Again this is a film I have only just discovered recently, and it is sort of another attempt at the romantic comedy canon, but unusually it does have a distinctive flavour to it all of its own.
I think, in summary that nuance is to be found in the fact that this film makes no apology for focusing on the numerous factors of getting on in life, and of the numerous hardships that life throws at you, and the different ways people find to carry on regardless.
A quite remarkable cast is led by the sublime Imelda Staunton as a settled woman who's established way of life is shattered in her autumn years and we see how she has to drastically readjust with her sister, played beautifully by Celia Imrie, and friends.
I believe the charm in this film, lies in its unabashed featuring of the mundane and heightening it with its wonderful cast - sometimes subtlety and sometimes not. Yes, occasionally it's supporting cast are not used to the best of their ability - David Hayman and John Sessions for example seem a tad one dimensional. But really, the main characters are executed rather wonderfully and unapologetically - resulting in a marvellous, mischievous, alluring and powerful Imelda Staunton, a sassy, sexy, vulnerable and lovely Celia Imrie and a grounded, charming, doeful and gritty Timothy Spall (even Joanna Lumley comes into her own in showing a different side to her in her few scenes) and most of the time the results are very good to watch.
Future classic? Hmm maybe not. But a charming British romantic comedy that gives one pleasure to watch? Absolutely.
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