User reviews

It is said that American comedy laughs at people whereas British comedy laughs with them. Whether you agree or not, there is a difference and it is difficult to define. A late-life marriage break-up, two deaths, two funerals, and dementia might sound serious but they are perfect comedic fodder in Finding Your Feet (2018), a gentle British rom-com laced with upper-class ridicule and feminist self-discovery.

After four decades of marriage respectability, Lady Sandra Abbott (Imelda Staunton) discovers that her husband has been having a long-term affair with her best friend. She storms into the life of her hippie older sister Bif (Celia Imrie) seeking refuge in her modest flat on a London council estate. In true British style, she dearly clings to her title until she realises the locals don't give a toss about uppity types. Just when she despairs about her future, she revives a passion for dancing and glimmers of romance appear in the most unlikely places. The local dance class becomes a touring troupe that includes her sister, a scruffy romantic named Charlie (Timothy Spall) and the hilariously haughty Jackie (Joanna Lumley). Meanwhile 'Lady' Sandra reverts to ordinary Sandra as she discovers that life can begin again at any age.

Films like this give divorce an attractive name. Depending on how existential you want to be, the story can be about the innate power to find yourself in the most adverse circumstances or, on the other hand, a barrel of smirks about the idiosyncrasies of the British class system, the joys of getting older and wiser, and the role of fun in living well. The casting is impeccable and their performances are A-class as you would expect in a quality British production. Although the ensemble are uniformly excellent, Imelda Staunton and Timothy Spall are the standout duo as they depict polar opposite social types who find themselves in each other.

The same plot with a younger cast might struggle, but somehow watching older people dismantle and rebuild their joy of life under the wet blanket of British social conventions is always amusing. There are no outrageous laughs nor are people or situations held to ridicule. The film's pleasure comes entirely from an intelligent script that makes wry observations of life's ironies and people's peculiarities. It's not all funny, but the tears and sad moments are brief. The delightfully corny ending ensures you leave this warm-hearted film feeling good.

It's been years since I enjoyed brilliant British comedies like The Full Monty, Calendar Girls, Four Weddings, East is East and thankfully this is one of them. Very funny, very moving but sent me out of the preview screening literally tapping my feet with a smile on my face! Not often you get to say that when you visit your local cinema. Love it and would highly recommend!

Classic British film at its best, filled with both tears and laughter.The writer placing those one liners in that most of us wish we had the nerve to say but dont ,then regret that for years.The hardship of missing someone and the good that the people they leave behind find with the inclusion that dear departed left instilled within them.A truly lovely thought provoking film that will stay within your mind long after you watch it.

So as soon as I saw the cast of the movie, I knew it was going to be a great one, I didn't even have to watch the trailer to know that. This movie is a mixture of comedy, sadness and happy vibes. It will leave you feeling happy and wanting to make the most of your life.

I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants a feel good adventure!

The lead experiences a fall from grace in her elite circles and moves in with her older down to earth sister in her council flat. The movie is about coming to terms with relationship issues but also of self-rediscovery. The great British cast just exude British humour and really k ow their audience. Its a heart moving tale that deals with issues we all have or shall experience in life.

Watched this absolute gem of a film at the Telegraph's special screening at the Vue cinema in London's West End last night. I went with my friend who is much older than I am and is much nearer in age to the target demographic but I will certainly be recommending it to my friends as I came away feeling that age had nothing to do with it. It was about tacking life's issues with courage, humour and strength, no matter how old you are. Haven't laughed and cried in a cinema like that for years and looking around at the end when the lights came up I definitely wasn't the only audience member. I'm probably not going to go out and join a dance class but I will remember Sandra and Bif's sense of humour and spirit for a very long time.

This is a beautiful film about life and class and adventure and death and arrogance and...oh and all things human really. It's a poignant film with a happy ending, so very akin to a fairy tale with the wicked husband and the prince who rescues the princess and all the forest elves who are friends. It's a very upbeat film about people taking charge of their lives and the performances are exactly what you'd expect from the stellar cast. Fabulous film.

Came out of the cinema feeling flat, it was ok, just not great. 4/10 Audience on the whole, were not skipping and saying brill, excellent etc also.

I predicted each scene as it unfolded, almost to the letter, it was only ok, the cast were great, I'm sure they all had a fab time making it however. It felt like a painting by numbers landscape, filled in with pastel colours.

26 February 2018 Film of Choice at The Plaza Dorchester Tonight - Finding Your Feet. This is a great film about growing older and learning to enjoy it. It's a film with happiness, sadness, joy and disappointment. Starring some of our favourite older actors and actresses this is the story of Sandra (Imelda Staunton) who, as she is about to embark on her golden years with her husband, discovers he has been having an affair. Sandra immediately decamps to her sister's tiny flat and proceeds to fall apart. What happens next is a tale of survival and reinvention as she puts her life back together. I thought this film was great, we met people with problems and secrets of their own who came together to forget about it all in a weekly dance class. I hope we can all age like this, there was very little that was graceful about it but my goodness they looked like they could have some fun. A great cast including Timothy Spall, Joanna Lumley and the utterly fabulous Celia Imre, I urge you to go and see his film, even if for a couple of hours to escape your own life. Funny, moving, outrageous and lots of fun.

Sandra Abbott (Imelda Staunton) is a Lady and has a big house. She thought her former police chief husband loved her until she finds him cheating with another woman. She leaves him to stay with her older estranged sister Bif (Celia Imrie). They are opposites in many ways. She's uptight and angry after the breakup. Bif is carefree and loving with many friends. One of those friends is Charlie Glover (Timothy Spall) who lives on a boat after selling his home to put his wife in hospice care.

Old British people dealing with life and death and everything in between should be a subgenre of its own. They are generally good but few are completely original. The acting skills are undeniable. These are great veteran actors and I like them all. There is a little bit of sloppiness slipping into the story and a general predictability. The daughter needs some more explaining. For example, why wouldn't Sandra go live with her daughter instead of an older sister she hasn't seen for years? The romance is probably the only thing new even if it's expected. It's still missing a meeting between Sandra and the wife. In addition, the final leap of faith is too cheesy on-the-nose. It's obvious green screen work and too literal. Overall, I like these actors and the story is functionally feel-good. It's all very familiar like an old warm ragged blanket.

FINDING YOUR FEET takes us to a different world as Sandra (Imelda Staunton), an upper-middle class English housewife, finds her dreams of an idyllic retirement with her husband of over thirty years shattered when she discovers hubby has been carrying on an affair with her best friend for years. On an angry impulse she storms out of their beautiful home and has no place to go but to live with her bohemian sister, Bif (Celia Imrie) with whom she has not been in touch for over a decade. The movie's humor comes from her trying to adapt to this new life, in part by re-discovering her pre-married self's love of dance - thus the title. Slowly she melts and it turns out she has a better time blending in than she did standing out. Many of life's aging surprises (yes, Bette, it is not for sissies) are touched upon, the most memorable being Bif's friend, Charlie (Timothy Spall), who has to sell his house to provide his alzheimer-afflicted wife with full-time care in a lovely British countryside assisted-living 'home.' The acting is typically British first-class (Joanna Lumley of Absolutely Fabulous brightens every scene she is in) and the plot even takes us to Rome! This delightful comedy is just what you need to get yourself up and out of that chair!

This film is funny but not just a comedy, sad but not just a weepy and is well worth a watch. The acting is fabulous and I am recommending it to all my friends.

TL;DR

• Defines stereotypical demographics; enjoyable for anyone and everyone
• Sweet, emotional and identifiable story
• Lots of laughs
• Lovable characters played well by an all-star British cast

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Some films often appeal to a certain demographic; from CGI-heavy blockbusters to teary rom-coms, every film has a specific stereotypical demographic. Finding Your Feet, for example, at first glance perhaps seems like a film aimed towards the conservative over-60s population of the UK. With the occasional ever so slightly racy, Carry On-esque sex jokes, simple but sweet plot, and an all-star cast of familiar British actors who have been delighting us on-screen for many years, it ticks all the boxes that grandparents round the country want a film to tick. However, the biggest surprise this film has in store is how excellent it is regardless of demographic. Quite simply, no matter your interests or demographic, there's no denying the charm of this film and how enjoyable it is.

It's a simple story, but an effective one, never dragging in pace and always keeping our interest, all the while giving everyone at least something to identify with on some level. All in all, Finding Your Feet is absolutely a feel-good film. However, that doesn't mean it's all sunshine and rainbows. On the contrary, there are some heart-breaking moments which can tease a tear from most stoic of viewers. Not only do these help us identify even more, but they make the characters feel more real and the highs and laughs seem just that much more enjoyable. And as for laughs there are plenty. You'll definitely find yourself laughing more than crying, with a plethora of comic moments you could find yourself chuckling at even during repeated viewings.

All the laughs and feel-good feelings stem as much from the cast as they do from the script though. The only downside is how underused a comedy legend and icon like Joanna Lumley is. Still, like David Hayman also with a smaller part, they make the most of what they have and make an impact on the film, giving it a broader personality and still making you love the characters. Celia Imrie, Timothy Spall and Imelda Staunton are the trio at the heart of the film and all the sweetness emanates from them. With Bif's lust for life, Imrie makes the film inspirational; Spall fortunately breaks his typecasting, this time not being a Pettigrew-esque repulsive character, and instead playing perhaps the sweetest character in the film, almost single-handedly bringing all its emotion with him; and Staunton's development of her character leads the film in a charming way, constantly likable and winning the audience over even before her character begins to change.

It may be lost among all the Oscar nominated films dominating cinemas at the moment, but Finding Your Feet is a fresh alternative that can't fail to please. Endlessly charming, an excellent cast brings a sweet, emotional story with plenty of good laughs and a few memorable lines. You'll be hunting for decent croissants in Surrey for years to come.

It's not often that I go to the cinema and come out feeling like I've been on a big emotional journey. This film took me on one and I'd be happy to retrace my steps for a second viewing. Loved every minute. Not only does it star some of Britain's finest actors, it has a very funny and thought provoking script. I hope I've got friends like that around me when I hit retirement. 8 out of 10 for me!

A well off Surrey housewife (Imelda Staunton) discovers that her husband (John Sessions) has been cheating on her for many years after he's caught in the arms of one of her supposed best friends (Josie Lawrence) and leaves him. She has few people she can turn to, but lands herself on the doorstep of her estranged bohemian sister (Celia Imrie) who lives in a London council flat and through her learns to live again.

This film does what recent British films do best and tell a good story geared towards an older generation. Boasting a strong cast, especially from the two glorious female leads, this film also shows some great location work in London and is a little earthier and urban than usual for this sub-genre of British film such as say the likes of a Richard Curtis comedy. There are also more than a few nods to the previously successful CALENDAR GIRLS (2003), though it is with the London scenes that the film excels, while the climax in Rome seems a little out of place and overly glamorous.

I'm a sucker for feel-good dramas, especially those equipped with British charm and veteran actors. Lovely uplifting films allowing you to put your feet up and enjoy a nice warm cuppa (or in my case, a glass of gin in the afternoon). Imagine being hugged by your nan. That comforting embrace. Pretty much sums up these films as of late. Problem is, the sub-genre is becoming saturated ever since 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel'. Consequently, these features become tired, and this dance-a-thon really needed an afternoon nap. After discovering her husband was having an affair for five years, "Lady" Sandra decides to abandon the wealthy lifestyle she once had and moves in with her sister residing in a London council flat.

For years Sandra had lost her way, settling for superficial friends and richer tastes. She had forgotten what life was all about. Actually living. To help kickstart her optimistic perspective on life, friends and family guide her back to dancing where she can "rock around the clock" before doing the "twist again". It's an uplifting comedic drama that values the smaller scope on life, and that's something we all tend to forget. Fantastically heartwarming performances from the cast, particularly Staunton, Spall and Imrie, help lift those grey thunderous clouds of adulterous divorce with a few sensible laughs along the way.

Unfortunately though, those clouds can't stop precipitating drops of depression due to a script that is constantly wallowing in needless melodrama, juxtaposing the proposed light tone. We're talking Alzheimer's, stage four cancer and even an abrupt death. Cause? Imrie dancing seductively. She's not that bad, bless her.

For a story about overcoming pessimism and taking positive leaps of faith, it certainly is surrounded by unnecessary depression. And the formulaic approach doesn't help matters. Fortunately the charismatic, and surprisingly emotional, performances made for light onscreen chemistry that waltzed the needless melodrama to glory. Forgettable, but a pleasantly harmless two hours.

Battling brain cancer this movie generously and humorously got me on my feet and into life again.

Uplifting this is not. If you go to see this, think of it as a documentary of all the crap life events you will be only too familiar with the older you are. Seen from this perspective the mildly smile-worthy incidents provide a welcome break. Unfortunately, you will be encouraged to regard it as an upbeat movie for the world weary. The cast are well chosen but a few are a little type-cast thus providing nothing novel for us watching whilst enabling the actors to perform on autopilot. Imelda Staunton manages the most imaginative performance with some beautifully observed facial expressions. Such a shame this film misses any mark. It felt like weekday afternoon TV filler.

Snobbish materialistic Staunton finds her husband has been cheating on her, leaves him and moves in with her sister, Imrie's council flat where she reassesses her life.

The opening scenes pave the way for a typical situation comedy and indeed there are laughs to be found in the first third of the film. The tone shifts significantly thereafter as Staunton must deal with life's often difficult hurdles particularly if you're not young anymore.

This has a really talented cast and the 3 leads Staunton, Imrie and Spall deliver solid performances. It is worth catching to be sure, albeit for the most part this is rather predictable and unremarkable.

Sandra is a middle-class snob housewife whose life falls apart when she catches her husband having an affair with her friend on the night of his retirement. With nowhere else to go, she turns up at her estranged sister's, who lives in a run-down council estate. But it's here that she learns to start over again and re-discover some of the joy in life. "Finding Your Feet" may follow some of the paths of the traditional British romcom-drama films of the past. Movie, certainly, is not aimed at the younger crowd. Those who can relate with the story/idea will find themselves entertained enough. Fans of "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" will delight in its depiction of senior citizens loving life. At the same time, the entire movie felt like a pessimistic and bleak outlook on older life. The film, also, could be more tolerable at a less brisk pace, but the director was seemingly determined to drag out the inevitable predictable ending as long as possible (110 minutes) additionally sidetracking things with a vacation to Italy. At the end, it's a OK story to watch unfold and even the occasional, irritating slips into cliché can be ignored, but (for me) it was little dull, too long and too dark for a romantic comedy. 6+/10.

This movie was strongly reminiscent of Woody Allen's film Blue Jasmine. The differences are that the mood is more comic and the betrayed wife is older, but it's basically the same story of a snobbish wealthy woman who leaves her husband and has to go live with her working class politically progressive sister while she figures out how to change her life.

It would be interesting to see both films on a double bill.