Happy-Go-Lucky

Last year much acclaimed author Sebastian Faulks made a tv series exploring what makes a great novel. In his opinion the driving force of great literature is not the plot, but the characters, this is what is more important to the reader. He looked at various characters throughout classic and modern literature, from the lover to the villain and so on. If he is true to his word then he would surely approve of Mike Leigh’s ‘Happy-Go-Lucky’, a character driven film starring Sally Hawkins as Poppy, a perpetually cheerful and optimistic school teacher. She is an engaging character, with much funny and entertaining banter, although at times her constant quirkiness and ‘niceness’ is a bit exhausting to the viewer or maybe I am in danger of becoming a grumpy old man. Saying that I would much rather there were more Poppy’s in the world, spreading sweetness and light than, well, grumpy old men like me. But there are moments when life’s trials and tribulations force her into seriousness and you get a glimpse of her hidden depths. One strand of the film deals with Poppy getting driving lessons from a highly strung, and possibly mentally imbalanced, driving instructor played brilliantly by Eddie Marsan. Their scenes together give the film some needed spice and fizz, for want of a better word. Mike Leigh’s social realism approach to the film is very effective and there are some scenes of Poppy interacting with her pupils and friends and even her driving instructor which are touching and uplifting. Sally Hawkins’ received much critical acclaim for her portrayal of Poppy and although I thought she could have toned down her character just a smidgeon she is generally deserving of all the praise that came her way. An entertaining, skillfully made and genuinely feel good film. 8/10