Get the MovieNight app
Add it to your home screen — faster & full screen
Get the MovieNight app
Add it to your home screen — faster & full screen
Channel 4 Television
Not part of a collection.
A short comedy by Mike Leigh about the romance between a young woman and a man who communicates only through jokes and humor...
Peter McGinn
Jul 31, 2022 · via TMDB
This is a fairly light and airy film, and attracted me only because it was directed by Mike Leigh. It doesn’t have any of his signature emotional drama or climactic scenes, but rather it tells the simple story of an unlikely suitor slowly winning over his love interest. I say slowly because everything is relative, the film being merely 17 minutes long to begin with. I suspect Leigh also didn’t employ his frequent technique of allowing the actors to ad lib, but he does use good actors, such as a very young Alison Steadman, whom I have enjoyed in many later roles. Ms. Le Touzel, who is less recognizable to me though I have seen her also in many productions, is subtle and gentle in her portrayal of Joy, the object of our comic hero’s love. This is no masterpiece perhaps, but it does what it sets out to accomplish and tells a sweet little love story. If this is your first Mike Leigh film, start making a list of his other efforts, topped by his classic masterpiece (in my humble opinion, as the saying goes) Secrets and Lies. I envy you for watching them the first time.
User reviews courtesy of TMDB.
Criterion Channel
Alison Steadman
Betty
Sylvestra Le Touzel
Joy
David Thewlis
Clive
Wendy Nottingham
Charlene
Roger Pratt
Director of Photography
Lindy Hemming
Costume Designer
Mike Leigh
Director
Simon Channing Williams
Co-Producer
Rachel Portman
Original Music Composer
Mike Leigh
Writer
An International Sneak
Smith's Pony
Another Fine Mess
The Diabolic Tenant
Their Purple Moment
The Boat
Seven Gates
Two Men and a Wardrobe
An Up-to-Date Conjurer
O Dreamland
Je t'aime John Wayne
The Hilarious Posters
A Jitney Elopement
The Stubborn Donkey
Barrio Boy
The Deal
Even Pigeons Go to Heaven
Dear Phone
45 Minutes from Hollywood
Tricia's Wedding
Robin Williams: An Evening at the Met
Psych: The Movie
Prom Pact
Red Nose Day Actually
My Favorite Wedding
You Cast A Spell On Me
Her Pen Pal
The Wrong Paris
As Luck Would Have It
Valentine Ever After
Marrying Mr. Darcy
Cadet Kelly
My Boyfriends' Dogs
Clear History
How to Fall in Love
The Seven Year Hitch
All Things Valentine
Perfect Match
Den Brother
A Royal Date for Christmas
© 2025-2026 MovieNight. All rights reserved.
Versus
Sign in to play →
A Creepshow Animated Special
2020
SGT. Will Gardner
2019
Sign in to vote
Battle your watched movies head-to-head
Community Top Movies
Evil Dead II
1987 · 14 wins
The Dark Knight
2008 · 14 wins
Halloween
1978 · 13 wins
Final Destination
2000 · 12 wins
Halloween II
1981 · 11 wins
Trivia
Leaderboard →Playing as a guest — sign in to save your score and rank on the leaderboard.
Movie Trivia
Guess the movie from a clue — tagline, plot, cast and more. Pick from four posters.
What movie experience do you prefer?
What is your favorite movie genre?
Versus
Sign in to play →
A Creepshow Animated Special
2020
SGT. Will Gardner
2019
Sign in to vote
Battle your watched movies head-to-head
Community Top Movies
Evil Dead II
1987 · 14 wins
The Dark Knight
2008 · 14 wins
Halloween
1978 · 13 wins
Final Destination
2000 · 12 wins
Halloween II
1981 · 11 wins
Trivia
Leaderboard →Playing as a guest — sign in to save your score and rank on the leaderboard.
Movie Trivia
Guess the movie from a clue — tagline, plot, cast and more. Pick from four posters.
What movie experience do you prefer?
What is your favorite movie genre?
We use essential cookies to run MovieNight, plus analytics (Google Analytics) and advertising (Google AdSense) cookies. By continuing to browse, you agree to this — or click No and we won't. See our Terms & Privacy Policy to learn more.