Director Mike Leigh escapes the confines of direct-to-television films with this incredibly bittersweet slice-of-life comedy about a blue-collar family living in modern-day England Wendy (Alison Steadman) & Andy (Jim Broadbent) are a good-natured couple with two daughters Nicola (Jane Horrocks) & Natalie (Claire Skinner) As different as two sisters could possibly be Natalie is jovial & optimistic while Nicola is a discontented cynic with contempt for everything she encounters When Andy breaks his foot & strikes upon the idea to buy a hot dog van Wendy is reminded of what she loves--and loathes--about her husband Gradually Nicola is revealed to have a potentially dangerous eating disorder & by the time tensions between the sisters erupt Wendy must gather all her strength to keep the family together With LIFE IS SWEET Leigh has pulled off a remarkable feat He has made a film that is at once a raucous comedy a poignant drama & a heartfelt tearjerker setting the standard for all slice-of-life films that follow In addition to the spot-on performances of Steadman Broadbent Horrocks & Skinner Leigh regulars David Thewlis & Timothy Spall appear to add even greater depth--and comic relief--to the proceedings