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Mike Leigh is one of the best filmmakers at capturing the realities of working-class life in England. This film is no exception.

This time, we take a look at the life of taxi-driver Phil (Timothy Spall). He's drifting apart from the love of his life, Penny. Their daughter Rachel is a member of the cleaning crew at a retirement home, and their son Rory is unemployed and angry. An unexpected tragedy occurs that brings them closer, and they rediscover their love for each other. We also get to see the lives of some of Phil and Penny's neighbors.

As with most of Leigh's work, the film's production started out with just an outline for the script. As the actors and actresses improvise their parts under Leigh's direction, the outline turns into an actual script. If you've enjoyed any of Leigh's other works, such as 1999's Topsy-Turvy or the award-winning Naked, this film should not disappoint. (Marty Doskins/BOP)