Measured in pace, yet thoroughly gripping and completely accessible. The title soft-sells the picture, but it’s among the best of this or any year. And Manville should clear some shelf space for well-deserved awards.
Leigh and his note perfect cast have crafted a bitterly funny tale of sadness and frustration, where life, contrary to what Leigh’s earlier film titles suggest, is rarely sweet or happy-go-lucky.
Leigh’s take on life’s rich tapestry – its smiles, its frowns, its ups and downs – is second nature to us now. Yet he’s still made Another funny, perceptive, moving human drama.
The ensemble cast, many of whom are regular collaborators of the director, respond with impressive performances.
Yes, you always know you’re in for at least one socially excruciating scene at a Mike Leigh film, and the pivotal example here is a masterclass in trampled delusions and passive aggression.
As any Leigh-watcher will tell you, it can often be grim up north London, but never has it felt quite this smug.
Please use the link to reference this article. Do not copy & paste articles which is a breach of FT.com's Ts&Cs (www.ft.com/servicestools/help/terms) and is copyright infringement. Send a link for free or email ftsales.support@ft.com to purchase rights. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/6cab4a32-e76b-11df-b5b4-00144feab49a.html#ixzz14MaprW3B Leigh adds layer upon layer of humanity. A master of the behavioural “tell”, he catches every tiny facial response or flicker of body language.
It will probably win many awards. But it's far from great.
Nothing really happens, but when it’s not happening in the company of these actors and this director, the results are enchanting, quietly humorous and sometimes deeply moving.
Another Mike Leigh gem.
MIKE LEIGH returns to familiar territory with yet another painfully well-observed tragi-comedy that dissects the lives of a handful of Londoners.
It's a rare misstep for Leigh...Another Year suggests it might worth breaking some new ground next time.
Bitterly witty, his film about ageing is compelling.
It rewards serious contemplation and, like all this director's work, it seems to be catching life on the wing, when in fact it is as trained, controlled and graceful as a falcon.
DARE I say it but Mike Leigh’s Another Year actually feels like ten, a finely acted but self-indulgent and rather tiresome drama about the rhythms of life peopled with aggravating characters, notably Lesley Manville’s whiny windbag Mary.
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Mike Leigh's women
Interview: Lesley Manville, actress
Mike Leigh: Bard of Bleakness
Mike Leigh discusses Another Year
Another Year, same old witch-hunt
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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