Rating: 8/10
Genre: Romance/Drama
Related Titles: Hampstead, Calendar Girls, Book Club
By Leanne Harragan
When middle class Sandra's life falls apart she turns to her bohemian older sister Bif for help. Sandra must learn after 35 years to find her feet and be herself.
Marketed as the 'feel-good film of the year' it ticks all the right boxes: it's fun, it's funny and it's easy to watch. While it is in no way fresh or original, the usual plot twists and turns feel comfortable. Don't let this trailer fool you into thinking that it gives everything away because there are some parts that are well hidden from the trailer.
While it is a feel-good film, if you are planning to watch it, don't forget your tissues! Despite the lighthearted tone overall, the film touches on some darker topics and it's fair to say that there was more than one occasion when I was brought to tears.
I think one of my favourite things about this film were the classic British moments: dancing the hokey cokey, a Santander (Boris bike) being ridden in times of desperation and a BBQ being cooked under an umbrella in the pouring rain! In my opinion, what made this film work was the strong acting from the star-studded cast. Imelda Staunton as middle class Sandra was great and her character development/redemption arc was wonderful as was the friendship that developed between her and the equally great Timothy Spall. However, for me the real star was Celia Imrie playing the absolutely charming Bif (Elizabeth) a women with a more laid back, bohemian take on life.
My final mention for this film goes to the fantastic set design, with my favourite set being Bif's home filled to the brim with random bits and bobs and a kitchen plastered with slogans like 'down with the bomb' and 'make love not war' which helped to further solidify her character's personality.
Gay scale: Bohemian Bif nonchalantly throws out that her and a friend had a 'thing' for a while that didn't last very long and that 'you have more chance of pulling on a Saturday night if you swing both ways!' While this is no way furthered the plot and was such a throwaway comment, it's great that it was written in and was treated so casually.
Rating: 7/10
By Rebecca Mannick
'Finding Your Feet' has taught me is that its never too late for a new beginning and a change in life. This film is so much more than just a lighthearted British comedy aimed at those in the later stages of their life. It is a rollercoaster journey of emotions as the audience connects to each of the characters and their story. As Sandra (Imelda Staunton) discovers her husband is cheating on her with her best friend she takes refuge with her free-spirited sister Bif (Celia Imrie). Trading a life of luxury (tennis court and all) to a council estate. She begins to let loose while at a dance class all of the characters participate in. The dancing element is a good way to connect the film together and it keeps the story moving but this is all about the relationship between the characters.
It's almost like that they've got to accept and acknowledge their past before they can move on and live their new reality. I particularly liked Bif as a character. She was happy and content with her life, living in a messy council flat surrounded around real, true friends. She didn't care about material things and status like her sister. She wasn't afraid to have a good time and didn't let her age determine what activities she partook in (smoking weed and causal sex). Her friends in Charlie (Timothy Spall) and Jackie (Joanna Lumley) brought the gang together and completed the excellent British cast. One of the best parts of this movie was how British it was. Little bits here and there you will notice that are quintessentially British which adds to its charm.
Finding Your Feet is everything you expect it to be, easy watching and funny. But also has another deeper topic touched upon (so bring your tissues). While this is targeted at an older audience, there was moments which anyone would find amusing and most definitely worth a watch.
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