Happy-Go-Lucky
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Metascore
84 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 34 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 235 Ratings

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  • Starring: Alexis Zegerman, Sally Hawkins
  • Summary: 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)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    This is Mike Leigh's funniest film since "Life Is Sweet" (1991). Of course he hasn't ever made a completely funny film, and Happy-Go-Lucky has scenes that are not funny, not at all.
  2. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by: Liam Lacey
    100
    As refreshing as it is to find a movie that leaves you smiling, it's something much rarer to discover a film that makes you think about what a commitment to happiness really means.
  3. NPR
    Reviewed by: Bob Mondello
    80
    So relentlessly upbeat that it won't take long before you're wondering just how the director plans to wipe the smile off her face.
  4. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Elizabeth Weitzman
    60
    Is it possible to enjoy the company of the world's most irritating woman? Mike Leigh's surprisingly sunny dramedy makes a pretty good case that, in fact, it is.

See all 34 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 67
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 67
  3. Negative: 30 out of 67
  1. SarahK
    10
    This movie is a gem. How often do we see a movie that actually examines the real-life risks of leading a happy life, and whether happiness itself makes it worth it? Also, the acting is extraordinary.… Expand
  2. MartinR
    8
    Quirky, innovative, unique, mainly funny, yet darkened by the amazing cab scenes. A Movie like no other.
  3. LinL.
    7
    This is one of those odd movies you might find yourself liking better a couple of days later than you did while watching it. (While watching it, you sometimes want to wring Poppy's scrawny little neck.) Later, you recall Poppy's verve and loyalty and determination to persevere in a crappy world, and you really wish her the best. At times, the actors' improvising is all too obvious, as when the misanthropic driving instructor's rants go on and on and on. Great acting by Hawkins, so different from our glam and airbrushed U.S. starlets.… Collapse
  4. ElizaF.
    2
    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.… Expand

See all 67 User Reviews

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