Picking up awards at practically every film festival around the globe, this certainly ranks as one of British director Mike Leigh's biggest movie successes. Casting his then wife Alison Steadman in the lead role, he also provided a wonderful showcase for Jane Horrocks, in this early role as her confused, anorexic daughter. As a precise observation of the British at work and play, the film is a knockout. Wonderful ensemble acting is the icing on the cake: Stephen Rea and David Thewlis, both now major international stars, have supporting assignments here.

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