Another Year

Mike Leigh returns with another outstanding film with this drama about old age and loneliness with his trademark keen observation and outstanding performances without one false beat. A happily married couple are at the center of the story around them sad and lonely friends and family who are at loss with dealing with their situation. The couple welcome and help everybody as much as they can including the alcoholic co-worker who has set her eyes on the couple's single son which they ignore until she crosses her limits when she meets the son's girlfriend. Leigh and his actors make magic out of the most common human interactions that tells volumes about the human condition. It's an utterly intelligent and compassionate film about love, family and friendship amongst others that's pure delight to those who appreciate Leigh's work that makes every mainstream Hollywood fare as a total scam. Outstanding performances across the board as you would expect from a Mike Leigh film with Lesley Manville's performance at the epicenter that should get her recognition in the award season along with Jim Broadbent and Ruth Sheen. YRCinema's coverage of the 63rd Festival de Cannes.