I found this film embarrassing - no sophistication, absolutely no subtlety; it does not stand the test of time. The relationship between the two leads is OK - but the over-acting done by the sister, her husband and the people next door made me cringe. The supposed under-acting by the mother was nearly as bad - but I blame that on the director - spelling it out that he's not spelling it out for us. It is all so obvious - one is surprised it was made by an experienced director - it is like a classroom assignment from a group of 16 year olds. And all those fake working-class accents - I grew up in Essex and I lived in Bethnal Green for 10 years and I never heard anyone speak like that. The music is wonderful but far too loud and in your face. On the plus side, I loved the ending - maybe I'm sentimental after all.
Review of High Hopes
