How About You... (2007)

HOW ABOUT YOU tells the story of Ellie, a young woman left in charge of the residential home run by her older sister, over the Christmas period. Whilst most of the residents have left to ... See full summary »

Director:

Anthony Byrne

Writers:

Maeve Binchy (short story), Jean Pasley (screenplay)

Stars:

Joss Ackland, Hayley Atwell, Orla Brady

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Joss Ackland	...	Donald Vanston
Hayley Atwell	...	Ellie Harris
Orla Brady	...	Kate Harris
Kevin Flood	...	William
Brenda Fricker	...	Heather Nightingale
Paschal Friel	...	Minibus Driver (as Pascal Friel)
Darragh Kelly	...	Mr. Evans
Doreen Keogh	...	Mary
Tim McDonnell	...	Man in Wheelchair
Elizabeth Moynihan	...	Nurse Healy
Mick Nolan	...	Postman
Ryan O'Connor	...	Dan
Joan O'Hara	...	Alice Peterson
Vanessa Redgrave	...	Georgia Platts
Danielle Ryan	...	Maria

Storyline

HOW ABOUT YOU tells the story of Ellie, a young woman left in charge of the residential home run by her older sister, over the Christmas period. Whilst most of the residents have left to spend the festive period with their families, four residents, known as 'the hardcore' remain. Their behavior is so terrible that the home faces closure as potential new residents are put off by their appalling antics.

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Plot Keywords:

christmas | question in title

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Country:

Ireland

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 November 2007 (Ireland)

Also Known As:

La grandeza de vivir

Filming Locations:

County Down, Northern Ireland, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$9,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$6,022 (USA) (14 November 2008)

Gross:

$77,588 (USA) (24 April 2009)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Beyond Films, Ferndale Films, Head Gear Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

[first lines]
Donald Vanston: Damned cars on the lawn. Shit.
Heather Nightingale: That's it!
Hazel Nightingale: I don't want to go.
Heather Nightingale: They're trying to get rid of us before they arrived.

User Reviews

Separate tables

The lonely souls that are forced to live in places like Woodlands, one imagines would be more attuned to bonding with peers and form long time friendships with similar folks in their own circumstances. Alas, the people in this lovely Irish senior center appear to be mean spirited individuals at the end of their lives. The lead bitter existences as they have no interest in mingling with people they clearly abhor.

We come into this milieu where a four of the residents don't have a place where to spend Christmas. It is Ellie, the young sister of the woman that runs the place to stay behind to take care of this quartet. When she doesn't get anywhere with them, she lets them all know how she feels about their rudeness and ill manners. Instead of angering them, she rouses them up and make them come to their senses.

The foursome consists of Donald, the retired judge, who must have things his way. Georgia, the former showgirl who loves her martinis in a certain way. The bickering sisters Heather and Hazel Nightingale complete the group. When Ellie explodes and tells them truths they haven't heard in a while, they wake up to reality. Thus, for the Christmas dinner, Ellie decides to take the residents to a nearby town to get the ingredients. Together, they will have a great time and come together in ways no one even thought possible.

Anthony Byrne directed the film, which is based on a Mave Benchley short story. He couldn't have asked for a better cast, Vanessa Redgrave, Joss Ackland, Imelda Staunton and Brenda Flicker are seen in the major parts. They are joined by Hayley Atwell who is perfect for the role of Ellie.

This film will appeal to audiences of a certain age who will appreciate the nuances in the story and will certainly enjoy the magnificent cast chosen to bring it to life.