We are not actually able to watch DVDs right now, as one of our dogs has a cone on after surgery to his foot, and he can't go up the stairs and we are exhausted and can't find any dog free time. But if I could - I might rewatch Mike Leigh's "Happy Go Lucky" from 2008. It was a Golden Globe winner for best comedy picture and Sally Hawkins was up for best actress for that and the Oscar. This is a comedy with lots of meat on it, and it has a message that you don't really see in films. Hawkins is terrific as an eternal optimist who is not blinded by rose colored glasses; she sees the world and the people in it as they are, but is determined to look on the bright side regardless. It is a conscious choice she makes. You witness her sadness at situations, but she doesn't get numbed, she gets active, attempting to tease them out of their sorrow or problem solve. She is an elementary school teacher, and this film is one of the best depictions of teaching and the heart of what is important I've ever seen. The supporting cast is excellent, especially Eddie Marsden as the driving instructor from hell, her friend played by Alexis Zegerman, and Karina Fernandez as a loony Flaminco instructor. It has a lovely romance, and the way she meets the guy is that he is a school psychological counselor whom she enlists to help a struggling student. The scenes with the boy are tender and insightful.
This film could be used to point out that life may not be a bowl of cherries, but if you eat what is in the bowl, you will feel more alive, more compassionate, and encounter an amazing assortment of characters. Hawkins' character is grounded in her friendships, and confident enough to trust her instincts when it really matters. Her learning about boundary setting is an important lesson for all of us and her compassion ultimately brings her many rewards.
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