The British film ‘Driving Lessons’ was a treat. The scenario tells of a shy teenager, 18 year old Ben Marshall, in the midst of taking driving lessons, who endeavours to escape from the influence of his domineering mother, Evie. His world changes when he takes on a part time job working for retired actress, Laura.

The film was written and directed by Jeremy Brock, and beautifully acted by the three leading players. Veteran British actress Julie Walters played Evie, Laura Linney played mother Laura, and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley in ‘Harry Potter’) played Ben. Apparantly, the film had an autobiographical flavour to it, with the story being based on Brock’s own relationship with the late British actress, Peggy Ashcroft.

‘Driving Lessons’ was one of those heart warming kind of films. It told the charming story of tender youth and frail old age coming together and offering something to each other. The film definitely had a ‘Harold and Maude’ feel to it. I loved the infectious outrageousness of Julie Walters forever pushing the impressionable Ben to break out of his repressed self, which was due mainly to his overbearing and conservative mother, Laura.