Another Year

So much to say about this work of art, so little time. And so little the findings of words. Then again, I'll say what I can. "Another Year" shows what anyone, anywhere, would make of a year as it comes and goes. And what they make of it is told by their behavioral (and emotional) approach to the year; not so much by what they say to someone's face. We feel that a new year can take away like the patient played by Imelda Staunton. We feel the need to reminisce over the "golden days", and break down over losses and missed opportunities, like Ken. We get the impression that nothing is new about the year like Mary (Lesley Manville). We may even feel so much that we feel nothing whatsoever like Ronnie (David Bradley), Tom's brother. But all in all, life goes on, and it's best to flow with it whatever way you can. This is something Tom (Jim Broadbent) and Gerri (Ruth Sheen) know, and live by. True, there are ups and downs in a year in the life. But refusing to let them tear you down is ultimately the logical choice; and Tom and Gerri have that, in part, to thank for their marriage remaining intact. Personally, I kind of lean toward Ronnie's coping mechanism more--or so I'd like to. I also notice that Mary tries to be as cool and dandy as possible from Spring to Autumn. But in Winter, she sheds the faux skin, and reveals that she is vulnerable and needy. I'm so glad that she has Ronnie to relate to and that he does not rub the opposite in her face. Unlike Katie, the girlfriend of Tom and Gerri's son, who is (for reasons unknown) bubbly--and indifferent to how exposed she makes Mary feel. Personally, I don't blame Mary for secretly wanting to get her. In fact, Mary remains in Tom and Gerri's lives while most others come and go as the seasons do. Furthermore, I can't help but notice similarities bewteen this other Mike Leigh films. The Winter section of "Another Year" reminds me of "Naked"--the cold and overcast look and feel of loss and vulnerabilty. Also, Johnny (David Thewlis) finds solace in Louise (Lesley Sharp) as Mary finds solace in Ronnie, and Tom and Gerri. Katie's personality bears a striking resemblance to that of Poppy (Sally Hawkins) in "Happy-Go-Lucky". Mary's persona reflects Penny's (also played by Lesley Manville) in "All or Nothing". Tom and Gerri recognize that life is tough but still carry on just like the parents in "Life is Sweet". Plus, Ken is to "Another Year" as Aubrey (Timothy Spall) is to "Life is Sweet". You might even say that Staunton's character in this film is emotionally connected to the title figure in "Vera Drake". They both have a reason to feel down, like something was taken away from or out of them. Again, each character is big enough to have his or her own story expanded on in another film. And Leigh gives the audience room to imagine the possibilities instead of slapping them in the face with banal absolutes and fairy-tale sentiment. Bittersweet, from start to finish, the movie is. That I know. But that's life, for real, and it does not stop after one tragedy or one triumph. And "Another Year" and its writer-director make that point blatantly clear. It's way beyond anything Hallmark, Lifetime, or [the network formerly known as] ABC Family care to dish out. So, if you're looking for a day-in-the-life flick driven by "sychronized" living, you are out of luck. This picture puts the humanity into the subgenre and gives viewers something better. My advice to movie watchers: Take it and keep it.

Funny, in this day and age, that all people want is some sort of 'resolution' to everything... life isn't that way. Deal with it. This movie, at times a bit slow, tells a story of a couple who ARE surrounded by people with MASSIVE flaws, issues, and yet, they care for them, and help them despite their reservations. The film is more about being human rather than some nice, little tidy package story. The ending is fantastic... realizing that one's life is simply moving forward but going nowhere. The tension at times with Mary was incredible. If you want to relax on a rainy Sunday afternoon and immerse yourself in something, this film is perfect.

This movie was painfully boring and just rubbed it in your nose at the end without having any legitimate ending to speak of.

This is the most pointless movie I have ever seen. Do you enjoy watching totally normal British people eating dinner? Me neither. There is also an alcoholic woman, if that helps. I feel like it actually took a part of my soul with it when the credits began to roll. Luckily it was the boring, pointless part of my soul, so I haven't really missed it.

Maybe I simply didn't get it but this film I found a true waste of time. No emotion, no story no nothing. turned it off after 45 min

Just because people speak in a British accent does not make them, or the movie they are acting in, sophisticated. It was not a complete waste of my time, but I have seen much better cinematic efforts lately.

This was warm and sad, hopeful and aching. A gem like this comes around too seldom in film. It's so well worth the watch. You'll recognize yourself, those you know, people who you love and some who make you sorrowful. Mostly, it quietly makes you feel, but very deeply.

Why did I watch this? the characters are massively cliched, especially the married couple who are cast as having such a perfect little marriage and life in the midst of their maladjusted friends. Character development is nil, dialogue is canned, the film moves at a frustratingly slow pace and the hoped for conflict/resolution never emerges. No doubt some will enjoy this effort, though others, encouraged by the sensational reviews posted here, will be left quite disappointed and wondering why anyone would spend two hours of their lives watching this misguided attempt at profundity. Skip it. Trust.

Depressing despite the upbeat tone of the preview.

For the same reason that some may find this movie a snoozer, I find the LACK of unrealistic action, fantastical sex, and unnecessary vulgarity refreshing. How inspiring to watch two normal people with a beautiful marriage reach out to the people around them in simple ways. I'd enjoy more movies like this one.