| Reż. Mike Leigh |
| Great Britain 2010 |
| comedy-drama |
| 2 godz. 9 min. |
| Jim Broadbent jako Tom, Lesley Manville jako Mary, Ruth Sheen jako Gerri, Peter Wight jako Ken, Oliver Maltman jako Joe, David Bradley jako Ronnie, Karina Fernandez jako Katie, Martin Savage jako Carl |
RECOMMENDATION:
DESCRIPTION:
“Another Year” is a subtle, emotional drama directed by Mike Leigh that portrays complex interpersonal relationships, loneliness, and the importance of closeness and stability in life. The film follows the lives of Tom (Jim Broadbent) and Gerri (Ruth Sheen), a happily married middle-aged couple surrounded by a circle of friends and family who are struggling with various personal problems.
The film’s action takes place over the course of one year and is divided into four chapters, symbolizing the seasons. Each one reveals new events, encounters, and emotional upheavals that unfold mainly in the home of Tom and Gerri – a warm place full of kindness and acceptance.
One of the key characters is Mary (Lesley Manville), Gerri’s lonely friend who desperately longs for love and stability. Although she spends time in the company of friends, her neurotic personality and naivety regarding romantic relationships prevent her from finding happiness. Her constant struggle with loneliness becomes one of the most poignant threads of the film.
Meanwhile, Tom and Gerri’s son Joe (Oliver Maltman) also enters the picture – a young man who seems to be finding harmony in his life. He introduces Katie (Karina Fernandez), his new girlfriend, into the story, which for some characters – particularly Mary – proves difficult to accept.
The film also portrays the stories of other characters, such as Ken (Peter Wight), Tom’s friend who struggles with obesity and loneliness, and Ronnie (David Bradley), Tom’s brother, who is going through a period of deep grief after the death of his wife. Each of these characters is a portrait of a different way of dealing with life, aging, and interpersonal relationships.
GALLERY:
LET’S TALK ABOUT:
The film “Another Year” directed by Mike Leigh is a subtle yet remarkably perceptive study of interpersonal relationships, loneliness, happiness, and the passage of time. Let us look at several important questions the film poses to its audience, and reflect on the personal experiences and values connected with it.
Mike Leigh’s film presents a range of values that influence human life. Which of the following do you find in this film, and why?
Altruism, Assertiveness, Selflessness, Safety, Closeness, Patience, Goodness, Spirit, Empathy, Hospitality, Politeness, Generosity, Humor, Loyalty, Wisdom, Motivation, Hope, Reliability, Nonconformity, Responsibility, Bravery, Composure, Optimism, Openness, Passion, Beauty, Humility, Peace, Sacrifice, Truth, Friendship, Joy, Heart, Strength, Consistency, Respect, Sincerity, Happiness, Care, Honesty, Moderation, Mindfulness, Gratitude, Faith, Credibility, Knowledge, Freedom, Sensitivity, Support, Compassion, Imagination, Perseverance, Commitment, Life.
Do you recognize values in this film that are personally important to you? Do you see a reflection of your own experiences in any of the characters? Does something resonate with your experiences?
The main characters of the film, Tom and Gerri, lead a stable and warm life, surrounding themselves with love and support. Meanwhile, Mary, their lonely friend, struggles with frustration, unfulfillment, and loneliness. Do you believe that happiness depends on ourselves? Or is it largely a matter of chance and the circumstances in which we happen to live?
Mary constantly seeks closeness, yet her behavior often pushes others away. Do you know anyone who – perhaps unknowingly – builds walls around themselves, preventing genuine relationships?
Do you think loneliness results from the choices we make, or is it imposed by circumstances?
In what moments do you feel lonely?
Closeness with whom in your life feels the most natural and brings you joy and comfort?
Tom and Gerri show Mary a great deal of patience and care, but their support seems to have its limits.
Have you ever been in a situation where you had to limit your help to someone close to you?
Where do you think the boundary lies between loyalty and the need to protect your own well-being?
The film depicts the cycle of four seasons, and along with them, the slow but inevitable changes in the characters’ lives.
What values do you think help us live through the successive stages of life with dignity?
Do you have people in your life whom you consider role models in coming to terms with the passage of time?
What would you like to leave behind – what would you like to be remembered for?
Tom and Gerri seem to find joy in everyday life, appreciating what they have. Mary, on the other hand, seems to focus on what she lacks.
What role does gratitude play in your life?
Are there moments when its absence makes it difficult for you to see the good?
Who are you particularly grateful to, and for what?
Tom and Gerri’s home is a warm place, full of conversations and gatherings. For Mary, it is a haven she cannot build for herself.
Do you have a place or people in your life that give you a similar sense of security?
Are there values that you particularly associate with home?
Share one of your happiest memories from your family home.
What kind of home would you like to create?
List of values:
Altruism, Assertiveness, Selflessness, Safety, Closeness, Heroism, Patience, Goodness, Spirit, Empathy, Hospitality, Politeness, Generosity, Honor, Humor, Creativity, Loyalty, Wisdom, Courage, Love, Motivation, Hope, Reliability, Nonconformity, Responsibility, Bravery, Composure, Optimism, Openness, Passion, Beauty, Humility, Peace, Ingenuity, Sacrifice, Beauty, Truth, Friendship, Punctuality, Joy, Reason, Integrity, Heart, Strength, Consistency, Respect, Sincerity, Happiness, Transcendence, Care, Honesty, Moderation, Orderliness, Mindfulness, Gratitude, Faith, Credibility, Knowledge, Faithfulness, Freedom, Sensitivity, Support, Compassion, Imagination, Perseverance, Commitment, Life
