tempo.
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The ultimate litmus test of one's tolerance of persistent optimism. Such a joyous and infectious personality whose experiences test her limits to increasingly distressing lengths. The rowing metaphor at the films conclusion would be hard to swallow in any other film, but here it sits perfectly. Poppy ends up a true bastion of individuality in the face of an increasingly fearful and repressive modern society.
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Sally Hawkins as Poppy is pretty memorable as a character who runs the line between incredibly annoying and oddly disarming throughout. Whichever side though, she is believable. Some people (mubi) seem to say that after watching this they strive to live their live like her, even that they found this strangely inspirational. I didn’t have that reaction, but I managed to tolerate a character who at first glance is ridiculously irritating, to a degree even come around to her. Its a character very well fleshed out by Hawkins and Leigh, and a good character led film.
Like Poppy, the film works something of a charm, seeming affected and trite at first, but revealing itself as something more genuine and layered…
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Mike Leigh (who directed one of my favorite movies, Another Year) creates a beautifully profound story focusing on happiness and the inconveniences that try to-and sometimes do-crush it. The first half is naturally quirky as we come to know, understand, and love the character of Poppy, while the second half is more dramatic due to the state that some of the characters she meets are in. Uniquely powerful through its wisdom and honesty, Happy-Go-Lucky flawlessly displays some of the best writing and one of the most memorable lead performances I've seen in a long while. If you haven't already, see this film as soon as possible.
A+
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Most hefty movies are pretty depressing, or at the very least are not explicitly cheerful. This fact probably stems from the commonly held belief that happy people are boring people. Tolstoy, for example, in the famous opening lines of Anna Karenina states "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." Many people seem to believe that the same applies to individuals. It's not surprising. Happiness, after all, is often related to the notion of contentment, and contentment, almost by definition, implies some sort of stasis, and really, how interesting is a movie about a person who does not change?
Happy-Go-Lucky goes against the grain by creating a deep meditation on a happy person. Central…
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In years to come, this film will be looked upon as a record of London in the early 21st century, just as Woody Allen's Annie Hall is regarded as a recording of New York City in the 1970s. To watch this film is to be plonked onto a street corner in North London, and to immerse yourself in London life.
It is also a rather dark in its portrayal of contemporary Britain.
Reading some of the reviews on this site and from critics, it's striking how many don't seem to get it. Happy-Go-Lucky is not 'light', nor is it 'feel-good'. It is beautifully filmed, with a radiant leading lady, Sally Hawkins, who delivers one of the best performances I've ever…
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well, watching this brought me close to insanity (literally) - too much happiness for a cynical person like me pouring out of every corner. still, Sally Hawkins' performance is just so adorable and heartwarming, I couldn't help but falling in love with her and the message this film is trying to spread - look at things differently and be happy.
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Really enjoyed this film. It reminded me of:
"Therefore the sage always excels in saving people, and so abandons noone;
Always excels in saving things, and so abandons nothing.This is called following one's discernment.
Hence the good man is the teacher the bad learns from;
And the bad man is the material the good works on."(Dao De Jing, Verse 27)