The University era scenes are spoilt by the gross caricatures, all exaggerated ticks and mock speech patterns. Later scenes much better. And the film has a sort of endearing heart to it.

The only complaint I have against this movie is the late 80's/early 90's smooth R&B/jazz soundtrack. Otherwise, I can't recommend it highly enough.

Another excellent character piece from director Mike Leigh. Lynda Steadman and Katrin Cartlidge are both superb in their roles.

Det er et eller anna med denne filmen som er så utrulig bra, men klarer ikkje heilt å sette fingeren på det...alt! Anbefalast!

Katrin Cartlidge was a wonderful actress who died far, far too young. This is one of her best movies. Notice how every male in the movie ends up accusing the two leads characters of being lesbians (and for these men that is an accusation). This is... (read more) Katrin Cartlidge was a wonderful actress who died far, far too young. This is one of her best movies. Notice how every male in the movie ends up accusing the two leads characters of being lesbians (and for these men that is an accusation). This is great movie that never got as much attention as it deserved.

Develops into an insightful meditation on the nature of friendship, as well as a peek into the psyches of two people who think they've dealt with the past but have actually only pushed it aside.

Very human and heartwarming. Something that could be taken out actual life, very real, very touching.

from allmovie: Less wrenching and emotionally involving than his masterful Secrets and Lies, Mike Leigh's Career Girls is nonetheless an engrossing character study of two former friends and the differences that time and distance have wrought upon the... (read more) from allmovie: Less wrenching and emotionally involving than his masterful Secrets and Lies, Mike Leigh's Career Girls is nonetheless an engrossing character study of two former friends and the differences that time and distance have wrought upon their friendship. There's a rueful melancholy and bittersweetness to Career Girls, and at first the viewer supposes this is due to regrets engendered by the awkwardness these formerly close mates now feel. Eventually, however, the viewer realizes that there's a general discontentment inherent in the characters' lives. These are young people who, for all intents and purposes, have already platformed. They may advance in superficial matters, such as their careers, but they lack the ability to make as much of their lives as they desire. Katrin Cartlidge is superb as Hannah, playing her cynical and sarcastic younger self with enough overemphasized nonchalance to suggest the insecurity that lies underneath. As she matures, the mellowing is believable and consistent. Lynda Steadman is also quite good; if she is less memorable, it is partially because the role is more problematic. The chemistry between the two is excellent; the manner in which the two metaphorically saunter around each other during their reunion is perfect. As always, Leigh captures wonderful nuances and details in the characters that reveal more than the dialogue would suggest. Although the screenplay relies too heavily (and self-consciously) on coincidences, Career Girls is a worthy minor effort from an always-interesting filmmaker.

Troubled & volatile Hannah (Cartlidge) connects with timid Annie (Steadman) in this warm, touching & humorous tale of contrasting characters finding unexpected redemption in each other's vulnerability. Improvisational drama at its best, with career-d... (read more) Troubled & volatile Hannah (Cartlidge) connects with timid Annie (Steadman) in this warm, touching & humorous tale of contrasting characters finding unexpected redemption in each other's vulnerability. Improvisational drama at its best, with career-defining role from Mark Benton as the increasingly disturbed Ricky. Sad and uplifting in equal measure.

Another fantastic Mike Leigh film, watch Naked first though, everyone should see it at least once :)