High Hopes

  • 1989
  • PG
  • 108m
movieMx RATING
7.1/1097
VERDICT
HIT
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Performance & Direction: High Hopes Review

Last updated: February 19, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 19, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 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?

In summary, our editorial assessment of High Hopes (1989) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, High Hopes stands as a HIT.

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 / RegionCollection (Approx)
Worldwide Gross $1.2M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT
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Top Cast: High Hopes

All Cast & Crew →
Phil Davis
Phil DavisCyril Bender
Ruth Sheen
Ruth SheenShirley
Edna Doré
Edna DoréMrs Bender
Philip Jackson
Philip JacksonMartin Burke
Lesley Manville
Lesley ManvilleLætitia Boothe-Brain
David Bamber
David BamberRupert Boothe-Brain
Cheryl Prime
Cheryl PrimeMartin's Girlfriend
Diane-Louise Jordan
Diane-Louise JordanChemist Shop Assistant
Linda Beckett
Linda BeckettReceptionist
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Where to Watch High Hopes Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

Criterion ChannelCriterion Channel

High Hopes Parents Guide & Age Rating

1989 Advisory
PG

Official Age Rating

Wondering about High Hopes age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

High Hopes is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.

⏱️ 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.

HIT
Official movieMx status for High Hopes. Rating: 7.1/10

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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How High Hopes Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for High Hopes

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🛡️

movieMx Verified

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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.1
High Hopes
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