I Know You Know (2008) User Reviews

Original idea nicely executed.

[PippinInOz · 7/10 · 11 December 2010]

While I do not think this is a brilliant film, there is definitely something about it that holds your attention and does move you. The stuff that is just spot on:

The acting. Wonderful performances by all the cast, but in particular Robert Carlyle (the character of Charlie); Arron Fuller (his son, Jamie) and Karl Johnson (uncle Ernie).

The sense of being put 'off kilter' is the one major feeling that I got as soon as it began. I kept saying 'What's going on?' and while this is usually an insult from me, in this case it most certainly isn't. Watch it and see what I mean.

A film that does not feel the need to SPELL EVERYTHING OUT about how and why these characters are here, doing the things they are doing. If you want to see this film as a film through the eyes of the child Jamie (and I do), then this 'moment' in life is so much more accurate in how lives are lived. We do not in general go around talking about the lead up to 'this moment' - for example: Jamie's mother is absent and we never discover what happened to her.

At last a film that is set in 1988 that does not feel the desperate need to go all Retro on us.

The unsaid moments: Watch out for the wonderful Uncle Ernie (Karl Johnson) and his expressions as he looks at Charlie. Heart breaking at times. The silences here often reveal so much.

Similarly, the overwhelming sense that something is not quite right here never leaves you. Again, I felt we are positioned to 'feel' the way the young boy is very likely feeling himself.

A film that knows when to stop. Unlike so many films I have watched recently, this is sharply edited, so it doesn't just go on and on.

As a complete film I don't want to kid you into thinking it is first class, HOWEVER: some of it is. If you haven't watched it, please give it a go. I am already planning to watch it again.

Moving and thought provoking.

Set aside enough time to watch it twice!

[tohu · 8/10 · 22 June 2010]

The things I look for in a film are, first and foremost, good acting. I love how really authentic performances can drive a movie. Other things I look for are a good tight script, thoughtful direction and strong characters. Bearing all that in mind, I think this is a really fine film. I really enjoyed it.

I can't say very much about the plot, because it's the kind of film that would be very easy to spoil. In fact, be careful of any reviews you read - for that same reason. It's a fairly low-key film (don't look for car chases and explosions) but certainly not boring. The story is intriguing, and the two central performances keep you transfixed. It's about a young boy growing up in Wales, and focuses on his close relationship with his father, who is not all he seems.

Robert Carlyle is great as the Dad, but the heart of the film is the performance by young Aaron Fuller as the son. What a star this kid is going to be - his performance here is quite brilliant. The film is based on the true story of the director's early life and his relationship with his own father - and as such it is very moving, especially towards the end.

What I will say is that you might like to set aside enough time to watch this twice. Because after it had finished, I wanted to watch it all over again - right away. You may wish to do the same (you can do this easily because at 1hr 18mins the film doesn't outstay its welcome).

Engrossing and touching

[ImTylerDurden · 8/10 · 8 June 2010]

Justin Kerrigan makes a fine return to directing after many years of absence. Charlie's son discovers that his dad is involved in secret activities and that their lives may be in danger. However the stress of the situation is slowly sending Charlie into a spiral of paranoia and desperation. The whole film pretty much revolves around the loving relationship between the two and the boy's efforts to unravel the mystery on his own since he can tell no one of his dad's mission; Who is out to get them? Who are Charlie's employers? What is the secret of the creepy satellite TV company? And who is the biggest danger to Jamie, the school bully or the strange man at the bus stop who's always watching him? It's all done in a very low key way with no action but with with an ever mounting sense that something may be deeply wrong and something awful might happen. Because of that and the gripping performances I strongly cared about the characters and felt major tension in certain scenes towards the end. Touching and powerful. I can't wait to see what Justin does next he has talent and heart, welcome back Justin we missed you Bruvva!

A Good Story Well Told

[SilkyWilky · 10/10 · 15 June 2012]

I believed this movie, and it left me with a few tears. A ten for me, it is that good.

The setting of late Thatcherite South Wales brings a dour realism to the fast moving and almost glamorous beginning of this movie. The journey you'll be taken on at best involves falling over and badly grazing yourself. But there's humour too, and even joy if you keep your mind open.

The acting is great all round, with believable characters who interact realistically. Jamie and his dad, Charlie, are centre stage, and both performances are superb.

The production is perfect. It thoroughly captures the personal situation, the era, the location. The story is told at a good pace, though yes, its low key and British. I think some non Brits may find the accents a little difficult at times, but you don't need to hear every word to get absorbed in the story.

The story is simple but rich. As one other reviewer suggests, its worth watching it twice, or at least watch the start again - thats a must.

Superb.

[Stig10 · 9/10 · 22 August 2010]

This movie is just outstanding. A hidden gem without a doubt, perhaps it's because I went in with low expectations but this is one of the best movies I've seen this year (yes I know it was made in 08 but I only watched it this year lol).

The acting is strong and the character development equally as strong. The story itself is very well scripted as is the dialogue. I haven't been moved by a movie this much in a long time.

The acting especially by the young boy (Arron Fuller), I was very surprised by the quality of his acting. Very engrossing to watch, highly entertaining.

Like another reviewer mentioned, this isn't for the yanks. It wasn't made with mainstream America in mind, but I don't see why it should be. As far as I'm aware movies don't all have to adhere to the same rules and be completely americanised.

Great movie and definitely worth a watch.

Thoroughly enjoyable!

[clairebwfc · 9/10 · 13 February 2021]

Really didn't know what to expect from this film. Hadn't read any reviews or seen the trailer, just watched on my quest for seeing the best of British! Carlyle was fantastic, as was Arron Fuller! This film was very real and I enjoyed it, mainly due to the performances! Got me quite emotional especially towards the end! Recommend you watch if you have a spare hour an half! 9/10