i have just read some of the other comment on this film and be now engage in a bout with writer block because in no way will i begin to shed a good light on our subject film than the engaging analysis already post on this site . this tale about a low work class south london family in a nondescript housing project be one that simultaneously depress and uplift the spirit . you will find no plastic yuppie rich boy or girl wannabee hot shot roam about the screen and spew ostentatious insipidity in this film . these be people on the low end of the economic ladder who make no pretension or excuse for their situation in life . mike leigh and company totally hit the proverbial nail on the head in this one . suffice it to say that tim spall and lesley manville each render rivet performance in their portrayal of the unmarried couple with two grown kid . the realistic mise en scene and the accompany dialog or story line be grittily absorb work of art and especially the long scene toward the film conclusion . i may as well bestow kudos to the rest of the cast as well because their contribution and both individually and collectively and greatly augment the story line a a whole . this modern gem and in it ambient unpretentiousness and so capably underscore the unmitigated power of love and acceptance and and triumph of the spirit no matter how grim the situation .