| Director: Shane Meadows Cast: Paddy Considine, Andrew Shim, Ben Marshall, Frank Harper, Vicky McClure |
| Gary Oldham went behind the camera for his Directoral debut, and what a debut it was, a great cast a collection of some of London's finest... As we delve into the pretty grim lives of a family and friends, at times hilarious and at others pretty difficult viewing. All actors are on top form for this surprisingly realistic piece of film. Alcohol and drugs are rife in this spot on slice of utterly miserable life. Okay it doesn't sound to clever and on your first viewing you may found it utterly bleak, but this is a truly remarkable film including ome of the best dialogue, one liners and slang you'll ever witness. Outstanding performances from Ray Winstone, Charlie Creed Miles, Kathy Burke the underrated Steve Sweeney and Jamie Foreman who all contribute excellently to the film. It's dark, violent, grim, gritty, harsh and above all brutally realistic. A very worthy directorial first from Gary Oldman. |
| Nuts in May - a play for today an original TV film.... is a crazy film, pretty much plotless and more an observation of characters it follows Keith (Roger Sloman) and Candice-Marie Pratt (Alison Steadman) as they leave for their camping holiday in Dorset. Very liberal and by the book to the point of ensuring food is chewed exactly 72 times and documenting every expendature in a book the couple find their peaceful camping holiday ruined upon the arrival of teacher Ray (and his radio) pitching beside them. Then things get worse still with the arrival of two loud Brummys' Honk and Finger, constant verbal disagreements and rows are apparent until they erupt driving Keith to the point of madness. Absolutely spot on film which although perhaps not fully intended from Mike Leigh (although you never know) is definitely one of the funniest films I have ever seen. |
| Another made for TV Mike Leigh film, a quirky little film primarily looking at how the Dole affects the underclass in 1980's Thatcher's miserable 80's Britain. Tim Roth stars as Colin a slow and possibly retarded young man living in high rise squalor with his parents and his sarcastic and manipulative older brother (Phil Daniles) who longs for a better life. While all the time simple Colin simply wants to belong. They both don't work and behave like teens harassing eachother and their parents. Neighbourhood characters include Hayley a young woman with a bit of a crush on Colin and Coxy (Gary Oldman) a violent local skinhead who befriends Colin. Trouble insues when their wealthy middle class Aunt gives Colin a job and his bother becomes jealous of the attention. A great study of life from Director Mike Leigh with an excellent cast of young British talent who were on the crest of a wave. |
| Romeo Brass is one of those great films you have to tell people to go and watch, pretty much ignored on it's release.... Romeo (Shim) and Gavin (Marshall) are two twelve year old lads about to undergo an extraordinary test of friendship and character when by chance Morell (Considine) a fully grown man who is naive and eccentric, but also dangerous comes between them, whilst befriending them he asks for their help to pursue Romeo's older sister - who he is crazy about on first sight. But he gradually becomes more and more violent after she rejects him and his strange ways. The film is loosely based on actual going's on in director Meadow's childhood and Considine on his acting debut delivers a fantastic performace as Morell both extrememly funny and frightening at the same time. A little gem I can't recommend it enough to anyone who's not seen it. |
| Alan Clarke - the man who brought us Scum, The Firm and Made in Britain this time locates up north the the Grim and unpleasent surroundings of the Buttershaw estate in Bradford to make the film version of Andrea Dunbar's controversial stage play. Trademark steady cam shots and superb photography add to the gritty realism on show. A very true to life account of working class life in West Yorkshire in 1980's Thatcher's Britain, two schoolgirls have a sexual fling with a married man whom they are babysitting for. With nothing to look forward to but the dole, the girls who are about to leave school find new excitement in Bob (Costigan) - living in a nice house in the nicer side of town he is an exciting step up for them, and their misadventures. the film was raw and shocking and was a slap in the face for an early 80's audience, especially as Britain was the subject of the feared Aids epidemic. It has a stellar supporting cast, so good you wouldn't think they were acting, although the girls are clearly too old to be schoolgirls it's still very believable, look out for the late Willy Ross' character as Sue's pissed up father, a memorable star turn. |
| Director: Ken Loach Cast: David Bradley, Collin Welland, Brian Glover, Lynne Perrie, Freddie Fletcher, Bob Bowes. |
| Director: Alan Clarke Cast: Ray Winstone, Phil Daniels, Ray Burdis, Mick Ford, Julian Firth, Patrick Murray. |
| Director: Franc Roddam Cast: Phil Daniels, Mark Wingett, Philip Davies, Leslie Ash, Toyah Wilcox, Sting, Ray Winstone, Michael Elphick, Daniel Peacock, Gary Cooper, |
| Director:Stanley Kubrick Cast: Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Warren Clarke, Aubrey Morris, Adrienne Corrie. |
| Director: Mike Hodges Cast: Michael Caine, Ian Hendry, John Osborne, Brit Ekland, Alun Armstrong, Brian Mosely. |
| Director: Shane Meadows Cast: Paddy Considine, Gary Stretch, Toby Kebbell, Stuart Wolfenden. |
| The story of Billy Casper (David Bradley), a disaffected young lad living on a soulless Barnsley council estate, discovers a fledgling kestral, and for the first time in his life has something to occupy his mind, after stealing a book on falconry he starts to train the bird. The bird is his escapism, once it flies freely away it still comes back to his wrist - this gives him an overwhelming sense of meaning, he has nothing in his life, bullied by his older brother, classmates and teachers. The message hidden in the film is that there are so many youngsters with the same predicament, who will probably never fulfill their potentials because of their surroundings and start in life. Whilst the film does have it's sentimental message it's doesn't make for soppy viewing at all, a very impressive film from a largly unprofessional cast of non-actors, it has so many things that we can relate to, especially from our school days, the game of football during a P.E. lesson, and tough teacher (Brian Glover), the head teacher's caning of the 'smokers union' and the innocent young pupil who genuinely gets caught up in it by mistake! Like all Ken Loach films it's so close to reality it's brilliant, there's loads of little funny moments, people's reactions are genuine as a lot of the acting is improvised and if there is a message to get across it's portrayed in a subtle way, a classic that has well and truly stood the test of time, most people my age had to read the Barry Hines novel at school and that was followed by the first viewing of the film - which everyone actually enjoyed, unlike most of the shite they made us watch. |
| Despite being filmed in the late seventies, Scum is as hard hitting and provocative as it was intended originally,
Ray Winstone plays Carlin - a tough nut theif being transfered to a tougher Borstal after assaulting another officer at his previous institustion, The film follows Carlin's journey along with two others when from when they arrive in Borstal Carlin makes his grade from the new boy to the 'Daddy' the top dog of the Borstal, The film was made to show the shambolic state of the British justice system, and just how bad things had become. Borstals or Young Offenders institutes as they would now be known are in total contrast today, no doubt it's still an unpleasant experience, but back when the film was made basic human rights stayed outside in the free world, and the sort of thing that goes on in the film, would have no doubt been going on in actual Borstals nationwide. Scum is a classic, epecially amongst young male audiences, there's many memorable scenes and quotes, and some great performances from what was a pretty unknown cast, Ray Winstone has become one of Britain's leading actors, after a re-emergance in the 90's, many of the cast including Phil Daniels and Ray Burdis can still be seen acting today. Who can ever forget the classic pool balls in a sock scene - it still looks as raw and nasty today despite a crew member swapping it for ping pong balls whilst lying on the floor out of shot, or what about the boiler room scene where he cements his hardness by kicking ten shades of shite out of the 'darkie' from the other wing! I think the less said about the greenhouse scen the better really... |
| Mods - a way of life, quite literally for Jimmy Cooper (Phil Daniels) life revolves around tarting up his scooter, looking sharp, listening to US soul music, and British pop, popping blues, and fighting rockers... he leads a typical boring life still living at home with his parents, working as an office junior, both of which he can't stand, only when he's with his mates does he excell in his role as a mod where he fits in whilst standing out from the crowd, and is truly accepted. without a hint of irony Jimmy claims he doesn't want to be the same as everybody else, that's why he's a mod - all mods look the same. The big weekend trip to Brighton see the semi-climactic clash of the two famous youth subcultures based on factual occurences, and with shocking consequences but is also the start of Jimmy's downfall. Like many rights of passage tales, Quadrophenia is a likeable film, one that can be watched over and over again, set against The Who's score and production - that's as good as the film itself. The film features a great ensemble cast including many familiar faces off modern day telly, a fantastic film that really cannot be summed up in a few words, I was fortunate enough to see this film when it was re-released at the cinema in about 1996, which was an experience on the big screen, the purists will be critical over it, the critics might not have liked it, pull it to pieces and there's faults to find, but as cult films go, this has stood the test of time, Mod culture has seldom been captured on the big screen, Bronco Bullfrog (1969) may capture the raw, authentic similar genre of mod come suedheads, but sadly many have never had the chance to see it. Some will argue, many will disagree but Quadrophenia has it's place as the mod film. |
| A masterpiece of a film which director Stanley Kubrick chose to withdraw from the UK and other Countries following tales of copycats and tabloid frenzy, right up until his death. Rather mild in comparison to many films released since. Set in a bleak future quite similar to the one we're in now, it follows Alex DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell in a mesmerising perfomance) and his gang of 'Droogs' as they go on nightly rampages beating, stealing and raping helpless victims. The charming young sociopath Alex is then betrayed by his previous loyal band of droogs following an upset in gang leadership and is duly set up during a routine night of rampage. He is left for the police and left facing a charge of murder. Opting to cut his sentence short he is picked for a new controversial type of aversion therapy to rid him of his evil ways. Eventually released back into the world Alex finds he is rejected by his family and few friends and continues to suffer torment, a side effect of his treatment is he can no longer listen to Beethoven without deep feelings of nausea and of course cannot get the feeling for the 'old in out, in out'. He has lost the power of choice and the outside world is a tormenting place. Eventually he bumps into two of his old gang members after an altercation with the tramp he once beat up who are now 'old bill' and receives a vicious beating. Stumbling beaten to the home of the man who's life he ruined for help - he is recognized and tortured, he attempts to do himself in but fails. He wakes in hospital to rife media publicity and a government nightmare. His therapy is reversed and following some tests he eventually gets the feeling for some more nookie. He'd been cured alright! |
| When his brother dies under suspicious circumstances London Gangster and professional hitman Jack Carter (Michael Caine) returns home to find out the truth and right the wrongs. An absolute gritty, grim film following Carter who is by no means the hero, we're never given the chance to warm to him, merely there in the background to oversee his intentions to find out the truth and gain revenge for his brothers death. The film is very tense throughout it isn't glamourous in the vein that so many recent gangster films try to, it's not even full of the blood and guts you'd probably expect and that's one key' to it being far superior to the likes of Lock, Stock et al. This is less a gangster thriller, more a film about social realism The gritty local surroundings play a part that is not to be under-estimated. Carter is ruthless, he doesn't come across as likeable and will betray most people to get closer to the truth, the only two people in the film he appears to have genuine affection for are his dead brother Frank and his niece (or is it his daughter?) Doreen. He stops at nothing, including upsetting local mob boss Kinnear (John Osborne) and several deaths, to find out the truth. He is successful but ultimitely it also ends in his own downfall. An absolutely powerhouse performance from Michael Caine as Carter who plays it cool throughout means this film will always warrant a place in the best of british film lists and will always be one of my favourites. |
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| We like films we do! The grittier and British the better to boot, especially ones with Steve Sweeney in them! We like 'em enough to have made our own page about our favourite ones, here's our 'guide' to the best - our best, of British films. You may find a few notable exceptions, there's plenty missing too, but space is at a premium. You may never have heard of some of them. Updated Dec 09 |
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| Dennis Carter is a moron, whilst taking a holiday with his mother in the country, he hits on a sceme to impress a girl back home, so she'll go on a trip with him as his girlfriend. Although he fails to gain any interest from the girl the police take a great interest in his story... from this point on Dennis digs a deeper hole for himself at every turn, as what he is bragging about is coincidentally happening in the seaside town around him with a huge police operation to boot, is Dennis their man? or is he just a goon out of his depth trying to impress the girl, or does he know more than we think? The Supergrass was the big screen outing from The Comic Strip team, and is a memorable film for many reasons, Adrian Edmonson is class as Dennis - at one point decked out in the same horrible red leather jacket as Michael Jackon's thriller video, whilst enjoying a jolly in the Cornish bay at the expense of the Drug Squad, familiar faces add to what remains a funny fucking film! |
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| Director: Shane Meadows Cast: Thomas Turgoose, Steven Graham, Jo Hartley, Joe Gilgun, Vicky McLure, Andrew Shim. |
| This is England, A semi Autobiographical film from arguably the current best British film maker Shane Meadows. Set in 1983 during the last day of school and the 'Summer Holiday' we follow the story of Shaun Fields (get it?) a 12 year old boy who's pretty much the outcast, his father has died in the Falklands and he's an only child living at home with his mum. He's bullied, teased and picked on at school. Pretty much the 'loner', isolated in his grim surroundings. Shaun (Thomas Turgoose) is fed up and looking for a point in life. He finds it, nay stumbles across it almost accidently, when he bumps into a group of skinheads. He's welcomed in and taken under the wing of the friendly Woody (Joe Gilgun) He discovers life more, partying, friendship and even girls. Eventually he's transformed into the skinhead world, Ben sherman shirt, Dr Martens boots et al. Things are going 'sterling' for young shaun and his new friends until we meet Combo (Stephen Graham) an old friend of Woody's and fresh out of doing a stretch inside things take a turn for the darker. Combo is a racist skinhead with issues and eventually he splits the original gang apart and leads Shaun down a dark road of hatred, National Front meetings and ultimately violence. This film is another triumph for Shane Meadows and features great performances throughout, most notably though are two superb powerhouse performances from the young Thomas Turgoose who acts his little socks off and a superb turn from Stephen Graham who both pull of two of the best performances you'll likely see in years. |
| Director: Donald Cammell, Nicolas Roeg Cast: James Fox, Mick Jagger, Anita Pallenberg, Stanley Meadows, Johnny Shannon. |
| Shane Meadows is quickly becoming one of British cinemas greatest hopes. Of the films he's made 3 have been far superior to many britflicks, the other still better than many and that (Once Upon a Time in the Midlands) was interfered with by the 'execs'. It was because of that I believe that he went back to his roots of making a low budget movie and with it he makes arguably his best film to date a rollercoaster ride with a twist of revenge. Richard (Paddy Considine in another superb performance) has arrived back from the army to the local (to us) location of Matlock to avenge his brother. Compared to Get Carter this film with the twist at the end is remarkably different. There is a great mix of pure violence and proper comedy throughout. This is one of the best revenge films and equally a thriller to come out on these shores in a long time. An absolute electrifying turn from Considine and also the support cast make for an explosive movie. One which is always watchable and still sharp after a dozen viewings. |
| Performance - an uber cool, stylish film that's never been done before or since, cleverly shot and edited, clever references and very psychadelic, this film has it all, sex, drugs rock and roll and proper London Gangsters. Chas (James Fox) a violent and psychotic East London gangster needs a place to lie low after a hit that should never have been carried out. He finds the perfect cover in the form of guest house run by the mysterious Mr. Turner (Mick Jagger), a one-time rock superstar, who is looking for the right spark to rekindle his faded talent. Admittedly a bit of a headfuck on first viewing, it still holds your attention, with lots of quirky imagery, dapper suits and stylish cars, real gangsters (John Bindon) a great score from Randy Newman and Mick Jagger's Memo From Tuner 'live' in the film including the unfamiliar tones of a moog synthesier in all it's glory. The first half of the fim leads with Chas and his crew as he soon falls out of favour. This is as good as anything ever shot on this subculture, imagine a film like this about the Krays? The second half of the film leads you on a bohemian mushroom inspired trip as things slowly piece together in an extraordianry fashion. It's fair to say you can see a lot of Performance in future films that's for sure. They don't make 'em like they used to. |
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| Bruce Jones now better known as Coronation Street's Les Battersby, plays Bob Williams -a man so devoted to his family and religion a proud man though very poor, he and his pal Tommy ( Ricky Tomlinson ) do anything they can to keep their heads above water, including stealing turf from the local conservative club, stealing a sheep to kill and sell it's meat in their local, everything they try and do always ends in tears. Bob wants to make sure his little girl has only the best and costliest dress for her first Communion despite being broke, his stubbornness and determination gets him in to tmore and more rouble as he turns to even more questionable measures, including getting involved with the local nasty loan shark Tansey (James), this tragic flaw leads him to risk all that he values and loves as he goes off in blind pursuit of his goal. |
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| Director: Alan Clarke Cast: George Costigan, Michelle Holmes, Siobahan Finneran, Willy Ross, Lesley Sharp |
| Director: Peter Richardson Cast: Ade Edmonson, Peter Richardson, Jennifer Saunders, Robbie Coltrane, Keith Allen |
| Director: Gary Oldman Cast: Ray Winstone, Charlie Creed Miles, Kathy Burke, Jamie Forman, Steve Sweeney |
| Director: Mike Leigh Cast: Roger Sloman, Alison Steadman, Anthony O'Donnell, Stephen Bill, Sheila Kelly |
| Director: Mike Leigh Cast: Phil Daniels, Tim Roth, Gary Oldman, Alfred Molina, Marion Bailey, Pam Ferris |
| Director: Ken Loach Cast: Bruce Jones, Ricky Tomlinson, Julie Brown, Tom Hickey, Jonathon James |
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| Director: Pat Holden Cast: Liam Boyle, Nicky Bell, Stephen Graham, Holly Grainger, Oliver Lee, Lee Battle. |
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| Awaydays, based on the outstanding novel by Kevin Sampson, a semi-fictional tale of The Pack a lower division firm in the North West of England, contrasting the bleak north under Thatcher's tenure with the exciting crest of a casual wave, hooliganism, smack and the pack were the escape route for some, notably Carty. The film is a good effort, whilst it's difficult not to compare it to the novel, those who've only watched the film and not read it , will still find it a more than worthy watch. Awaydays will be lumped in with The Football Factory, Cass and The Firm and it' maybe shouldn't, it's a similar story but totally different, good to get the old tale of wanting in and wanting out, from a Northern bias. Personally, I thought Awaydays was a decent watch, it looked very authentic at times, the soundtrack was great too. I personally got to see bits of this being shot, a cold day's filming at a rather rough Birkenhead backdrop, and know first hand how difficult it was to get the songs on board so it was great to hear Joy Division et al and that really made it for me. The cast made up of largely first timers or those with only a few television shows as experience did well, Liam Boyle excelled as Elvis, whilst first timer Nicy Bell did well as an adopted plastic scouser. The always reliable Stephen Graham was on hand too. |
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| Director: Eran Creevy Cast: Daniel Mays, Riz Ahmed, Jason Flemyng, Jay Simpson, Nitin Ganatra. |
| Director: Nicolas Winding Refn Cast: Tom Hardy, Matt King, Amanda Burton, James Lance. |
| Shifty 2008 |
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| In 1974, a hot-headed 19 year old named Michael Peterson decided he wanted to make a name for himself and so, with a homemade sawn-off shotgun and a head full of dreams he attempted to rob a post office. Swiftly apprehended and originally sentenced to 7 years in jail, Peterson has subsequently been behind bars for 34 years, 30 of which have been spent in solitary confinement. During that time, Michael Petersen, the boy, faded away and 'Charles Bronson,' his superstar alter ego, took center stage. Inside the mind of Bronson - a scathing indictment of celebrity culture. I found Bronson an entertaining film, half a great film in fact, I say half as bits played out a bit pantomime and televison like, if that makes sense. The film never really raised any issues, if this was to help the real 'Bronson' finally get a release then perhaps it didn't do many favours. By and large though a top notch |
| Shifty, a young crack cocaine dealer in London, sees his life quickly spiral out of control when his best friend returns home. Stalked by a customer desperate to score at all costs, and with his family about to turn their back on him for good, Shifty must out-run and out-smart a rival drug dealer, intent on setting him up for a big fall. As his long time friend Chris, confronts the dark past he left behind him, Shifty is forced to face up to the violent future he's hurtling towards. A gem of a film, which every so often the British film industry manages to produce, gritty realism just how I like it, with an urban edge to it. Good convincing cast members including the always good value Daniel Mays and Riz Ahmed in the title role helped make this an enjoyable glance at an all too real and daring subject. At times it can be edge of the seat stuff, climaxing with a little twist in the tale. |
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| It's 3:07am and two girls burst into a run down London toilet. Joanne is crying her eyes out and her clothing is ripped. Kelly's face is bruised and starting to swell. Duncan Allen lies in his bathroom bleeding to death. Duncan's son, Stuart, has found his father and wants answers. Derek, Kelly's pimp, needs to find Kelly or it will be him who pays. Kelly and Joanne need to get through the next 24 hours alive. Hugely gritty and at times disturbing look at the dark side of prostitution and desperation in the South of England. Another decent release which went fairly unnoticed on it's first release which attracted attention by word of mouth and by the time it had been premiered on television was a film everyone had seen and thought highly of. |
| Director: Paul Andrew Williams Cast: Lorraine Stanley, Georgia Groome, Johnny Harris, Sam Spruell. |
| Bronson 2009 |
| Awaydays 2008 |
| This is England 2007 |
| London to Brighton 2006 |
| Kes 1970 |
| Scum 1976 |
| Quadrophenia 1979 |
| a Clockwork Orange 1972 |
| Get Carter 1972 |
| Dead Man's Shoes 2004 |
| Performance 1970 |
| The Supergrass 1985 |
| Rita, Sue and Bob Too 1986 |
| A Room for Romeo Brass 1999 |
| Nil By Mouth 1997 |
| Nuts In May 1976 |
| Meantime 1984 |
| Raining Stones 1993 |
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| I was a bit *pull's Joey Deacon face* when I first heard this was being re-made, didn't think it was necessary really, I like the original, it's a bit of a cult now, yeah the crews are all about eight or nine handed and there's not much in the way of any known labels on show, but look at that era through old snaps and footage, it's not too far away, chinos and blazers were being worn, remember this was way past dressing up and label fascination - a world away from the colourful sportswear era of the new version which I personally think looks fucking shit. Anyway, the two vital ingredients of the original were it's Director - the late Alan Clarke and Gary Oldman, Clarke one of our best Director's, responsible for Rita, Sue and Bob Too, the thought provoking Made in Britain and of course Scum. Gary Oldman who was about to embark on an illustrious Hollywood career by the time he'd leathered his pillow at his Mam's gaff. Loads out there slate the original, but for it's tame violence and corny action, there's some memorable one liners and stand out moments. I'd imagine most younger film goers would hate this and prefer their hooligans with a touch of the Danny Dyer about them. However, this wasn't that bad an effort, the cheese and camp were in as much measure as the violence and camaraderie, but it was a guilty pleasure to watch, for a full review click here. |
| Director: Nick love Cast: Daniel Mays, Paul Anderson, Calum McNab, Doug Allen, Eddie Webber. |
| The Firm 2009 |
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| The story of Mia (Katie Jarvis) a volatile and rebellious teen, always in trouble, always answering back.
her only passion is her dancing, which she intends to take further. Excluded from school and her circle of friends living in a depressing tower block in a London suburb. One day her mouthy mother (Kierston Wareing) brings home a new friend, the mysterious Connor (Michael Fassbender) All is about to change for Mia, who just wants to break free from the shit she puts up with. Directed by Andrea Arnold who did the award winning and equally gritty Red Road, this was a great little independent film, and one I enjoyed, just as I like it, plenty of c-words and a little suspense, as real as it gets for me. Easily one of the most compelling films of the year for me. |
| Director: Andrea Arnold Cast: Kate Jarvis, Kierston Wareing, Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Griffiths. |
| Fish Tank 2009 |
| Caine plays the title role, an ex Marine, and very recent widower who's living in a grotty, decaying tower block in a London sink estate that's getting worse by the day. Harry and his pal Len (David Bradley) are still living there despite the dramatic decline, and trying to enjoy a bit of peace and chess, in a depressed and more than rowdy estate. They are from an old generation where respect and values were part of the fabric of their lives and guns and drugs were only seen in the movies. When his friend Len tells him of his fears about the unruly gangs, Harry recommends telling the police, who he admits he's already been too with little or no help, before Harry's even stopped to think about his friends woes, he's gone. Len after being pushed too far, confronts and then is savagely murdered by the gang. Harry at the end of his thether, then uses his past experience as a Marine and goes all Charles Bronson on the feral scum who rule the 'hood with fear. for a full review click here. |
| Director: Daniel Barber Cast: Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Ian Glenn, Charlie Creed Miles, David Bradley, Ben Drew. |
| Harry Brown 2009 |
| Directed by Mike Leigh. Before this film, Leigh was known for more-low-key, subtler comedic dissections of middle-class and working-class manners. Naked was more stark and brutal than his previous works. Leigh relied heavily on improvisation in the making of the movie, but little actual ad-libbing was filmed, lengthy rehearsals in character provided much of the script. Almost all of the dialogue was filmed as written. An intelligent, educated and eloquent, if disturbingly embittered man, Johnny (David Thewlis) consistently keeps up with a reckless and at times borderline sadistic behaviour,he seduces Louise's flatmate, Sophie (Katrin Cartlidge), before embarking on an extended latter-day odyssey among the destitute and despairing of the United Kingdom's capital city. |
| Director: Mike Leigh Cast: David Thewlis, Katrin Cartlidge, Lesley Sharp, Greg Cruttwell. |
| Naked 1993 |
| Decent little film which nobody seems to be aware of. Frank (Mark Addy) is a fat no hoper who sports a terrific mullet. On the dole and, ironically with nothing but a Working Men's Club for company. His mother finally kicks him out of the family home, so he takes refuge in a pitiful B+B. Here he meets Kenny (Charlie Creed-Miles) a daft nerd who's stuck with his bullying father (Kenneth Cranham) and his wheelchair bound brother Keith (James Hooton/Sam Dingle) Taken totally in by Frank's white lies of a past life in the S.A.S., Kenny convinces his new best mate to travel down to London with him and whack the oaf who battered his brother into his handicapped state. Frank agrees and after stealing a shooter, they get the first National Express coach out of Leicester to seek vengence, but first have a day as tourists in the big smoke. Things don't actually go to plan as they encounter the thugs girlfriend (Samantha Morton) and attempt to take her hostage in her own flat. |
| Director: Julian Farino Cast: Mark Addy, Charlie Creed Miles, Samantha Morton, Kenneth Cranham. |
| The Last Yellow 1999 |
| Ex-con and expert safe-cracker Gary "Gal" Dove has served his time behind bars and blissfully retired to a Spanish villa with his beloved wife Deedee. He also has the company of longtime friend Aitch and his wife Jackie. Their idyll is shattered, however, by the arrival of an old criminal associate, the sociopathic Don Logan, who is intent on enlisting Gal in a bank heist back in London. Dove politely but firmly refuses Logan's many requests to join the heist, but Logan will not back down. After being sent back to London without Gal, Logan is kicked off his plane and returns to Dove's home with the intention of murdering him. Instead, Deedee surprises him with a shotgun. With Logan dead, Dove is forced to return to London to perform the job as if nothing has happened. Teddy Bass, a powerful crime lord, has organised the heist after learning about the bank from Harry, a banker who had sex with him at an orgy. Dove feigns ignorance over Logan's whereabouts, but Bass is immediately suspicious. Dove now fears both getting arrested by the police and being murdered by Bass. |
| Director: Jonathon Glazer Cast: BRay Winstone, Ben Kingsley, Ian McShane, Amada Redman. |
| Sexy Beast 2000 |
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| Clive Owen stars as Will Graham, a former London crime boss who has left his former life to live as a recluse in the forest. Haunted by the blood of those he has murdered, Will wishes never to return. But when his brother (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) commits suicide, following a sexual assault at the hands of a volatile car dealer (Malcolm McDowell), Will returns to London to discover the cause of his brother's death and administer justice to those responsible. There he must also face old enemies and a former love, Helen (Charlotte Rampling).The film bears many striking similarities to Hodges' directorial debut, the classic 1971 crime drama Get Carter. Both films feature men who return to their former hometowns to investigate the death of a brother who has died under mysterious |
| Director: Mike Hodges Cast: Clive Owen, Jamie Foreman, Jonathon Ryhs Meyers, Malcom McDowell. |
| I'll Sleep When I'm Dead 2004 |
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| George (Hoskins), recently released from prison, is given a cushy job as the driver for a high-class prostitute named Simone (Tyson) by his former boss, Dinny (Michael Caine). As George and Simone find out more about each other, they form a friendship despite their possibly conflicting incentives. Central to this theme is Dinny's wish for George to find out as much as he can about one of Simone's 'regulars', a wealthy businessman seen with Dinny on one occasion. George then helps Simone in her quest to find an abused friend from her murky past, and this leads to a violent resolution in the seedy underworld. Uber cool gangster genre film from Neil Jordan, stylishly shot and from a great, gritty era of film making, from the Handmade Films productions. A career defining role for Hoskins, which in my opinion betters the Long Good Friday, a role Hoskins will be remembered for more by the masses. |
| Director: Neil Jordan Cast: Bob Hoskins, Cathy Tyson, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Caine. |
| Mona Lisa 1986 |
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