Watch Happy-Go-Lucky

Happy-Go-Lucky is a comedic drama film from 2008 that explores the life of a carefree and optimistic woman named Poppy whose infectious personality brightens the lives of those around her. Starring Sally Hawkins as Poppy and Alexis Zegerman as her best friend, the film brings to life the joys and challenges of living life on one’s own terms.

The film follows Poppy, a primary school teacher in London, as she goes about her daily life interacting with her colleagues and friends. Poppy is a free spirit who is always positive no matter what happens - whether it’s dealing with a difficult student or getting her bike stolen. She approaches each situation with a smile on her face and an open mind, always looking for the bright side in every moment.

Despite her happy-go-lucky nature, Poppy is not without her struggles. Her family is dysfunctional, with her younger sister, Suzy, being a constant source of stress and anxiety for her. Suzy has a bleak outlook on life, and their relationship is strained due to their opposing views. However, Poppy does not let this bring her down and instead focuses on what she can control – her own happiness.

Throughout the film, Poppy takes on new experiences and challenges, such as learning to drive and taking flamenco dancing classes. Her interactions with people from all walks of life bring her many insights and opportunities for growth. One of her most interesting experiences is when she meets Scott, her driving instructor, played by Samuel Roukin, who is clearly unhappy and dealing with some deep-seated personal issues. This presents Poppy with the opportunity to try to connect with him and help him open up, but she also realizes that sometimes, people are not ready to receive help and must find their own way.

The film explores themes of happiness, optimism, family, and mental health, all while providing a light and entertaining story. The comedic elements of the film balance out the more dramatic moments, keeping the tone light but not superficial. The script is beautifully written, and the actors’ performances are stellar, contributing to a heartwarming and enjoyable film.

Director Mike Leigh does an excellent job of capturing the unique atmosphere of London, showcasing its diversity and vibrancy. The soundtrack, with its blend of jazz, flamenco music, and popular hits, adds to the happy-go-lucky vibe of the film. The cinematography is simple but effective, from the bright colors and sunny shots of the parks and streets to the dark and gloomy shots in some of the more sobering moments.

As the film draws to a close, Poppy’s story ends on a hopeful note, as her perspective on life inspires even the most jaded people around her. She has the ability to make people laugh, smile, and see the world in a new light. Happy-Go-Lucky is a heartwarming and genuinely enjoyable movie that reminds us all to approach life with optimism and to take joy in even the smallest moments.

Happy-Go-Lucky is a 2008 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 84.