How to be Happy

How to be Happy is an intriguing Irish comedy-drama film from 2013 that keeps its audience engaged with its whimsical charm and heartwarming storyline. Directed by Michael Rob Costine and Mark Gaster, the movie stars Brian Gleeson, Gemma-Leah Devereux, and Stephen Mullan in the leading roles.

Brian Gleeson portrays the character of Foley, an endearing taxi driver dealing with the complexities of his life. Battling with the frustration of a failed marriage and his enduring knack for helping others, Foley becomes introspective about the nature of his own happiness. As a skilled relationship guru, he has always advised others on how to achieve happiness in their relationships, but navigating his own personal life proves to be a far more challenging task. His journey takes an interesting turn when he meets the mysterious Joy, played by the enchanting actress Gemma-Leah Devereux.

Joy, who imparts a level of intrigue and complexity to the narrative, is a research student working on a thesis about happiness. Convinced that happiness can be scientifically studied and understood, she embarks on a truly passionate quest. She implores Foley to join her unusual social experiment where she tests various theories of happiness. Their experimental journey of self-discovery and love forms the crux of the story.

Stephen Mullan plays Barry, Foley's half-brother who despite his brother's advice suffers through a rocky marriage. Foley lends his unconventional yet insightful wisdom to Barry, advocating for open dialogue and the elimination of secrecy in relationships.

A critical aspect of the film 'How to be Happy' centers around Foley's unique interactions with his taxi passengers. Narrated through engagingly woven anecdotes of these interactions, the film uses each encounter as metaphorical insights into human behavior. These encounters not only enliven the narrative but also serve to reinforce various perspectives on happiness. As the sensitive and somewhat misjudged Foley, Gleeson embodies his role beautifully, offering a performance that oscillates between poignant introspection and moments of pure hilarity.

Gemma-Leah Devereux as Joy conveys an intense determination to comprehend the nature of happiness and its impact on people's lives. Her character's initially uncomplicated research experiment soon morphs into a deeply personal exploration challenging her to confront her own notions of happiness. The chemistry between Foley and Joy adds a delightful layer of romantic tension to the film's narrative.

Stephen Mullan's portrayal of a hapless husband evolves throughout the narrative, developing a deep-set confidence, which results from Foley's unconventional wisdom and an undercurrent of brotherly love.

'How to be Happy' is beautifully shot and makes exceptional use of its Dublin backdrop, immersing viewers in the city's vibrant hues. The filmmakers opt for a modern and fast-paced visual style that skillfully encapsulates the bustling life in Dublin. It is effectively balanced with several contemplative sequences that allow the audience to delve into the complexities of the characters.

The movie’s soundtrack, replete with hearty Irish tunes, punctuates the story's narrative beats and sets the emotional tone of the scenes effectively. The film benefits greatly from a well-written script, punctuated with a good measure of humor and sentimentality.

'How to be Happy' is a refreshingly contemporaneous film that delves into the quest for personal happiness through love, self-reflection, and relationships. Thoughtfully constructed, it presents an insightful exploration into the human psyche. Its strength certainly lies in its character development, where it emotionally invests its viewers.

The film further stands as an illustration of mindful filmmaking that combines elements of comedy, drama, romance, and philosophy. It effectively intertwines these elements as it ponders universal questions around happiness, leaving the audience both entertained and introspective. What makes you happy? Is it love, companionship, career success, or personal fulfillment? The movie certainly asks these questions and perhaps more importantly, makes you wonder - 'How to be Happy?'. Both illuminating and disarming in its approach, the movie will leave you with a warm glow, a smile, and lots to ponder upon.

In conclusion, 'How to be Happy' from 2013 is an insightful comedy-drama that offers a delightful blend of realism, heartwarming relationships, and sincere performances from its cast. It makes for a captivating watch, likely to leave you musing long after the credits roll. Despite its seemingly simple title, the narrative intricacies woven throughout the film provide a complex, touching, and memorable cinema experience.