Once upon a time this would have been called 'ktichen-sink' but for now let's just call it British realism but whatever "Ali & Ava" is, it's a feather in the cap or maybe even a jewel in the crown of British cinema. It's a Clio Barnard movie which is really all you need to know. She may not be a household name and in America is probably not known at all but she's one of the best directors working in cinema and this hard-hitting, but deeply affectionate film is a joy from start to finish.

Set in Bradford it's a middle-aged romance between two people from very differnt backgrounds. Ali, (a terrific Adeel Akhtar),comes from an Indian immigrant family and earns his living as a 'landlord' and Ava, (an equally good Claire Rushbrook),is a classroom assistant from an Irish background who fall into a relationship almost by accident despite the racist oppositon of Ava's son.

They are united by a love of music and a need for company and they are two of the sweetest people to grace a movie in a very long time; you really want them to make it but you know this is a Clio Barnard film and Barnard never takes the easy option so ... It's also Barnard's most accessible film to date, funny and very moving in equal measure. How BAFTA came to pick "Belfast" over this as last year's Best British Film should be a mark of unending shame.

Ali & Ava: A moving story set in Bradford, a few pub scenes with Grace and Dirty Old Town sung, very much about the emigrant experience i the next generation. Cultural difference are overcome but families can still cause problems. A Ken Loach sort of film, although Ali is a landlord. A love story, Ali is separated from his younger wife, Ava is older than Ali, her violent husband dead. Some crazy scenes with stone throwing kids and Ali dancing on the roof of his car. He really has rhythm! Slow moving in some ways but I found it a sensitive and entertaining film. Written and Directed by Clio Barnard, 8/10.

Ali & Ava presents a really sensitive and engaging love story in a way that I've rarely seen.

It feels so real, with the characters written and performed to perfection. Adeel Akhtar and Claire Rushbrook are spectacular, both giving sensitive and engaging performances.

It is a very British film in every way, from the location to the dialogue and it captures this in such a brilliant way.

The direction is arty and crisp, with good pacing throughout.

My only real criticism is that the ending lacked a bit of a punch and fizzled out every so slightly, but this is very minor.

A very lovely and sensitive film.