Not much to love in this fortunately short look at the life of a family told over the course of two decades, starting with the hardworking but troubled patriarch Pete Postlethwaite in the first half. Obviously dealing with severe depression that leads to mental illness and abusive traits, towards wife Freda Dowie, son Dean Willians and daughter Angela Walsh, he has bursts of temper that are frightening and out of control. Then there's the aftermath of his demise as the issues of widow Dowie and the grown adult children which hasn't changed them much outside the changes in music that brings them together for regular sing-a-longs
Reminding me of the series of new wave British dramas of the 1960's, this is a powerful drama about issues of the working class that don't change much between World War II and the following decade. Excellent performances all around are helpful in keeping the audience engaged, with the pop-ins of various neighbors, partucuparky Walsh's pal Pauline Quirke and the children's own offspring. Music works not only to represent the passage of time, but the passing on it generations. It's quite touching but often very sad and depressing at times. While this represents a typical working class British family, it could be any family of any race and class, and thus a relatable and unforgettable drama.
Reminding me of the series of new wave British dramas of the 1960's, this is a powerful drama about issues of the working class that don't change much between World War II and the following decade. Excellent performances all around are helpful in keeping the audience engaged, with the pop-ins of various neighbors, partucuparky Walsh's pal Pauline Quirke and the children's own offspring. Music works not only to represent the passage of time, but the passing on it generations. It's quite touching but often very sad and depressing at times. While this represents a typical working class British family, it could be any family of any race and class, and thus a relatable and unforgettable drama.