HOW ABOUT YOU (M)

Director:
Anthony Byrne

Writer:
Jean Pasley

Starring:
Vanessa Redgrave
Joss Ackland
Brenda Fricker

Plot Summary:
How about you tells the story of Ellie, a young girl left in charge of a retirement home over the Christmas period. Whilst most of the residents have left to spend the festive period with their families, four residents, known as The Hard Core remain. They have all led interesting lives but now in their twilight years they have become impossible to live with - rude and objectionable but often hilariously funny. In fact, their behaviour is so terrible that the home faces closure as potential new residents are put off by their appalling antics. Ellie would appear to be no match for The Hard Core but when she is pushed to the very limits, she decides to take them on. She succeeds in beating them at their own game and manages to show them the error of their ways. As well as changing them, she also realises that The Hard Core have changed her too in quite an unexpected way.

Genre:
Drama

Duration:
100 Minutes

Origin:
Ireland

Language:
English

Reviews:

REVIEW HIGHIGHTS OF MARGARET POMERANZ. AT THE MOVIES.

This is a no brainer as far as narrative destination is concerned, but, like life, it isn’t the destination that counts, it’s the journey.

Sentimentality may prevail in this film, directed by Irishman Anthony Byrne, but seeing the members of this fine cast strut their paces has its pleasures.

And young HAYLEY ATWELL is a lovely and talented counterpoint to her more senior colleagues.

People may sniff at the predictability, at the road already travelled so many times before, at the neat sentiment, but there’s something reassuring about being told yet again that life is more enjoyable when you are nice than when you’re a pain in the neck

Review by Louise Keller @ URBAN CINEFILE.

You know that warm glow that comes over you, when you’re sitting by a crackling fire? That’s how I felt watching this gentle and uplifting glimpse into the lives of four senior citizens battling against their own demons, preconceptions and phobias about ageing. Based on a short story by Maeve Binchy, Jean Pasley’s screenplay captures all the nuances of frustration, regret, resentment, loneliness, joy and companionship as we meet diverse characters thrown together like a dysfunctional family. Symbolically, the autumn leaves are falling as they make way for the chill of winter. Independent and outspoken, Hayley Atwell’s Ellie becomes the catalyst who changes both the mood and set of the relationships. Vanessa Redgrave heads a superb ensemble cast whose journey from conflict to resolution is warm, engaging, sad and funny.
It is a pleasure to watch the solution unravel. For those who loved Boynton Beach Club and Calendar Girls, this is a film rich with emotion, and one that warms the heart.

Trailer: