Another Year

It seems appropriate to watch a film about the events over the course of a year at the end of year. It inspires a viewer to join in the reminiscence, recalling the good and bad of their own lives. The film also reminds us that our own lives don't really follow the climax and resolution pattern of most Hollywood movies. Instead, we encounter a series of events, a series of relationships, that have various levels of meaning. We enjoy (or tolerate) them, and then look to the next one. In spite of our most glamorous dreams and plans, most of us are just plain. Another Year takes this reality and presents an entertaining view of life. Distinctly British in its sensibilities, we have four acts (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) that follow a professional couple throughout the year. Tom (geology engineer) and Gerri (therapist) are in their mid-sixties, enjoy their jobs and enjoy each other. They spend their free time working a plot together in a community garden. The key to the success of this film is in the portrayal of the relationships. Gerri's co-worker Mary is a frequent guest at the house and displays her loneliness on her sleeve. Tom's college buddy Ken is a caricature of a working class man without any vision for living life. We also meet Joe, Katie, and Ronnie throughout the year. And while there is no climax/resolution story arc in the traditional sense, there are definite turning points in the relationships which provide depth to the characters and a clear sense of time passing. Throughout the film, we see the distinct personality of each character as an individual and equally important, their personality as enhanced/diminished by those close to them. In the end, I found my self smiling and laughing at all the right places. Thoroughly enjoyable.
4 stars (out of 5)