Must-See Quirkyalone Movie of 2008: Happy Go Lucky by Mike Leigh

by | Nov 29, 2008 | Quirkyalone, Uncategorized | 3 comments

Leave it to the British to create the most quirkyalone movie of 2008. If you haven’t seen Happy Go Lucky, starring the (could there be a quirkier actress) Sally Hawkins, you must run, not walk, to your local independent theater. The movie is more character-driven than plot-driven, as we float through life with a 30-year-old primary school teacher with a sturdily sunny demeanor.

What would Poppy do? That’s now what I will ask when I’m confronted with irritating situations or difficult people. Poppy is unlike anyone that I’ve ever met, but there’s something about her approach to life which I aspire to.

Quirkyalone money quote from the film: Poppy’s younger sister, who is pregnant, married, and living in the suburbs, lays into Poppy, telling her she needs to grow up and start by investing in a mortgage. “I just want you to be happy,” she says. Poppy responds, “I am happy. I love my life. I have a great job, amazing friends, yeah, it can be tough at times, but that’s part of it.” “I am one lucky lady,” she says, “and I know that.” Why it such a breath of fresh air–even revelatory-to hear a single woman count her blessings on film? Is it because we never hear that in popular culture, or because we don’t actually believe that single women can love their lives? I believe Poppy’s character.

Happy Go Lucky was everything that the Sex and the Movie claimed to be and was not. Both movies are about female friendship, but in the Sex and the City movie, all that Carrie and co. ever talk about is men. In Happy Go Lucky, the characters talk about all the things that run through women’s minds, I should quit smoking, or one of my students is violent, and what should I do, and are we grown up yet? Men and fashion are not the only reference points for life or fun. They go out dancing and make fools of themselves, collapsing into pools of girliness. The row boats in the park and talk about life.

I am still pondering the movie 24 hours later. Have you seen Happy Go Lucky? What did you think? I’m curious to hear from other QAs.

3 Comments

  1. Susan

    I saw this movie after work recently on a day my company had lay-offs to take my mind off the sad day.

    I loved it! Poppy is a refreshingly unique character on the big screen. I hope you all also recognize Popppy-esque traits in yourself and are inspired to continue being your fabulous selves.

    Why is that so many people (like Poppy’s younger sister) don’t think anyone can be happy unless those people (Poppy and her single friends) follow *their* rules/life plan – even though if that plan hasn’t led them to have satisfying lives?

    I hated the Sex and the City movie. Completely pathetic and unrealistic. I mean seriously if your fiance calls you on your wedding day to explain why he’s not their, you’re not going to listen to him? Not only that, but you’re then not going to speak to him for months? Completely immature and asinine. Sadly, even though I was shocked and annoyed at the time, upon reflection what else could one expect from that character and franchise?

    Reply
  2. David Johansen

    I hated Sex and th ecity as well…We need something more realistic for this genre.

    Reply
  3. Kelly

    Saw Happy Go Lucky tonight and am feeling *lucky* to have seen it. What a marvel! A must must see. WhooHoo Mike Leigh!!! and Team!

    Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Quirkyalone at the Oscars | Single Life | Quirkyalone | Relationships, Travel, Quizzes, Everyday Life - [...] rooting for Sunday night at the Oscars? Do you see any quirkyalone heros or storylines in the mix? Happy-go-lucky…

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi! I’m Sasha

Executive and Life Coach on a mission to help women connect with their bodies to pursue their truest desires in the bedroom and the world.

Author of Quirkyalone: A Manifesto for Uncompromising Romantics (HarperCollins) + To-Do List: From Buying Milk to Finding a Soul Mate, What Our Lists Reveal About Us (Simon & Schuster).

At work on a memoir called Wet, about adventures in healing through sensuality.

Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter (my primary way of staying in connection with readers and clients).

Follow me on Instagram where I share snapshots of my own turned-on life with advice on how to live your own.