i have be warn about mike leigh all or nothing and by a friend and and so approach it with trepidation . however there be a lot here to be admire . yes and it a depressing tale at time and and this be lent a lot by two crack performance from a wonderfully hang dog and passive timothy spall and and a cast against type turn from lesley manville a his shrewish wife . there be a scene when spall repay his wife some money he have borrow from her that just perfectly encapsulate the pain at the heart of their relationship . there be also some fantastic actressing around the edge here represent marion bailey give probably the most realistic portrayal of an alcoholic that i have ever see on film and alison garland underplays perfectly in the aching role of the quiet sibling ( that seem to have become a staple of mike leigh drama ) and and the wonderful ruth sheen gift u a counterbalance in an optimistic role a the neighbour who refuse the be pummel into submission by her daughter foul mouth and respond with a smile and humour . sally hawkins also impress a bailey gum chew daughter and and make for interest view if you have already see happy go lucky . there be also some wonderful little comedy moment that punctuate this film if you can get your head round the bleakness . but mike leigh forte have always be human relationship and he doesn not disappoint here . and around the hospital bed in the final scene leigh give u that slight taste of hope that have make the journey worthwhile . it superior stuff .