Directed by:
Hettie MacDonaldCinematography:
Chris SeagerCast:
Linda Henry, Meera Syal, Glen Berry, Ben Daniels, John Benfield, Beth Goddard, Marlene Sidaway, Scott Neal, Martin Walsh, Anna Karen, Tameka Empson (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
During a long hot summer in south London Jamie is bunking off school more than usual, scurrying back to the TV and the flat in the Thamesmead estate where he lives with his mother Sandra. Whilst his neighbour Leigh, who’s been kicked out of school, spends her days listening to Mama Cass records. In the same block is Jamie’s sporty classmate Ste, whose home life is punctuated by the regular beatings he receives from both his father and brother. One night, in a bid to escape the violence, Ste takes refuge in Sandra’s flat and sleeps head to toe with Jamie. As Sandra struggles with a job promotion and her relationship with her hippy boyfriend Tony, Jamie and Ste gradually discover their affection for each other. (British Film Institute (BFI))
(more)Reviews (1)
It is similar to (in this case, more like a predecessor of) the Get Real, which I liked a bit more in terms of the issue it addresses. The story is cleverly set in a hostile and dangerous neighbourhood and we, the audience, get to follow the fortunes of the residents who are not having an easy time of it. It was simple, raw and completely honest at the same time. In short, I've been disappointed by British productions on a limited number of occasions, and this film is definitely one of their above average pieces.
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