All or Nothing (2002)

"All or Nothing" is a very, very tough film to watch. Many of the characters are unlikable and the rest just seem very sad...and rather pathetic. It's still worth seeing, however...despite its many, many problems.The story is about a lower working class family in London and, to a lesser extent, the families around them. Director Mike Leigh did a good job recreating this oppressive and anger-filled environment...and the acting is top-notch because it's so realistic. But seeing the folks being cruel to each other again and again wears on the viewer. In fact, I think editing out a bit of this would have made for a better film.So why did I still like it despite all this? First, when a crisis comes to the family, it also creates the possibility of change and growth...not pie in the sky and unrealistic changes but ones that are indeed possible. Second, during this crisis towards the end of the film, the acting is at its finest. Not a perfect film...but worth it for the finale.

It's kinda shocking to see the reviews and the reception this got. Good reviews and reception, yes, but in comparison to Mike Leigh's other 2000s work, it's sort of surprising. Not sure why though, although I guess there's less of a clear narrative to go from here, certainly unlike something like Vera Drake. The performances from mike Leigh's regular, recurring cast are great. It's nice to see timothy Spall and Lesley Manville doing some strong work together. The film is well-done in every respect as well, never really calling attention to itself in any way and allowing the events of the plot, of these characters' lives, to transpire organically and naturally. This is definitely recommended to his fans

I will not write a lot about the story since so much is already said in the preceding comments. However I will tell how I came to watch it. It was very late one weekday night and the rest of the family had gone to bed. I was dead tired and just about to turn off the TV - and there was this film, All Or Nothing, about to begin in one of the two non-commercial public service channels (which might be one explanation why it transfixed me - no interruptions with inane requests to buy anti-wrinkle cream). And I was just completely enthralled! I was dreadfully tired, my eyes were red and swollen from exhaustion but I just couldn't stop watching. When the movie was finished at around two o'clock my eyes were also red and swollen from crying - and yet I was completely sober and so unprepared for this absolutely gripping film experience with the most wonderful actors. One of the best ever!

I don't know who Mike Leigh is, nor do I care. This movie SUCKS! unless you're a British "council estate" resident, whatever that is. I want to see a movie to "escape from reality" so to speak, rather than be assaulted by depressive, pseudo-normal residents of this English slum. If this is "entertainment" (which is why I see movies), I choose not to be entertained. God, what an ordeal to sit through this entire movie!Hey, Leigh, get in the documentary business, if this is the kind of crap you're trying to pawn off on the viewing public as "entertainment."I was not entertained in the least. I only felt deep sorrow for your characters, and did not have the feeling I should have when leaving the theater in which I first saw it. I want to leave feeling "good," or at least "happy," so if your intent was to leave me miserable, you succeeded.Perhaps you accomplished what you meant to achieve when I left the movie house, but I guarantee you I will never watch another movie with your name associated with it, for I don't wish to spend my diversionary time experiencing the emotions I did after watching this boring piece of crap.I assume your are of the English (meaning England) descent, as I doubt Americans will enjoy this depressive piece of English tripe. Do us all a favor, and remain on your side of "the pond." Thanks.