The talent of the two young actors is undeniable and I hope I see them in other films. The plot and writing, however, are weak and sometimes feel like they are trying to be something they aren't in a 'mockney geezer/ette written by a hipster ' way. I realise that this is a film about the relationship about a brother and sister, but the whole theme of gymnastics could have provided what was needed-focus. Not bad, but could have been better. If you want a superb British film about a tough teenage life watch Jellyfish or Babyteeth instead.
13 Reviews
Kitchen sink drama
PaoReno37 November 2020
Good Acting... Poor Script
zorroaca11 December 2022
In a way... kind of hard to realize that people in real life are this dumb and dysfunctional. We know they are out there... but this film doesn't get the job done. The acting is good... but only with a couple of characters (Frankie Box is good). There are many parts to the film but none are really developed. And for some reason they want you to like folks who are mere thieves. It seems that the writer is writing about a world that he or she knows very little about and it shows. With so many moving parts... this would have to be a mini series and then it would have to be handled correctly. And I think the title is very misleading... one dance does not make a 10.
Nice film, just lacking some depth
paul_tachian13 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Family. Life choices. Alienation. Relevance. Motorcycles. Gymnastics.
This film covers those bases, and a few more. The almost-incest is barely a kiss between half-siblings, initiated by Leigh. Her character is explored most comprehensively of all portrayed, for she is our protagonist. She has choices to make, same for Joe.
How do you make it when the only source of encouragement you have is a well-meaning coach? Will Leigh choose the easy option of petty crime over athletic pursuits? Will Joe lure his potentially useful half-sister into his circle of petty crims, or make her a partner-in-crime?
These questions and themes are answered and explored in this affecting coming-of-age drama. Nice performances all-round, could have benefited from deeper character development, as some characters remain two-dimensional in feel. But then, this would likely have extended the runtime.
As it stands, I scored it 7/10.
This film covers those bases, and a few more. The almost-incest is barely a kiss between half-siblings, initiated by Leigh. Her character is explored most comprehensively of all portrayed, for she is our protagonist. She has choices to make, same for Joe.
How do you make it when the only source of encouragement you have is a well-meaning coach? Will Leigh choose the easy option of petty crime over athletic pursuits? Will Joe lure his potentially useful half-sister into his circle of petty crims, or make her a partner-in-crime?
These questions and themes are answered and explored in this affecting coming-of-age drama. Nice performances all-round, could have benefited from deeper character development, as some characters remain two-dimensional in feel. But then, this would likely have extended the runtime.
As it stands, I scored it 7/10.
Well acted little UK film. Veers away from the usual Broken Britain arc.
tonypeacock-18 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Typical little UK working class feature that doesn't go down the Ken Loach route of Broken Britain!
In a brief nutshell it follows a teen girl, Leigh. (Frankie Box) A teen girl with bullying issues and a single parent, pretty lousy dad (her mother died a year or so ago).
She is in a gymnast class, pretty talented. However she has confidence issues with her unsupportive parent. Lack of money for subs and costume leads to bullying issues.
One day she arrives home and is met by a complete stranger who it transpires is her unknown step brother Joe (Alfie Deegan). A Jack the lad type who Leigh's dad, patented and pretty much neglected.
Leigh and Joe are similar ages. Joe a little older, a trainee joiner who is into motorbikes and partakes in petty crime such as stealing petrol and said bikes.
Leigh forms a bond with Joe as the film develops. Perhaps because of her lonely, bullied lifestyle? At one brief point, and I say very brief, incestual and not explored any further.
Leigh is sucked into Joe's petty criminal lifestyle, albeit briefly as the film develops but her genuine interest gymnastics wins the day.
These small, independent, gritty, British films showcase young, developing acting talent. In this case both the leads are in their first feature film.
In a brief nutshell it follows a teen girl, Leigh. (Frankie Box) A teen girl with bullying issues and a single parent, pretty lousy dad (her mother died a year or so ago).
She is in a gymnast class, pretty talented. However she has confidence issues with her unsupportive parent. Lack of money for subs and costume leads to bullying issues.
One day she arrives home and is met by a complete stranger who it transpires is her unknown step brother Joe (Alfie Deegan). A Jack the lad type who Leigh's dad, patented and pretty much neglected.
Leigh and Joe are similar ages. Joe a little older, a trainee joiner who is into motorbikes and partakes in petty crime such as stealing petrol and said bikes.
Leigh forms a bond with Joe as the film develops. Perhaps because of her lonely, bullied lifestyle? At one brief point, and I say very brief, incestual and not explored any further.
Leigh is sucked into Joe's petty criminal lifestyle, albeit briefly as the film develops but her genuine interest gymnastics wins the day.
These small, independent, gritty, British films showcase young, developing acting talent. In this case both the leads are in their first feature film.
Nails the Take Off, Execution & the Landing...
Xstal7 August 2020
Growing up's tough and made a lot tougher when nobody's there to care and you don't get any attention. Half sibling teens meet unexpectedly for the first time and results in two outstanding cinematic performances by two soon to be a lot better known performers. British cinema doing what British cinema does best. Highly recommended.
How On Earth Did This Get Made?
dgjones-6225813 November 2020
The basic concept is a reasonably good idea but the script, acting, and direction are poor.
It is also yet another middle-class BBC portrayal of the working class - throw in a load of 'F' words and some cannabis and that will cover the class and age divide - very patronising.
How the BBC backed this film is beyond my comprehension - it must have been 'who you know' and not 'what you know'. The whole film had the look of a student's college film.
It is also yet another middle-class BBC portrayal of the working class - throw in a load of 'F' words and some cannabis and that will cover the class and age divide - very patronising.
How the BBC backed this film is beyond my comprehension - it must have been 'who you know' and not 'what you know'. The whole film had the look of a student's college film.
Eva Riley has mad skills
A_Different_Drummer9 August 2020
And Frankie Box is a find. It is a simple story about how easy it is in our modern world to literally become lost in your own life. But the story telling is compelling and the acting so authentic the viewer is compelled to watch right to the bitter-sweet end.
Good acting but poor script
carollake-8962216 November 2020
Actually some of the acting is good and there are some moving scenes.
Unfortunately the story is poor and lame.
Another reviewer has asked how this film was ever made. They may not realise that all residents in the UK have to pay a television licence fee (despite most of the population streaming films and series through the internet). This licence money goes to the BBC. The BBC make some great TV, but only some. , They also make much more really bad TV. Some our licence money goes on films that end up going straight to video. This will be one of them.
Unfortunately the story is poor and lame.
Another reviewer has asked how this film was ever made. They may not realise that all residents in the UK have to pay a television licence fee (despite most of the population streaming films and series through the internet). This licence money goes to the BBC. The BBC make some great TV, but only some. , They also make much more really bad TV. Some our licence money goes on films that end up going straight to video. This will be one of them.
Subtle and real and beautiful
hpcrehan21 February 2021
Just watched this film which completely enthralled me - the acting was so touching and brutally real - the story was unexpected and really tender and the cinematography and music was just so on the button - my first review -I signed up to IMDB just to review this - I just wanted to tell the world that I thought this was a fabulous film.
Lovely done, I think every teen that growing up should watch
momomojojo10 January 2022
Like how the camera goes and the sound nicely done. Even if it does not seem like.
You immediately feel her struggle in life. How she is getting back on people. Clearly shows what kind of person she is.
Great done on resembling the real life.
Hmmm uncertainty and her lack of confidence make her making decisions and actions.
She finally has somewhere where she is someone and really want to do things to be got more in and willing to go far.
She does not even know who is protecting her and who is using her, that, blinded by the need for acknowledgement.
Good acting Like the camera, good simple not liking Hollywood Sound is maybe just too shabby, too easy It is clear that those who care will do nothing that hurt your environment.
You immediately feel her struggle in life. How she is getting back on people. Clearly shows what kind of person she is.
Great done on resembling the real life.
Hmmm uncertainty and her lack of confidence make her making decisions and actions.
She finally has somewhere where she is someone and really want to do things to be got more in and willing to go far.
She does not even know who is protecting her and who is using her, that, blinded by the need for acknowledgement.
Good acting Like the camera, good simple not liking Hollywood Sound is maybe just too shabby, too easy It is clear that those who care will do nothing that hurt your environment.
Great story, great acting
frankie10112 November 2020
The main two actors are so good in their roles and it honestly feels more like a documentary at points than a fictional story.
The film may seem initially like it is about gymnastics, but it is about something much more important: family.
The film may seem initially like it is about gymnastics, but it is about something much more important: family.
A Little gem
maidwell-4561620 August 2020
This short but sweet little movie captures something of the angst of youth without shoving it in your face. The two main actors are fantastic in their roles (if you can put up with their mockney east landan chav accents), it's morally ambiguous but well directed and scripted. Well worth 85 minutes of your time.
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