Nick Love's sparky début tells the story of two lads growing up on a rough south London housing estate (possibly Thamesmead?). On the brink of a life of petty crime, their close friendship is threatened by the immaturity of one, and the other's lack of commitment to life on the edge, and the film follows the course of their inevitable divergence. The movie's strengths include a lively pace and a capacity to make you feel sympathy for its characters, in spite of their frequently antisocial behaviour. Equally, however, there's not a lot on show here that you won't have seen before, and the ending, which conjures an upbeat note where logically there should be tragedy, lacked (for me, at least) the emotional power I think it was supposed to convey. This isn't a truly great film; but neither is it a movie without promise.
25 Reviews
Worth Watching
ShGills31 January 2008
One of Nick Love's earlier films (his second i think) and I enjoyed it a lot.
The main story revolves around two boys who live on a east London estate and basically shows them getting drawn into the life of crime and drugs and what this can do to you. A lot of the filming is done on a real estate in Bermondsey, South London. Which i feel adds to the reality of the film. It gives a somewhat alarming account and insight into what life is like living in this estates around south London.
It is not in the same league as the likes of Trainspotting or The Full Monty which are both classic British films and are international recognised. but is still definitely worth watching.
Overall a good, enjoyable film. Give it a go.
The main story revolves around two boys who live on a east London estate and basically shows them getting drawn into the life of crime and drugs and what this can do to you. A lot of the filming is done on a real estate in Bermondsey, South London. Which i feel adds to the reality of the film. It gives a somewhat alarming account and insight into what life is like living in this estates around south London.
It is not in the same league as the likes of Trainspotting or The Full Monty which are both classic British films and are international recognised. but is still definitely worth watching.
Overall a good, enjoyable film. Give it a go.
Interesting and with a certain energy but lags with its need to potter about with un-likable characters, disjointed scenes and off the mark story.
johnnyboyz11 June 2008
Goodbye Charlie Bright does carry a certain raw energy that makes it sort of fun to watch but do not let that fool you because for me, the film fell marginally short. I think it's great that a British director is making films about British ways of living in locations British people will recognise and Nick Love has clearly been doing something that impresses someone else because he's made a few films since this one. But Goodbye Charlie Bright is a film that will appeal more to those of the certain culture the film focuses on. As someone who lives relatively close to London and as someone who was of these kids' age when the film was respectively produced, I suppose there should be some sort of a connection for me. But, there isn't and this is probably down to the fact I was not of the ilk Love is exposing for his film.
Goodbye Charlie Bright is a film for the Brits and that is enough for it to garner some sort of respect from me. The kids walk around wearing Millwall football club shirts, they talk in the heavy respective accent and their lives unfold in a setting most of us will be familiar with I can still remember the garages and apartment estate near my old secondary school and the sorts of people you may see hanging around there at certain times. But for me not to feel any sort of connection nor familiarity with these people or locations despite being relatively familiar with them in some sort of way is quite sad. Then again perhaps it's a good thing but there is nothing on offer in terms of nostalgia for someone who has lived through this period in Britain (2001) of these characters respective ages.
Instead, Love gives us a realistic look at life on an estate and introduces us to many-a caricatures of South London urban life. The film is not particularly neo-realistic and thus cannot be considered as a political film nor statement on the ways of living in Britain for those of a certain class. But Love avoids this approach, instead opting for high energy levels, black humour and causality involving the characters. The obvious problem with the film is, I think, the way it tiptoes around the more important issues such as knife and gun culture (until the very end). Instead it has its characters act in a self-promoting manner under a guise of playing chess and getting into mischief made light-hearted and 'fun' when really it's all very, very dangerous and life threatening.
The film is shameless in its attempt to get a quick guffaw and this is announced very early on when a couple of lads run stark nude through the estate, grab a football and then run off for the sanctuary of a hidden bush. Along the way they run past a young woman and the obligatory yells and hollers soon follow. The film has more so gotten across its need for childish humour and an outlandish scene good enough for a quick laugh than it has made an important point on the dangers of the young, bored and unemployed British white male of circa summer 2001. The film also hovers around the necessity to include scenes of partying, partying antics involving girls and the over consumption of alcohol. Again, this is relatively early on and offers nothing to the narrative but does act as a scene establishing who these people are and what they do. The party is a send off for a character going to the Army (Aldershot, not too far from myself) but it is for a character we do not know of, have no connection to and consequently cannot care for. I wonder if the boys at the function care that much either or is it an excuse for loud music, girls and lager?
Then there are the little things that make Goodbye Charlie Bright feel like a missed opportunity. The film's primary source of antagonism early on is in the form of a large black man that the lads steal from. Firstly, it is a shame that it is the role of a black man that must be used for this part and secondly the strand involving this plot of antagonism is developed into something interesting before being stopped dead in its tracks. Then there is the friendship with Jamie Foreman's character Tony which is introduced and developed but not followed through with. There is a little bit of antagonism with a guy who has 'made it' with his pretty wife, big car, house and pool but that comes and goes without much occurring. It was interesting for me to watch out for where the main source of antagonism was going to come from and that ended up being Phil Daniel's character Eddie who is introduced as a knife wielding, womanising racist but is then brought down to Earth with a Falkland's War related back-story although it feels like a loose attempt to throw in some Thatcherism related politics.
As I say, the film retains an 'entertaining' quality that feels real and raw but it doesn't elevate itself to any greatness. The relationship between Bright (Nicholls) and Justin (Manookian) who are probably both playing themselves gets too homo-erotic towards the end with all the rolling around, head patting and frequent use of the name 'the wife' (two girls at the beginning even shout "Queers!" at them) but even so, it cannot hold much of a torch to Love's later work nor to other respective nation's films about this subject matter like Brazil's City of God and France's La Haine.
Goodbye Charlie Bright is a film for the Brits and that is enough for it to garner some sort of respect from me. The kids walk around wearing Millwall football club shirts, they talk in the heavy respective accent and their lives unfold in a setting most of us will be familiar with I can still remember the garages and apartment estate near my old secondary school and the sorts of people you may see hanging around there at certain times. But for me not to feel any sort of connection nor familiarity with these people or locations despite being relatively familiar with them in some sort of way is quite sad. Then again perhaps it's a good thing but there is nothing on offer in terms of nostalgia for someone who has lived through this period in Britain (2001) of these characters respective ages.
Instead, Love gives us a realistic look at life on an estate and introduces us to many-a caricatures of South London urban life. The film is not particularly neo-realistic and thus cannot be considered as a political film nor statement on the ways of living in Britain for those of a certain class. But Love avoids this approach, instead opting for high energy levels, black humour and causality involving the characters. The obvious problem with the film is, I think, the way it tiptoes around the more important issues such as knife and gun culture (until the very end). Instead it has its characters act in a self-promoting manner under a guise of playing chess and getting into mischief made light-hearted and 'fun' when really it's all very, very dangerous and life threatening.
The film is shameless in its attempt to get a quick guffaw and this is announced very early on when a couple of lads run stark nude through the estate, grab a football and then run off for the sanctuary of a hidden bush. Along the way they run past a young woman and the obligatory yells and hollers soon follow. The film has more so gotten across its need for childish humour and an outlandish scene good enough for a quick laugh than it has made an important point on the dangers of the young, bored and unemployed British white male of circa summer 2001. The film also hovers around the necessity to include scenes of partying, partying antics involving girls and the over consumption of alcohol. Again, this is relatively early on and offers nothing to the narrative but does act as a scene establishing who these people are and what they do. The party is a send off for a character going to the Army (Aldershot, not too far from myself) but it is for a character we do not know of, have no connection to and consequently cannot care for. I wonder if the boys at the function care that much either or is it an excuse for loud music, girls and lager?
Then there are the little things that make Goodbye Charlie Bright feel like a missed opportunity. The film's primary source of antagonism early on is in the form of a large black man that the lads steal from. Firstly, it is a shame that it is the role of a black man that must be used for this part and secondly the strand involving this plot of antagonism is developed into something interesting before being stopped dead in its tracks. Then there is the friendship with Jamie Foreman's character Tony which is introduced and developed but not followed through with. There is a little bit of antagonism with a guy who has 'made it' with his pretty wife, big car, house and pool but that comes and goes without much occurring. It was interesting for me to watch out for where the main source of antagonism was going to come from and that ended up being Phil Daniel's character Eddie who is introduced as a knife wielding, womanising racist but is then brought down to Earth with a Falkland's War related back-story although it feels like a loose attempt to throw in some Thatcherism related politics.
As I say, the film retains an 'entertaining' quality that feels real and raw but it doesn't elevate itself to any greatness. The relationship between Bright (Nicholls) and Justin (Manookian) who are probably both playing themselves gets too homo-erotic towards the end with all the rolling around, head patting and frequent use of the name 'the wife' (two girls at the beginning even shout "Queers!" at them) but even so, it cannot hold much of a torch to Love's later work nor to other respective nation's films about this subject matter like Brazil's City of God and France's La Haine.
A slice of South London life.
roisinmoriarty-124 July 2003
Warning: Spoilers
People wondering where the plot is in this film should stop looking because there isn't really a coherant one to speak of. It's a sequence of events in one teenager's life and if all loose ends aren't tied up then that is probably because that's what life is like. One kid joins the army and that's that; a big black guy trying to find out who robbed him comes to a dead end and goes no further; a love interest is hinted at but never develops; an escape route for the eponymous Charlie is offered but ultimately rejected; we never find out what happens to the kid who shoots a man, whether the one who's run over is actually dead (it's only hinted at as far as I can tell), where Charlie finally goes to - and so it goes on. All this might sound like spoilers but it isn't because there's no plot to spoil. But what you get here is an excellent portrait of one boy's life, his state of mind, his attitudes, loyalties and hidden hopes. I spent the film wondering why he stood by his horrible friend and, to answer the query of another review, felt that he gave that friend the gun because he'd just about given up on him; believed that he no longer cared. Or perhaps, having been unable to shoot the other man himself but really wanting to, he actually hoped that the other kid would do it for him.
This is a well crafted rites of passage film, beautifully filmed and well acted (and top marks to Northerner Paul Nicholls for a faultless London accent). I have to agree that South London's large Asian community was pitifully under represented and there were far too few black faces to be realistic either. As far as the film's brilliant colour scheme is concerned, I loved the director's deliberate attempt to move away from the drab, depressing way that working class London is invariably depicted. We do have glorious summers, brightly painted doors and windows on houses, colourful clothes, trees and flowers a-plenty and even the kind of community spirit that the film portrayed. We have both the negative and the positive that "Goodbye Charlie Bright" contains and plenty of good looking people too! Which reminds me of another negative comment by another reviewer; none of the characters where impossibly handsome or beautiful and I've seen plenty walking around South London who certainly wouldn't look out of place on a catwalk. But I have to admit that I've never seen so many Millwall shirts gathered together in one place and it's a chilling image indeed!
This is a well crafted rites of passage film, beautifully filmed and well acted (and top marks to Northerner Paul Nicholls for a faultless London accent). I have to agree that South London's large Asian community was pitifully under represented and there were far too few black faces to be realistic either. As far as the film's brilliant colour scheme is concerned, I loved the director's deliberate attempt to move away from the drab, depressing way that working class London is invariably depicted. We do have glorious summers, brightly painted doors and windows on houses, colourful clothes, trees and flowers a-plenty and even the kind of community spirit that the film portrayed. We have both the negative and the positive that "Goodbye Charlie Bright" contains and plenty of good looking people too! Which reminds me of another negative comment by another reviewer; none of the characters where impossibly handsome or beautiful and I've seen plenty walking around South London who certainly wouldn't look out of place on a catwalk. But I have to admit that I've never seen so many Millwall shirts gathered together in one place and it's a chilling image indeed!
Strangely OK
Gubby-Allen11 February 2002
This was a weird film with 4 ex-Eastenders stars. Watching it felt like I had started watching a soap opera that was already going. There's no discernible beginning, middle or end to it. You just join the characters with the no real insight into them, plenty of plots develop, but the disappear without trace and the end only really resolves some of the plot. I had the feeling that if I tuned in next week to the next episodes or maybe watched a sequel everything else will be sorted out. There was slightly an over emphasis on the drugs scene and certainly excessive swearing. But despite all that it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, had some good characters & acting. The vicar in Eastenders played the gangster villain brilliantly & convincingly in a role I'd like to see him in again and I'd certainly recommend catching this if it's on.
A low 7/10
A low 7/10
A Saaf Landan Stand By Me
wellthatswhatithinkanyway3 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning
One of director Nick Love's earlier films, focusing on the lives of a group of South London youngsters during the summer of 2001, mainly the titular Charlie Bright (Paul Nichols) and his unbalanced friend Justin (Roland Manookian) but also their friend Tony (Jamie Foreman), another lad Francis (Danny Dyer), who's drifted apart from them a bit and another mate who's gone off to join the army. As events roll on, Justin's behaviour becomes ever more unbalanced and his friendship with Charlie is tested to the limit.
Brit director Nick Love is fast gaining momentum as one of our more renowned directors, with his new film Outlaw expecting a massive release later this week, but here's a film he made on a lower budget and with less publicity a few years ago. As I said in my plot summary, it can be best described as a South London Stand by Me, with it's themes of how friendships pan out during a long hot summer, only with much less likable characters, extremely unruly, unlawful and disrespectful, making them extremely hard to endear to. Another problem the film faces is the amount of sub-plots it creates without creating a satisfactory resolution to. They break into a man's house to steal some things, he comes after them only to be after the one of them who didn't do anything, one of the main character's has a bust up with another character, storms off and is never seen again, one of the main character's is even apparently killed, but we never actually learn for sure.
So it's incoherent, then, and with characters you won't exactly cheer for, but it's quite well acted, as another reviewer has already pointed out, it shows a nicer, more realistic picture of a South London summer with glowing flowers and a shining sun and a great soundtrack, including Kids by Robbie and Kylie, Live Forever by Oasis (though some Londoners might object to a Mancunian classic on a film about them!) and the pulsating The Bomb by Love Connection. **
One of director Nick Love's earlier films, focusing on the lives of a group of South London youngsters during the summer of 2001, mainly the titular Charlie Bright (Paul Nichols) and his unbalanced friend Justin (Roland Manookian) but also their friend Tony (Jamie Foreman), another lad Francis (Danny Dyer), who's drifted apart from them a bit and another mate who's gone off to join the army. As events roll on, Justin's behaviour becomes ever more unbalanced and his friendship with Charlie is tested to the limit.
Brit director Nick Love is fast gaining momentum as one of our more renowned directors, with his new film Outlaw expecting a massive release later this week, but here's a film he made on a lower budget and with less publicity a few years ago. As I said in my plot summary, it can be best described as a South London Stand by Me, with it's themes of how friendships pan out during a long hot summer, only with much less likable characters, extremely unruly, unlawful and disrespectful, making them extremely hard to endear to. Another problem the film faces is the amount of sub-plots it creates without creating a satisfactory resolution to. They break into a man's house to steal some things, he comes after them only to be after the one of them who didn't do anything, one of the main character's has a bust up with another character, storms off and is never seen again, one of the main character's is even apparently killed, but we never actually learn for sure.
So it's incoherent, then, and with characters you won't exactly cheer for, but it's quite well acted, as another reviewer has already pointed out, it shows a nicer, more realistic picture of a South London summer with glowing flowers and a shining sun and a great soundtrack, including Kids by Robbie and Kylie, Live Forever by Oasis (though some Londoners might object to a Mancunian classic on a film about them!) and the pulsating The Bomb by Love Connection. **
Emotional with some funny dialogue
purepace11 May 2009
I saw this film a couple of years ago and didn't think much of it, I had seen the football factory before hand, and saw that a few of the actors were in this and I would give it a watch.
The film it's self builds up to a good ending and during the film you get to understand the characters and how they have grown in to the young men you see.
I don't think much of Roland as an actor or Paul Nicholls but both give really good performance and i almost forget that Nicholls is from Bolton.
Some of the dialogue is this film is fantastic and really funny especially with the character called Hector/Hecky.
If you want to watch a film thats easy to watch and funny with a good ending why not rent it out.
The film it's self builds up to a good ending and during the film you get to understand the characters and how they have grown in to the young men you see.
I don't think much of Roland as an actor or Paul Nicholls but both give really good performance and i almost forget that Nicholls is from Bolton.
Some of the dialogue is this film is fantastic and really funny especially with the character called Hector/Hecky.
If you want to watch a film thats easy to watch and funny with a good ending why not rent it out.
Why are such terrible filmakers getting backing?!!
bonedaddy4 November 2001
This is a terrible film. You cannot get around this fact, it is poorly acted by Eastenders rejects (as if being in Eastenders alone is not indicative of your poor acting skills), terribly scripted and an absolute mess as goes directing. Why are we letting such films get to screen let alone DVD? Because we are clambering for anything shot on our hallowed turf as a break from all the smultz of americanism. Lock Stock opened up the marketplace to british directors and films but come on, Lock Stock was at best, an average film, and with such poor efforts as Gangster No.1 (I felt the need (and pleasure) to destroy my DVD copy rather than let this turged filth of a film pass to any other). Comon please, let's not support this sort of amateur writing and film making. Avoid!!
Good film, probably only for the English though...
kenigma20 February 2003
I think it'd be hard for anyone from another country to relate to this film...which would in turn make it quite hard to enjoy it... It doesn't pull its punches - to be honest it was kind of strange...I grew up with kids like the ones in this film, and it was like a flashback in a way.
This film isn't an epic, it's not a world-changer...it's just like a snapshot...a glimpse into their world. It's hard to explain...
It's worth a look in - I just happened to be staying up late and it came on cable...started watching it and carried on...
Maybe go rent it if it's in your local video store.
Sorry this review isn't more eloquent - my mind's still on the film.
This film isn't an epic, it's not a world-changer...it's just like a snapshot...a glimpse into their world. It's hard to explain...
It's worth a look in - I just happened to be staying up late and it came on cable...started watching it and carried on...
Maybe go rent it if it's in your local video store.
Sorry this review isn't more eloquent - my mind's still on the film.
Worth a watch
maverick-492221 October 2021
Stealth gay movie?
Havan_IronOak21 March 2004
I got a copy of this film at a Prowler store in London last year because it was on the markdown table and any non-porno film going for 5 GBP that had three naked lads on the back cover seemed a bargain even if it would have to wait till I got my PAL friendly DVD player.
When I did finally get to see it I was quite happy that I picked it up, as it's the type of film that will never be released in the US NTSC format. Besides the format translation trouble, there's the trouble that all the lads live in council housing (the projects) in south London and speak a British dialect that would be very hard for an American ear to understand.
The story deals with Charlie Bright, and his boyhood pals Damien, Tommy, Francis and Justin. These lads have grown up together since they were toddlers and still spend most of their waking hours together, wasting time, pulling pranks, doing drugs and doing some thieving to pay for them. However they are now coming of age and drifting apart. Tommy has joined the army and is leaving soon; Francis has found a steady girl and is now drifting away from the guys. Damien is the most daring thief of the lot and `would do anything for a few quid but you could never trust him.' That leaves Charlie and Justin. Justin has grown up in an almost parent-free environment and has attached himself so tightly to Charlie since toddler hood that the neighbors have noticed the especially close relationship and have taken to referring to Justin, when talking to Charlie, as `the wife.'
While none of the boys exhibit any outwardly gay actions it is this `special friendship' between Justin and Charlie that gives this film its gay interest. Charlie is in fact straight and has interest in a girl living in the same council flats but is afraid to make the first move for fear that the ever-present Justin will somehow embarrass him or otherwise screw it up. Justin on the other hand is content to let things go on as they have and treats girls as a target for teasing just as he has done for years.
In the end Charlie loses his patience and does something that allows Justin to do things that will force the end of their close association. How much Justin perceives of Charlie's motives, as he smilingly carries out his end of the little drama is where the mystery and the brilliance of this piece lies. Straight folks have panned this film as being plot less and a `waste of lottery funds' but reading between the lines I saw a heartbreaking story that was original and memorable.
I'd be interested in knowing what others think if they ever see this unheralded movie.
When I did finally get to see it I was quite happy that I picked it up, as it's the type of film that will never be released in the US NTSC format. Besides the format translation trouble, there's the trouble that all the lads live in council housing (the projects) in south London and speak a British dialect that would be very hard for an American ear to understand.
The story deals with Charlie Bright, and his boyhood pals Damien, Tommy, Francis and Justin. These lads have grown up together since they were toddlers and still spend most of their waking hours together, wasting time, pulling pranks, doing drugs and doing some thieving to pay for them. However they are now coming of age and drifting apart. Tommy has joined the army and is leaving soon; Francis has found a steady girl and is now drifting away from the guys. Damien is the most daring thief of the lot and `would do anything for a few quid but you could never trust him.' That leaves Charlie and Justin. Justin has grown up in an almost parent-free environment and has attached himself so tightly to Charlie since toddler hood that the neighbors have noticed the especially close relationship and have taken to referring to Justin, when talking to Charlie, as `the wife.'
While none of the boys exhibit any outwardly gay actions it is this `special friendship' between Justin and Charlie that gives this film its gay interest. Charlie is in fact straight and has interest in a girl living in the same council flats but is afraid to make the first move for fear that the ever-present Justin will somehow embarrass him or otherwise screw it up. Justin on the other hand is content to let things go on as they have and treats girls as a target for teasing just as he has done for years.
In the end Charlie loses his patience and does something that allows Justin to do things that will force the end of their close association. How much Justin perceives of Charlie's motives, as he smilingly carries out his end of the little drama is where the mystery and the brilliance of this piece lies. Straight folks have panned this film as being plot less and a `waste of lottery funds' but reading between the lines I saw a heartbreaking story that was original and memorable.
I'd be interested in knowing what others think if they ever see this unheralded movie.
Garbage
michaelmorph8 July 2008
This is a terrible. Kept waiting for something to happen of any vague interest. Glad it only cost 99p to watch on Virgin. It was one cliché after another. The most impressive thing about it is Paul Nichols accent which is very convincing. I felt nothing for any of the characters except contempt. None of the scenes seem to go anywhere at all and some good actors (David Thewlis) were completely wasted due to the incredibly drab nature of this film. Whoever said this is a British Stand by Me is insane. They need to watch both films next to each other and if they can't see the difference then they should stop reviewing films on here! Watch Kidulthood, Nil By Mouth or This is England if you want some decent, gritty British drama about growing up in difficult circumstances.
***6/10*** "TRue To LiFe TaLe oF GRoWiNG up!"
framer9418 June 2002
Good to see taht British Film is getting out of the 'Lock, Stock' genre, but the film is still centred around East End devlish deeds, drugs, and crime.
The story is about a group of friends, two of them being the most popular and attractive, and one being the negative. The story follows the boy's eventual rise into east end villian society and how his other friend's actions slowly begin to break downhis life, unless drastic action is taken.
The film definately hits the good charts, but it's nothing that could stand upto TRAINSPOTTING or PULP FICTION. Not one for the yanks, but would definately be worth a watch for Brits. Give it a try
***6/10***
The story is about a group of friends, two of them being the most popular and attractive, and one being the negative. The story follows the boy's eventual rise into east end villian society and how his other friend's actions slowly begin to break downhis life, unless drastic action is taken.
The film definately hits the good charts, but it's nothing that could stand upto TRAINSPOTTING or PULP FICTION. Not one for the yanks, but would definately be worth a watch for Brits. Give it a try
***6/10***
For Paul Nicholls fans only
istuart029 November 2003
Warning: Spoilers
I stumbled across this filler while I was skating through the late night cable channels. Catchy title, nice star, good premise, I thought. But, what was it about? It was about nothing, boys and girls, nothing. The script had obviously been forced out of the word processor because the writer must have been on a contract to produce something. Anything. There's no emotion, no passion, no continuity (and no calf muscles!). The threadbare story is this. A group of twenty-something (no-one is going to convince me that these guys are supposed to be teenagers apart from the little guy in the bike) drop-outs, burgle to keep themselves out of work (not to support a drug addiction - as the write up says - as they hardly use 'em), they fall out with each other (wow!), go to a party (or was it a waxworks museum, I couldn't tell), shoot a guy they hardly know in the leg, Charlie Bright runs very quickly and then the closing credits come on the screen. Why did I keep watching? Hmmmm, 1) I was hoping the thing was going to get started at some point 2) I was glued to the delicious Paul Nicholls - I met him once on Old Compton Street (Soho, London) and WOOF!! is he a honey! The main flaw with this length of celluloid, is that it's a list of set pieces strung together to make a film. But as the writer wasn't really into his work, it plods with glacial vigour and is pock-marked with chasmic holes. After the black guy is burgled and finds the lads, why did he give up his chase so, well, so bloody cheerfully? How did 'Hector' get the money to buy Essex? From selling houses?! Where did their third friend clear off to? Why, if the lad was so passionate about his wife-to-be/mother of his child, weren't they seen together? Was the father of the lad who joined the army old enough to have served in the Falklands? Why, when Charlie's sat next to the girl he fancies, does he just up and walk away? What did he give the gun to his dodgy mate for? Why, after using the shooter, did they run UP a block of flats with no other way out? Why didn't the police go up and get them? Why was Phil Daniels allowed on the screen again without proper tutelage of his bottom lip? I know a lot of Saaf Landan lads have gushed about this film, but boys, is this all your life's about?
Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner...
li-findlay18 March 2009
In all honesty, people need to stop hating on this film and start seeing it for the simple bit of local London British genius it is.
This movie is on my top five favourite movies of all time list indefinitely! Not because it's epic or because it has an all-American cast - because it doesn't, it's just real. Admittedly if you're not from London or can't stand a cockney accent then this film is most definitely NOT for you. Other than that I think you'll love it and if you don't/ didn't then I'd love to know why... I defend it to the end! I seriously thought that Eastenders would be the be-all and end-all of Paul Nicholls but he so proved me wrong.. Whatever he does I will always remember him for this movie! He was absolutely brilliant (and cute too). Roland Manookian is not to be forgotten either as the annoying little side-kick that everyone loves to hate. And Jamie Foreman is the man as soon as we are introduced to his character "Tony" on screen... What a fantastic cast!!! Call it personal preference but there were so many laugh-out-loud moments for me in this film and times that I wanted to just cry... It's a roller-coaster of emotions. I recommend this to everyone!! And if you're disappointed then I apologise but I'm confident you won't be. Funny, sad, exciting all at once!!!
This movie is on my top five favourite movies of all time list indefinitely! Not because it's epic or because it has an all-American cast - because it doesn't, it's just real. Admittedly if you're not from London or can't stand a cockney accent then this film is most definitely NOT for you. Other than that I think you'll love it and if you don't/ didn't then I'd love to know why... I defend it to the end! I seriously thought that Eastenders would be the be-all and end-all of Paul Nicholls but he so proved me wrong.. Whatever he does I will always remember him for this movie! He was absolutely brilliant (and cute too). Roland Manookian is not to be forgotten either as the annoying little side-kick that everyone loves to hate. And Jamie Foreman is the man as soon as we are introduced to his character "Tony" on screen... What a fantastic cast!!! Call it personal preference but there were so many laugh-out-loud moments for me in this film and times that I wanted to just cry... It's a roller-coaster of emotions. I recommend this to everyone!! And if you're disappointed then I apologise but I'm confident you won't be. Funny, sad, exciting all at once!!!
DECENT BRITISH FILM SHOCK !!
kevin c15 May 2001
Just recently you've cringed at some of the British film output. Lottery money has been thrown at any old script, and the results have been mostly tedious and a joke.
So this film is a pleasant surprise. It takes a well-worn story you've seen a 100 times before, and gives it a vitality, energy and style all of it's own. Also it's a film that has received good distribution for once. Catch it while you can.
So this film is a pleasant surprise. It takes a well-worn story you've seen a 100 times before, and gives it a vitality, energy and style all of it's own. Also it's a film that has received good distribution for once. Catch it while you can.
worth a look, but don't miss the start!
danrobmar9 May 2001
Worth a look. As much for being a Brit flick as anything else. Getting slightly away from the cliched Lock, Stock genre, but staying within the rough parts of London, the film looks at Charlie's realisation that his life lacks direction. Unfortunately the film never really gets to grips with the real emotion behind Charlie's development, but there is plenty to keep the younger, (dare I say, hipper), audience watching and giggling, especially if you likes drugs and swearing.
The beauty of the film is that it is not predictable. Without giving anything away, the plot often seems to be heading in an obvious direction before skewing off at a tangent. This is not to say that you will be on the edge of your seats though. The plot does have its dips, and there was a period when I wondered just how much more of the same I would be getting. Not long after, however, the audience was treated to an unexpected and well-played finale.
The acting is great at times, and not so at others, not even Dani Behr brings the cast down (too much), and individual characters such as Francis and Justin were particularly well-acted. I could not decide if the photography was poor deliberately, to fit the mood of the film, or if it just happened that way. Either way, that can be your decision!
Go and have a watch, enjoy an British film, and whatever you do, don't miss the start!
The beauty of the film is that it is not predictable. Without giving anything away, the plot often seems to be heading in an obvious direction before skewing off at a tangent. This is not to say that you will be on the edge of your seats though. The plot does have its dips, and there was a period when I wondered just how much more of the same I would be getting. Not long after, however, the audience was treated to an unexpected and well-played finale.
The acting is great at times, and not so at others, not even Dani Behr brings the cast down (too much), and individual characters such as Francis and Justin were particularly well-acted. I could not decide if the photography was poor deliberately, to fit the mood of the film, or if it just happened that way. Either way, that can be your decision!
Go and have a watch, enjoy an British film, and whatever you do, don't miss the start!
Eastenders for the Big Screen
respierre4285 February 2015
Nick Love used to be married to Pasty Palmer, Paul Nicholls used to be in Eastenders, Phil Daniels hasn't really done anything decent since Quadrophenia and was in Eastenders as well (and is actually the only decent actor in this) while Danny Dyer currently is in Eastenders... There is a very strong Eastenders feel to this and I don't mean that in a good way. It's a movie for people who for some reason wish they were raised on a "rough Southeast London" estate or for foreigners who will think this is what "rough Southeast London" estates are like. People who actually live on South London estates, rough or not, will look at it and wonder who came up with this rubbish before switching off. And don't get me started on the accents. I know some of the actors have strong London accents in real life, so why overdo them? It makes the movie even more fake than it already is. I live on a SE London estate, and no one here, old or young, speaks like that. The simple plot couldn't be more predictable than an Eastenders episode, so the only surprise is that instead of the famous drum roll, it all ends with Oasis, which is probably the best bit in the movie.
a great film
psychojimcornell11 November 2005
i'm really disappointed to read all this negativity in what is such a great film. i can't comment on how authentic it is regarding south London as i am from north Manchester. the attitudes of the main characters is very similar to what i knew though and some of the content was shockingly familiar. it is the best buddy film i have ever seen for one. the twisted friendship between Charlie and Justin is something that many of us have surely been through. i found myself shedding a tear towards the end (even though i have a skinhead, like beer and shout my head off at Manchester city on a regular basis) as i could instantly remember when a friend had to tell me what everyone else said about me behind my back when i was 16. time to grow up.
a really wonderful story which is very well written and superbly acted. Richard saved himself in my eyes as hector, Jamie foreman shone yet again and Roland was awesome.
one of my very favourite films.
a really wonderful story which is very well written and superbly acted. Richard saved himself in my eyes as hector, Jamie foreman shone yet again and Roland was awesome.
one of my very favourite films.
great British flick
cloudesleyseven28 July 2007
Nick love has made a beautiful film a kind of British Stand by me...loved it a super film, a touching debut not to be missed.... It has a real quality that gave me the horn. I think it is his most romantic offering to date friends and enemy's love and hate.. wonderful actors wonderful characters... Great use of music really get's you going, loved it what more can I say to fill up the ten lines... it was really good and if the yanks like mean streets they would love this it is a real slice of London life... 10 out of 10... get in you bunch of Tobys... I think anyone who doesn't get this film as in doesn't like it is a cold twisted crank who should get a heart and have a look around themselves and see that nick has a great talent for telling real heart felt tales... a modern day Charles Dickens.....
a bright British film
tommocoyle24 October 2005
This film works as a buddy picture but also gives an insightful look at the crime and boredom driven lifestyle so inherent in British working class housing estates. All the characters exist in a world where crime and excitement feeds a void in their lives where showing love, caring or compassion is almost impossible. The character of Justin in particular is flawed and irresponsible, yet in the end lovable. it's to the film makers credit that he is able to make us care about a character who at one point sticks a gun in a 7 year old's mouth to show how big he is. The film also manages the most impossible of tasks of making the housing estate and a British summer both ' bright ' and illuminating. A major departure from the grey and downtrodden depiction of working class life so predominant in Mike Leigh's film for example. An excellent film
A real gem of a film
spanielxp-imdb18 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
First of all, this is a film, not a movie - a diamond in your DVD collection.
This film goes some way to reflect real life growing up in London. And it's more true to life than ever (even with some "Yeah but, no but..." and "Am I bothered? Face? Bothered?" moments!) Those outside the UK will also be able to identify with this film because...
This film is essentially about how a person can be such an essential part of your life one day and, with the passing of time, fade into the background. This is perhaps something we all go through especially while growing up and I think this film captures that aspect of life in a unique way, which is what makes it so special.
It is beautifully directed, written and produced and the acting is superb and genuine. You only have to look at the resume of films of the main actors to see what safe hands you're in. Roland Manookian, for instance (who I think steals the film), makes you really feel for his character - and didn't we all have a friend like him once?
Danny Dyer also surprises us with a very deep, personal moment - something we'd hate to happen to us and to which we'd probably react in exactly the same way.
There are whole scenes in this film that could be real life. If you don't believe me, then you probably didn't grow up in London in the 90s.
The soundtrack is great, too. Oasis' "Live Forever" is perfectly placed.
In years to come this film will be studied in universities for its sociological, linguistic, and psychological themes. Feel free to quote me in any dissertations :)
This film goes some way to reflect real life growing up in London. And it's more true to life than ever (even with some "Yeah but, no but..." and "Am I bothered? Face? Bothered?" moments!) Those outside the UK will also be able to identify with this film because...
This film is essentially about how a person can be such an essential part of your life one day and, with the passing of time, fade into the background. This is perhaps something we all go through especially while growing up and I think this film captures that aspect of life in a unique way, which is what makes it so special.
It is beautifully directed, written and produced and the acting is superb and genuine. You only have to look at the resume of films of the main actors to see what safe hands you're in. Roland Manookian, for instance (who I think steals the film), makes you really feel for his character - and didn't we all have a friend like him once?
Danny Dyer also surprises us with a very deep, personal moment - something we'd hate to happen to us and to which we'd probably react in exactly the same way.
There are whole scenes in this film that could be real life. If you don't believe me, then you probably didn't grow up in London in the 90s.
The soundtrack is great, too. Oasis' "Live Forever" is perfectly placed.
In years to come this film will be studied in universities for its sociological, linguistic, and psychological themes. Feel free to quote me in any dissertations :)
Poignant
stef-decloe7 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
One reviewer said that it would be "hard for anyone from another country "to relate" to this movie...
This is so not true. Of course, there are some typical British situations, and being Belgian (Dutch/French speaking, but having studied to be an English teacher and having traveled around the English speaking countries from North America, via Africa, to Asia), well yes, I had some trouble understanding "the language". But I did the "rewind" thing, over and over, and managed to understand most of what was said.
This is not typical for the UK, these situations happen, everywhere. I have known and witnessed this, on a "lighter" scale, here.
OK, about the movie: this is a really beautiful story of friendship and love. I came upon this movie by a site, referring to it as "gay themed", so I "had to see it".
Well, no. There isn't anything "gay" or "gay themed", it is just a story of very strong friendship (probably also due to social circumstances) and deep love, and "brotherly love", but nothing gay related. OK, I am gay and I like to see gay related movies, but don't go looking for that here.
I was impressed, very deeply. This is such a poignant story about friendship. All the actors do a very good job and I will look for more films with the main actors, they moved me very much. This was unexpected. Again: I was impressed.
I am a fan of British cinema, and this movie is "one to see", definitely.
This is so not true. Of course, there are some typical British situations, and being Belgian (Dutch/French speaking, but having studied to be an English teacher and having traveled around the English speaking countries from North America, via Africa, to Asia), well yes, I had some trouble understanding "the language". But I did the "rewind" thing, over and over, and managed to understand most of what was said.
This is not typical for the UK, these situations happen, everywhere. I have known and witnessed this, on a "lighter" scale, here.
OK, about the movie: this is a really beautiful story of friendship and love. I came upon this movie by a site, referring to it as "gay themed", so I "had to see it".
Well, no. There isn't anything "gay" or "gay themed", it is just a story of very strong friendship (probably also due to social circumstances) and deep love, and "brotherly love", but nothing gay related. OK, I am gay and I like to see gay related movies, but don't go looking for that here.
I was impressed, very deeply. This is such a poignant story about friendship. All the actors do a very good job and I will look for more films with the main actors, they moved me very much. This was unexpected. Again: I was impressed.
I am a fan of British cinema, and this movie is "one to see", definitely.
A brilliant coming of age film
Benson027416 July 2019
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