Film: Another Year

Cast includes: Jim Broadbent (Bridget Jones’s Diary), Lesley Manville (Secrets & Lies), Ruth Sheen (Run, Fatboy, Run)
Writer/Director: Mike Leigh (Topsy-Turvy)
Genre: Drama (2010)

In brief: We first meet Gerri at her job. She’s a psychological counselor at a London hospital. Some patients are just about impossible to help, but Gerri is always kind and patient. Her friend Mary is a secretary in the department. When Gerri and Mary go out for a drink after work, we learn that Gerri has been happily married for years… “It’s lovely how you and Tom do everything together.” On the other hand, Mary is habitually between relationships. Before Gerri heads home, Mary spots a unaccompanied man… middle aged, well groomed, well dressed and good looking… and he seems to be looking her way. So she doesn’t mind when Gerri leave first. But Mr. Right, alas, is waiting for a much younger Ms. Right.

Gerri and Tom do, indeed, appear to be happy. The center of their home is the big eat-in kitchen, where friends and relatives are always welcome to share a home cooked meal with vegetables from the garden. No matter how needy some of their friends can be, Gerri and Tom are generous and good natured. “Life’s not always kind is it,” Gerri points out when Mary has one of her judgmental moments. One has to wonder if Gerri and Tom’s generous spirit has any limits.
As we watch Gerri, Tom and their extended family getting through another year, we feel like we’re part of the family. This film doesn’t have a plot in the traditional sense. It’s very true to life, yet it’s interesting enough to keep you engaged… assuming you appreciate films without traditional plots. Director, Mike Leigh is well known for his unique approach to character development, often spending weeks with each actor forming his or her character. That’s why his movies are so engrossing. At times we wonder how Gerri and Tom manage to extend such non-judgmental hospitality to so many friends who don’t always reciprocate. Mary often tells others, “If you ever need to share anything, I’m here for you.” But it takes more than talk to “be there.”

popcorn rating

3 popped kernels

Character development so realistic, you'll feel like you're part of the family

Popcorn Profile

Rated: PG-13
Primary Audience: Grown-ups
Gender Appeal: Any audience
Distribution: Art house
Mood: Somber
Tempo: In no hurry
Visual Style: Unvarnished realism
Character Development: Intense
Language: True to life
Social Significance: Thought provoking