Mike Leigh may not have a history of being a “happy go-lucky” director, but he is one of my favorite directors. His films, like Vera Drake, All or Nothing and Naked, usually take a look at a more dour side of life. Imagine my (and the film community at large’s) surprise when Mike Leigh showed up at the Berlin Film Festival this year with a film called Happy Go-Lucky.

The story of Leigh’s film revolves around Poppy, a primary schoolteacher with a positive outlook on life and

While it is a comedy, the film had a serious intent and expressed something “very important”, he (Leigh) said. “At the beginning of the 21st century, when we’re in a world that’s heading towards disaster, it’s important to reject the growing fashion to be miserabilist, the growing fashion to be pessimistic and gloomy because the world is in a bad way. Everywhere there are people on the ground getting on with it and being positive.” [Guardian Unlimited]

Even with my personal love for films that showcase the darker side of life, I couldn’t agree more with Leigh. And I hear from trusted sources that the film is great and has a good chance of picking up the Golden Bear. However, it seems even with a more cheerful look at life, Leigh himself hasn’t change much except for his message:

Fans of his grumpiness will be pleased to hear that he was as tetchy as ever at the press conference after the first screening of Happy-Go-Lucky, refusing to give his verdict on potential Oscar winners and irritated by one questioner’s inference that he took pleasure out of creating unpleasant characters.Leigh said it was important that the nasty realities of life were confronted. “But it’s equally important that we take life and celebrate it where and how we can,” he added [Guardian Unlimited]

On the note of celebrating life where and how we can, and learn you can help some young folks with their celebrations and for a small taste of a happier Mike Leigh, watch the clip below.: