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MPAA RATING: R for language
Starring Sally Hawkins, Alexis Zegerman, Andrea Riseborough, Samuel Roukin, Sinead Matthews, Kate O'Flynn, Sarah Niles, and Eddie Marsan
Just how hard is it to be happy? Poppy is an irrepressibly free-spirited school teacher who brings an infectious laugh and an unsinkable sense of optimism to every situation she encounters, offering us a touching, truthful and deeply life-affirming exploration of one of the most mysterious and often the most elusive of all human qualities: happiness. Poppy's ability to maintain her perspective is tested as the story begins and her commuter bike is stolen. However, she enthusiastically signs up for driving lessons with Scott, who turns out to be her nemesis – a fuming, uptight cynic. As the tension of their weekly lessons builds, Poppy encounters even more challenges to her positive state of mind: a fiery flamenco instructor, her bitter pregnant sister, a troubled homeless man and a young bully in her class, not to mention that she has also thrown out her back. How this affects not only Poppy's world view but also the outlook of those around her begs the question "glass half full or half empty"? (Miramax)
| GENRE(S): | Comedy | Drama |
| WRITTEN BY: | Mike Leigh |
| DIRECTED BY: | Mike Leigh |
| RELEASE DATE: |
DVD: March 10, 2009 Theatrical: October 10, 2008 |
| RUNNING TIME: | 118 minutes, Color |
| ORIGIN: | USA |
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
The average user rating for this movie is 8.4 (out of 10) based on 210 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Matthew A gave it a9:
What a charming and funny character study. I went into this film not expecting much, but i got a whole lot more out of it than intended. The leisurely pace may not be for all, but for those who stick with the film may get a lot out of it. Sally Hawkins plays "Poppy" a very friendly and good-spirited girl who interacts with a variety of other characters that can be found in our world. Some of these people who she comes in contact with are the exact opposite of her. This makes for very interesting interactions and funny dialogue. I was reading many of the negative reviews on this film and can understand why those people had a problem with it. They just plain don't like Poppy, and wouldn't like to spend more than an hour in her presence. I found her funny and charming, while others (and this i can understand) find her annoying. However, i feel that her character is undeniably valid, and even though you may not like her character, the audience should be willing to take a step into her shoes. The story is all about Poppy's life, so just be a part of it and SMILE!
Rob C. gave it a9:
I loved this film. A refreshing change from your average Hollywood movie, this one made me think during, and after watching it. Some really interesting stuff in it - I think most people can relate to it.
mike gave it a10:
Very good performances. The man who played scott( Eddie Marsan) was very good. The scene where scott confronted poppy(Sally Hawkins) was so mind numbing.
Fabio P. gave it a2:
One of the most overrated movies i've ever seen. I've rented it after reading so many good reviews by the critics, and i was actually astonished by its emptiness. There basically isn't a story: the film is only made by a bunch of sequences (not always related between each other) where Poppy -quite possibly the most annoying carachter i've ever seen in a movie- just keeps on laughing at people with no reason, blabbling nonsense and telling stupid jokes. There's no laughs, no tears, NOTHING in this movie. I just prayed it could end as quickly as possible, and then i was left with the only desire of punching Poppy on her always-smiling face.
Peter H. gave it a7:
This entertaining film from Mike Leigh is more a portrait than a film, but it still holds up as an entertaining comedy.
Dave W gave it a10:
For once a film that leaves me speechless. The best, most subtly intelligent movie I've seen in at least a year. Don't be fooled by the hype -- I hate sentimentality and forced optimism. That didn't get in the way of my loving this film. Great writing and directing combined with an astonishing cast, especially Sally Hawkins.
Eliza F. gave it a2:
Passive aggression thy name is Poppy. Hate your driving instructor because he's grouchy and racist? Giggle and chatter through all his instructions and persist in wearing the boots he's begged you to leave off. Want to irritate the shop owner who's trying to concentrate on something? Keep right on talking to him, non-stop? Like to make your flat-mate uncomfortable? Look down her top and stroke her legs. Think your dance instructor is a bit over the top? Roll your eyes and make faces while she teaches Feel like testing the common sense to the absolute limits? Approach a mentally-ill homeless man in the midst of a psychotic episode and invade his space with your supremely annoying chatter and laugh at him. Do it all with a big self-satisfied grin and a wheezy breathless laugh at your own inane jokes and everyone will take your side and find you charming. Well, most people will.
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