"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.
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.