Happy-Go-Lucky

Happy-Go-Lucky, directed by Academy Award nominee Mike Leigh, is a warm story which follows the life of quirky Londoner, Poppy (Sally Hawkins), an ever-optimistic North London primary school teacher, who gets through all of life’s trials and tribulations with a sense of humour, and a smile. With her friends growing up, getting serious, getting married and having babies, Poppy must come to terms with where her life is going and make steps to change her non-existent love life.

A big hit in the 2008 festival circuit, Happy-Go-Lucky captures the same colourful charm and warmth of London as last year's hugely successful British film, Run Fatboy Run. It appears as if British cinema is carving out once again a new, contemporary style, depicting London in the best way possible, using the best locations and keeping it engulfed in sunshine. I would say in its own way Happy-Go-Lucky is the British version of Juno: it has an amazing sense of humour and such undeniable quirk that anyone who is a fan of Juno should definitely see this.

This film is director Mike Leigh’s follow-up to the wonderful Vera Drake which he also wrote and directed earning him his two Academy Award nominations in 2005, for best direction and best writing. He seems to be on to a good thing, especially now with the success of Happy-Go-Lucky; his talents as a honed and focused director, as well as an original and sensitive writer, combined with an excellent and multi-talented cast (watch out for some dancing lessons!) make this film an absolute must-see.

This is a lovely addition to the autumn WSC schedule, and will be an uplifting and warming experience guaranteed. As I said before, if you liked Juno or Run Fatboy Run, you must see this latest addition to the quirky/ indie style and absolutely hilarious new genre of film.

Rachael Pilson-Wood