IMDb > Happy-Go-Lucky (2008)
Happy-Go-Lucky
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Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 11 | slideshow) Videos (see all 37)
Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) -- This is the theatrical trailer for Happy-Go-Lucky, directed by Mike Leigh.
Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) -- Clip from Miramax's "Happy-Go-Lucky".
Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) -- Behind the Scenes: Poppy and Scott, post
Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) -- Interview: Eddie Marsan "On developing his character"
Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) -- CT #1, post

IMDb Holiday Movie Guide

Overview

User Rating:
7.1/10   12,480 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 10% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer:
Mike Leigh (writer)
Contact:
View company contact information for Happy-Go-Lucky on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
18 April 2008 (UK) more
Genre:
Tagline:
The one movie this fall that will put a smile on your face.
Plot:
A look at a few chapters in the life of Poppy, a cheery, colorful, North London schoolteacher whose optimism tends to exasperate those around her. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Nominated for Oscar. Another 20 wins & 14 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(305 articles)
User Comments:
A sprightly and optimistic little film more (144 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Sally Hawkins ... Poppy

Elliot Cowan ... Bookshop Assistant

Alexis Zegerman ... Zoe
Andrea Riseborough ... Dawn
Sinead Matthews ... Alice (as Sinéad Matthews)
Kate O'Flynn ... Suzy
Sarah Niles ... Tash

Eddie Marsan ... Scott
Joseph Kloska ... Suzy's Boyfriend
Sylvestra Le Touzel ... Heather
Anna Reynolds ... Receptionist

Nonso Anozie ... Ezra
Trevor Cooper ... Patient
Karina Fernandez ... Flamenco Teacher

Philip Arditti ... Flamenco Student
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
Untitled Mike Leigh Project (UK) (working title)
more
MPAA:
Rated R for language.
Runtime:
118 min
Country:
Language:
Colour:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Company:

Fun Stuff

Goofs:
Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): At one point, Scott guesses Poppy's age and is - by several years - incorrect. Yet, as he is her driving instructor, he would have seen her provisional driving license (as we see when they first meet), which always has the pupil's date of birth on it. more
Quotes:
Poppy: Don't think so, gigolo. more
Movie Connections:
References Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) (VG) more
Soundtrack:
ABC more

FAQ

How much sex, violence, and profanity are in this movie?
What is the name of the song at the end of the trailer?
Is "Happy-Go-Lucky" based on a book?
more
37 out of 57 people found the following comment useful.
A sprightly and optimistic little film, 13 May 2008
8/10
Author: johnny_ultimate from Ireland

If ever a film was wonderfully summarised in a title, it is Happy-Go-Lucky. Those five syllables perfect describe the light and breezy tone of this film, and quite possibly how you will feel as you leave the cinema. This is a movie that admirably celebrates optimism, which I for one found a nice relief in an age where even Hollywood blockbusters strive to be dark and cynical.

At first, I didn't really think I was going to enjoy Happy-Go-Lucky. The opening few minutes have a couple of attempts at humour that fall rather flat: not really a positive sign in a comedy-drama. And then there is a sequence illustrating a stereotypical, painful night out: the drunken ramblings of a coven of irritating witches prove to be an instant turn-off that creates little sympathy towards Poppy, our chirpy protagonist.

But luckily Happy-Go-Lucky is a slow burner: it just takes a little while to adjust to Poppy's world. It is Poppy (or Pauline) herself that will likely begin to conjure up some goodwill. Her cheery, often illogical optimism is a difficult trait to pull off, but Sally Hawkins gives a truly exceptional performance. Poppy is an oddity in London: a woman who has decided to be endlessly upbeat in a city of dreariness and unfriendliness. Her primary coloured clothes are in sharp contrast to the grey, apathetic streets and people around her, while her constant attempts at light humour and banter are often dismissed by those she tries to cheer up. Admittedly, she does often come across as annoying and excessive, but this simply strengthens her character: she is a solid mix of likable quirks and annoying habits. Her good-will even in the most difficult of situations (one sequence where she attempts to talk to a homeless drunkard sticks out) becomes endearing, and you may well find yourself cheering her on sooner than expected. She is a multi-layered character: her motivations admirable, her outlook likable. Most importantly she is a very strong, independent person who is entirely happy with her life, and the character is more than capable of holding the film together. Hawkins' portrayal works brilliantly, and her performance is one of the most charming and memorable in quite some time.

Poppy holds the story together, and it is a great relief that her character is so compelling, as the narrative relies on her completely. Indeed, the 'story' is almost non-existent, and is simply a few chapters in the day to day life of our protagonist. The film simply comprises of a number of vignettes in Poppy's life. It documents her day-to-day encounters: dealing with a troubled boy in the class she teaches, her bizarre dancing lessons, her sojourns with an intense driving instructor. More than anything, these mini-tales try and portray the way in which Poppy tries to retain her optimism in the face of an often bleak reality. Perhaps the central story is the one focusing on her driving lessons with a racist, emotionally fragile instructor. These Saturday excursions are the best examples of the film's thematic concerns: the difficulty of remaining optimistic in a pessimistic world. While Poppy's refusal to drop her friendly mannerisms often put her at risk, ultimately her cheery attitude keeps her safe and wins over the many other characters she encounters. Director Mike Leigh seemingly urges the audience to try and be friendly in an increasingly unfriendly world through his sympathetic portrayal of Polly, which seems to me to be an entirely refreshing moral! There are dark hints throughout the film: there are subtle references to child abuse, alcoholism, obsession and other bleak issues. But these are an integral part of the film that reinforce the general happy mood. The cinematography reinforces this – often quite subtle, it makes terrific use of colour to give Poppy a central presence. Her multi-coloured clothing and her flatmate's yellow car make her stand out instantly. It is also quite a funny little movie when it wants to be: the humour is quirky and offbeat, but Leigh will likely succeed in making you laugh through his bizarre characters and situations. Driving instructor Scott's repeated refrain of Enraha is a great running joke, while the sometimes ridiculous mannerisms of Poppy are often good for a chuckle.

There are one or two issues that should be raised. Some of the sequences seem a little redundant: in particular a final-act romance that seems somewhat surplus to requirements (although it is thankfully brief). The ancillary characters sometimes seem to lack depth: Poppy's younger sister in particular. And the previously mentioned weak start is an obstacle that has to be overcome to reveal the real depth and subtlety the film has to offer.

Happy-Go-Lucky is a sprightly little film that is a truly uplifting experience. True a fantastically realised lead character, it has a lot to say about the increasing depersonalisation of contemporary society. The messages are subtle and careful, despite the excessiveness of Poppy. The film is far deeper than appearances may suggest, and while it is a very enjoyable two hours, it also lends itself to more detail examination. Catch this in the right mood and Happy-Go-Lucky's big heart (symbolised by Poppy's necklace) may just win you over.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Happy-Go-Lucky (2008)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Extremely difficult to watch grynai
What was the point in the scene with the tramp? crashbee
What an over-rated film! Stalbans08
You know its a bad film when you cheer the racist conspiracy nut rgcustomer
Oscar's Disgrace...this is the performance for 2008! Stefarooh-dbn
'You make your own luck in life' teafanatic
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