High Hopes
Performance & Direction: High Hopes Review
Last updated: February 19, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is High Hopes (1989) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and High Hopes features a noteworthy lineup led by Phil Davis . Supported by the likes of Ruth Sheen and Edna Doré , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: High Hopes
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1989, High Hopes is a Comedy, Drama film directed by Mike Leigh. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Phil Davis.
Ending Explained: High Hopes
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Mike Leigh, High Hopes resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Phil Davis, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of High Hopes reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch High Hopes?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Phil Davis or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: High Hopes
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $1.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Top Cast: High Hopes
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Where to Watch High Hopes Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Criterion ChannelHigh Hopes Parents Guide & Age Rating
1989 AdvisoryWondering about High Hopes age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of High Hopes is 108 minutes (1h 48m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, High Hopes is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1989 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is High Hopes worth watching?
High Hopes is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find High Hopes parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for High Hopes identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of High Hopes?
The total duration of High Hopes is 108 minutes, which is approximately 1h 48m long.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.









