I just finished watching Happy-Go-Lucky on DVD, and now I know exactly why this film earned so many awards both here in the U.S. and in Britain. If you haven't seen it, this needs to go on your Netflix list or better yet, buy a copy so you can watch it and then loan it to your friends. Writer/Director Mike Leigh was nominated for an Academy Award for this screenplay about Poppy (Sally Hawkins), a perpetually happy 30 year old London schoolteacher who loves her life. She enjoys working with her grade school class, has a close-knit group of friends including her roommate Zoe,  sister Suzy, and pals Alice and Helen. The film starts out with Poppy blissfully happy yet seemingly unaware of the world around her- she attempts to engage a bookstore clerk in conversation and doesn't even seem to notice that he has no interest in talking to her. When her bicycle is stolen, her reaction is to say "I didn't even have a chance to say goodbye", then enroll in driving lessons. She agrees to … [Read more...]