Written and Directed by Mike Leigh
Starring: Sally Hawkins and Alexis Zegerman
Poppy is a thirty-year old Primary School teacher in contemporary North London. She has great friends, a job she loves and a full life. The movie watches her confront the harsh realities of life and deal with them head-on, never losing her sense of humour.
Why It Will Win: In an ocean of depressing, bloody films that show us the worst in people and life, Mike Leigh serves us a warm-hearted character study of a woman that always looks on the bright side. I think everyone will be a little thankful for this film. A smart and positive film it looks to be. Also, Mike Leigh is one who's recognized by the Academy with open arms. In his filmmaking, he's garnered 5 nominations, yet lacks a win. Leigh also gets his actresses nominations as well. Imelda Staunton and Brenda Blethyn both got nominated in Leigh films. Can Hawkins do the same?
Why It Will Not Win: It may not pack enough punch in terms of plot. It's a light film about..a girl..who's happy..in London. Now, I warn you, I don't know the plot details, but it could be too simple for the Academy to give it major nominations. It's certainly not epic. Also, Hawkins maybe isn't a big enough name to be the lead in an Oscar darling film. But, hey, maybe that's a good thing. Maybe they'll like a few new faces in the realm.
Nominations:
Best Original Screenplay
Best Lead Actress (Sally Hawkins)
The Bottom Line: Though not buried in nominations, HGL will get two big nominations and will certainly be on some top-ten lists come the year's end.
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