Poppy (Sally Hawkins) is happy-go-lucky. After, somewhat gracefully, having her bicycle stolen she decides to learn to drive. Which brings her into Scott's world. Scott, a fastidious driving instructor, is too obsessed with all that is wrong with the world to enjoy any of it's beauty. In Hollywood this pairing would lead to a rambunctious romantic-comedy; Poppy learning that sometimes it pays to be "an adult", while Scott becomes a carefree lover of small children, cats, ducks, and fluffy bunnies!
Thank God for Mike Leigh! For in his hands this material is played for honest integrity. No formulas or audience polls here; just the sweet, brutal, truth.
His method of film-making is to deduce a loose plot and then have actors improvise scenes. Through many sessions he gathers material and then hones it into a workable screenplay. The results prove that there is method to his madness!
Essentially a character study capped with a charming life lesson, the movie is anchored by it's vivacious lead actress. Her Golden-Globe winning performance has you believing that if you ever happened to meet Sally Hawkins she would be exactly like Poppy. The supporting actors all provide terrific support for her.
So let's raise a glass to Mike Leigh for not selling out to Hollywood and here is to catching up with many more Mike Leigh films in the future!
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