Watch Another Year

Another Year is a 2010 British drama film directed by Mike Leigh. The movie features renowned actors Jim Broadbent, Ruth Sheen, and Lesley Manville in prominent roles. The movie revolves around the central characters Gerri (Ruth Sheen) and Tom (Jim Broadbent) who have been married for many years and live a contented life. They are both successful in their respective careers and cherish their relationships with each other and their friends.

The movie is divided into four chapters, each chapter representing a season of the year. The story primarily focuses on the interactions between Gerri and Tom, and their relationships with their friends, Mary (Lesley Manville), Ken (Peter Wight), and Ronnie (David Bradley). Mary is a lonely woman who works with Gerri, and her life appears to be stuck in a cycle of disappointment and missed opportunities. Ken is a friend of Tom's who is struggling with alcoholism and trying to deal with his past regrets, while Ronnie is Tom's brother who is going through health issues.

Throughout the seasons, the characters participate in a variety of activities together, including gardening, cooking, and socializing. Despite the lightheartedness of some of these moments, there is a sense of melancholy underlying the interactions, as each character has different struggles and disappointments in their lives. As the seasons progress, tensions rise between Mary and the other characters due to her unstable behavior, which includes heavy drinking, smoking, and an obsession with finding a new partner.

Although the movie does not have a traditional plot structure, it is a poignant and insightful exploration into the complexities of human relationships, aging, and the challenges of finding contentment in one's life. The film's use of four seasons as a structure allows for a gradual pace that builds an emotional connection between the audience and the characters. Each season builds on the previous one, and the viewer sees how the characters' lives change gradually over time.

One of the strengths of the movie is its extraordinary performances by its lead cast. Ruth Sheen and Jim Broadbent, who play Gerri and Tom, are excellent in their roles, portraying the couple's easygoing dynamic and love for each other, which is natural and believable. Lesley Manville is also brilliant in her role as Mary, capturing the desperation and loneliness of her character. The interactions between the three main characters are superbly acted, and the audience becomes emotionally invested in their lives.

Another Year is a deeply contemplative movie about the passage of time and the changing nature of relationships. The film is also visually stunning, with moody cinematography capturing the changing seasons to a tee. The soundtrack, composed by Gary Yershon, is excellent and complements the mood of each season perfectly.

In conclusion, Another Year is a beautifully crafted movie that offers a deeply moving and honest portrayal of human relationships. The performances by the cast are exceptional, and the film's exploration of the complexities of aging, human vulnerability, and the search for happiness is subtle yet powerful. This is a cinematic masterpiece that requires patience and an open mind, but it is ultimately rewarding and unforgettable.

Another Year is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 81.