Happy-Go-Lucky
Seen it?2008 | 118 min | Comedy, Drama
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), it won 2 Oscars and it made about 5 times its budget. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Naked or Withnail & I, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 58 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A look at a few chapters in the life of Poppy, a cheery, colorful, North London schoolteacher whose optimism tends to exasperate those around her.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 84 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.6 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 2 Oscars: Academy Awards: Best Actress, Academy Awards: Best Breakthrough Performance. Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. Won 1 Berlin award: Berlin International Film Festival: Best Actress. Also nominated for 5 more Oscars, 1 more Golden Globe and 1 more Berlin award. Plus 12 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$19 million worldwide on a $4 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 82K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Naked
Saturday SpecialAlso from director Mike Leigh: a dramedy.
Withnail & I Saturday SpecialAnother dramedy.
White Men Can't Jump Saturday SpecialAnother dramedy, and a Saturday Special.
Boys on the Side
Weeknight WatchAnother dramedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Following Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Mike Leigh
- Sally HawkinsPoppy Cross
- Eddie MarsanScott
- Alexis ZegermanZoe
- Sylvestra Le TouzelHeather
- Stanley TownsendTramp
- Kate O'FlynnSuzy
- Caroline MartinHelen
- Oliver MaltmanJamie
- Sarah NilesTash
- Samuel RoukinTim