High Hopes (1988 Mike Leigh & scr)

Phil Davies, Edna Doré, Heather Tobias, Philip Jackson, Lesley Manville, David Bamber, Jason Watkins, Judith Scott are all fantastic, but Ruth Sheen runs away with the film (Best Actress at European Film Awards). The scenes shot in close up are absolutely riveting.

Even Leigh recognises the caricature of the yuppies. In hearing the name Araminta de Winter ('Minty') you can't help but think of films like Carlton Browne of the F.O. (one of Mike's favourites).

This was the last film he shot with Roger Pratt, who then was faced with the choice of Life Is Sweet and Gilliam's The Fisher King (and chose the latter).

I loved the scene where the family breaks down into argument but the camera stays close on Doré's face - a face of resigned misery. It's no wonder that Phil's character is so reluctant to entertain having children, and that's kind of what the whole film is about.

Andrew Dickson's simple, soulful music classily underscores the story.

I love this shot because it's so unusual to see something so naturally intimate

Politically bang-on, acutely observed, very funny and deeply emotional.