Another Year

I had been told that the film Another Year was “really good, but a bit sad” and the trailer for it had made it seem really interesting, I went and saw it.

It was exactly like I was expecting, only better!

I really enjoy watching Jim Broadbent and so was looking forward to his performance (which was great), but it was Ruth Sheen’s portrayal of Gerri that really had me engaged. She had a measured, genuine air that I found really lovely.

I had it in my head (though I’m not sure where it came from) that this movie was about people dying. I was wrong, there was a death, but it was of a character we hadn’t been introduced to. So, when it was described as “a bit sad” that referred more to the character of Mary.

Mary (played brilliantly by Lesley Manville) is a single woman who is getting on in years and although she tried to cover it with a bubbly personality, is desperately lonely. So much so, she seems to have no idea where to direct her affections.

Another Year was directed by Mike Leigh. Just now, I was looking at IMDB and saw that he also directed Happy-Go-Lucky and it was a bit of an ‘Ah-ha!’ moment. Happy-Go-Lucky was a bit different, but captured the same sentiment, in my opinion. Basically, that life is there, it can be great and satisfying but then there is always some sort of unhappiness affecting someone in what can be the most profound way. I don’t know if this summing up is doing either of these films justice, but it’s the best I can do at this hour in the morning. J

All I can say is, Another Year is well worth watching and (to amend the earlier quote) is brilliant, but a bit sad.