High Hopes

On his return to cinema from making TV movies, Leigh plunged audiences into the gentrifying milieu of London King’s Cross as council homes decayed beside yuppies’ done-up investments. Into this comes a wide-eyed newcomer who stumbles across the welcoming Shirley and Cyril, both steady with their lot in their tiny workingclass flat while others in their orbit try to climb the social ladder. Leigh and his team focus as much on people as place, spicing up kitchensink realism with quick-witted humour, brutal satire, a dramatic crescendo, and ultimately a heartwarming snapshot of community.

Venice Film Festival: FIPRESCI Prize
European Film Awards: Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best Composer awards