It is interesting even when nothing much happens, which is for most of its 3-hour running time. Read full review

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

Elaine is going through a tough time, her husband has lost interest in their relationship, and is spending his time elsewhere, her mum is spiteful, boasting constantly about her son, while her son treats her home like a doss house, bringing girls home at random. Elaine's one escape from it all is baking, selling her cakes, and taking pleasure in her creations. One batch of rock cakes sparks in the oven, a disaster, until her mum, Millie, spots the Virgin Madonna in the mix. The cake seems to have miracle powers for those that come into contact, spots clear up, best friend Jax gets the urge to diet, even Millie's crippling arthritis vanishes.This is a truly delightful sixty minute drama, it's light, funny, touching and totally engaging. Sarah Lancashire is a favourite actress of mine, never failing to impress, she's fantastic here, you truly warm to Elaine. Rita Tushingham is great to as her spiteful mum.A shame it was only on for an hour, this deserved to be on a longer format. A shame no channel seems able to make such fine comedy dramas anymore.A humble tale of rags to humbles....Brilliant, 9/10