Poppy is one of the more interesting characters to come along in quite some time, as Leigh shows his willingness and ability to focus on simple goodness. Few films even attempt this, preferring to wallow in the darkness of the human condition, but Poppy, while a bit too peppy for my taste, takes an optimistic view without ignoring the harsh realities of life. Leigh's film reminds us that while we cannot control our circumstances, we can control our response to them.

A very cute little film, this sweet British sort-of-romance was, at the same time, surprisingly real. Hawkins is irresistible, bubbly and a little naive and yet compassionate and charming. Not really classifiable as a drama, romance, or comedy, this film is a little of each, creating a wonderfully uplifting mix.

The story of a woman who's the female equivalent of the "Common Man" you see represented in books, films, and television by humans who never stray outside their elite wildlife preserves for more than five seconds at a time. She's a charmer, she is. She may be a bit on the goofy side, but she is surrounded with "responsible adults" who, upon close examination, look like they're about to burst at the seams. Plenty of comedy, plenty of drama, nearly all of it works

One of the best films of the year.

Isn't it just?

A charming little piece on a girl determined to make the best of life. She might be naïve and at first irritating, but there is something intriguing about the way Poppy deals with her life. This becomes apparent especially in the scenes with her driving school instructor (the incredible Eddie Marsan), which essentially become stepping stones for both characters in the way of how they should look at themselves and the world around them.

Now here's a filmmaker that can build tension, despite it being a comedy. The humor is fun, and Sally Hawkins deserves some praise.

Un pelicula poco convencional. Dificil arriesgarse a recomendarla.

I almost walked out of the movie theater within the first 5 Minutes. But it's worth sticking around - hate her and you might liker her later!

Fascinating character study of a person who's happiness leads her to live an interesting life. Fantastic shots, cute scenes and the ending just ensured it to be an instant classic.

This is normally the kind of movie (and lead character) I would despise... but it won me over. Poppy is obnoxious, and I could never be friends with someone like that, but we got peeks at the real person behind the aggressively happy facade. These quiet scenes where Poppy let the mask drop, gave an otherwise feather-light film moments of true beauty.

Despite moments of genuine wit this was a genuinely boring movie.

Brilliant. Perfectly imperfect and Mike Leigh knows it. A masterclass in humble, accessible, disarming filmmaking. -- it's so satisfying scoring a film higher than the PSI.

How can you not like this movie?

When Poppy ventures into an unsavory part of town to interact with a homeless man, a situation that promises to deliver dire consequences for our heroine, we realize that Poppy's unflappable idealism is rooted in an urgent care for the world around her. And that's what makes the final encounter with driving tutor Eddie Marsan so devastating: It confronts the ability of our best intentions to reap unexpected, violent consequences, and even implicates us for them.

One of the, if not THE best movies I've seen this year. I was completely engrossed by Poppy and her story. Her life, her friends, her day to day, are absolutely fascinating. Sally Hawkins is remarkable as Poppy, and the movie would not have been what it was without her.

Happy-Go-Lucky puts the "I" in Indie. If you do not like Independent movies, I can guarantee that you will not like this movie. Basically, it's about how people who are positive make their own happiness. I do appreciate that concept, and would like to see the theme used in another capacity--maybe a comedy. But, despite its charming title, this movie IS NOT a comedy. . , and it drags on forever! Very little happens. Though Sally Hawkins is admittedly charming, I do not recommend this movie.

Not sure what Leigh's goal is here. Poppy is an extremely polarizing character & yet Leigh refuses 2 judge, SORT OF. He continually hints that Poppy's bubbly pie-in-the-sky need 2 help could lead not just to trouble, but tragedy & yet the film never makes the leap. Particularly in the final disturbing conflict, the ultimate outcome is left in the air. Poppy's personality might or might not lead 2 tragedy, but then again maybe not.Luckily the characters' relationships & great acting reel u in.

Sally Hawkins' effervescent Poppy appears to lay everything on the table, managing to stay afloat in the stormy world she inhabits. But more inspiring then her puerile demeanour is the haunting comprehension that she occasionally unleashes, both an acknowledgment of the worlds evils and a rejection of the ennui so often associated with it. Mark Leigh beautifully captures his characters spirit on film, delighting in the vibrancy of the world while managing to flesh out the darker side as well.

A great and intricate performance by Hawkins doesn't negate the fact that nothing actually happens in this film, though it is fun and, well, happy, to watch.

Couldn't really get around the fact that I found the character of Poppy annoying, which is odd because I liked the Scott character. I guess its because your supposed to like the Poppy character. In the end, while I thought the acting was good I just couldn't fully get engaged in this flick.

#859 - 10 Ekim 08, filmekimi2008, emek sinemasi, 16:00 & http://sineofrenik.blogspot.com/2008/10/filmekimi-2008-happy-go-lucky.html

Leigh's weakest link

She's like the British Amelie. Excellenet supporting cast.A nice big dose of female friendship without all the bullshit.

I don't know how I feel about this movie. The main character starts off irritating, REMAINS irritating, yet she somehow grows on you. There's not much plot per se, but I like the concept of this character that is just relentlessly cheery in the face of everything, without becoming a caricature. But in what I suppose would be the climax, I can't help but feel that there wasn't an actual climax or resolution. I think I like this movie, but it's hard to say. I'd say watch it out of curiosity.

While Poppy can teach us many lessons about happiness, the film as a whole was quite purposeless. It left me thinking, "So what? What's the lesson here?" Still, it was amusing. (To all those who think Poppy is the most irritating character every, please chill out. You, more than anyone else, need to learn from her.)