|
Released
in 2010, Another Year is the latest film from Mike Leigh and tells the story
of a married couple (Jim Broadbent and Ruth Sheen) who manage to stay happy
over the four seasons in spite of problems with friends, family and
colleagues making demands on them. There is a remarkable performance from
Lesley Manville (a Mike Leigh regular) as Mary; which, in my view, should
have won a Bafta. Perhaps the film was overshadowed by the success of The
King’s Speech, which appeared around the same time, but is certainly well up
to Mike Leigh’s usual high standard. (Nominated for an Academy Award for
best original screenplay) |
|
Etre
et Avoir. (To be and to have) is a charming and intimate portrait of a
single class primary school in rural France. Ranging in age from four to
twelve the small number of pupils are taught by the dedicated teacher,
George Lopez, who shows patience and respect for the children as we follow
their story through a single school year. The film won the 2003 Sacramento
French Film Festival Audience Prize and other awards
“Thoroughly delightful… has a miraculous simplicity and clarity” (Guardian) |
