Wesele Muriel

A comedy-drama about the coming-of-age and maturation of a country girl seeking happiness in the big city. It's a very positive film that reminds me of Love Actually and one I still enjoy returning to. While ABBA's music appears in many films, in this case, the combination of this upbeat music with the film's story is perhaps the most successful. Overall impression: 90%. It was in this movie that I discovered the excellent actress Toni Collette, who soon after broke into Hollywood thanks to it. (24.06.2006)

Muriel is having a really hard time in life, and when it seems that things are looking up, all her hopes disappear into the darkness. But she doesn't give up, and every setback in her life is another offer for the better. Toni Collette is a great actress and she inhabits the role of Muriel wonderfully, faithfully seconded throughout the film by the equally great Rachel Griffiths. At times I laughed my heart out, while at other times I didn't find much to laugh about and sympathised with the fates of each character. All in all, a pleasant Australian movie that offers an ageless ABBA soundtrack alongside a sweet story and solid performances. (22.07.2011)

A very pleasant Australian romantic comedy with some real thorns. It's like you want to laugh the whole time, but the film gives you plenty of reasons to cry instead. A beautifully balanced drama with comedy that actually isn't romantic at all, at least not in the American sense of the word. This is what makes the film beautifully unique. Thanks to Toni Collette, of course. And ABBA! (14.03.2016)