top of page

Search Results

2478 items found for ""

  • Hi, I'm Growing Up Review | Film Reviews

    HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Hi, I'm Growing Up Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Mar 6, 2023 Directed by: Funmi Adetola Written by: Funmi Adetola Starring: Funmi Adetola, Dipo Adetola, Ejibunmi Adetola An introspective high school student contemplates the changes his life is about to undergo in Hi, I’m Growing Up – a microbudget feature from director and star Funmi Adetola that creatively tells a personal story with filmmaking that outperforms its limitations. Over the course of a single day, Mike (Funmi Adetola) tries to come to terms with graduation from high school, and moving away from his home and his family. His mother (Ejibunmi Adetola) and father (Motunrayo Adetola) remain their typically overbearing selves, and Mike relies on his sister Ayo (Dipo Adetola) to feed back on his introspections. Among daydreams and drug trips, Mike aims to put his feelings into words in the form of a goodbye speech. A homemade project shot exclusively on an iPhone 7 and starring the director’s friends and family, Hi, I’m Growing Up is an impressive, creative and profound character study that despite some hits and misses, stands up as a fine piece of filmmaking – and not just in comparison to its shoestring budget. The film is a charming, touching, funny and consistently engaging story of growing up. Funmi Adetola strings his relatively straightforward plot together with amusing interludes which establish Mike as a young man searching for direction. His interactions with family further develop and demonstrate his personality – creating empathy in viewers who will no doubt have experienced the confusing, painful and awkward time in life when it becomes necessary to divorce oneself from their childhood. Adetola has a brilliant grasp of Mike’s character (likely down to the personal nature of the project) and brings so much to the role as both the film’s writer and star. Mike’s philosophical musings and indulgent broodings brilliantly walk along that tightrope of individual agency and lack of real-life experience – capturing the sense of late-teen angst in a manner more powerful and authentic than plenty of bigger-budgeted contemporaries. Mike’s speech, which ends up addressed to his family, results in a genuinely moving conclusion to the film that brings his drifting character full circle. The film’s iPhone-captured production necessitates largely fixed shot scenes. Adetola keeps these invigorating for the most part with fast cuts and creative visuals, but there are moments where this limitation does hinder conversation exchanges resulting in some disjointedness. Rough edges are on display – some of these forgivable such as minor shaky cam, and others less so such as a few violations of the 180-degree camera rule. But for any of these mishaps, it should be noted that the film’s creative circumstances are impossible to separate from its production results – with much of its successful charm emanating from the sincerity that drives a smaller-scale feature. Any such mishaps thankfully do not impact on the personality that is imbued or the extent to which character building is achieved – which are the film’s primary accomplishments. There are some experimental creative risks as well which are of mixed success. A short transition into anime early in the film falls flat, and adds little to the plot or Mike’s character, and sits at odds with the film’s tone. But a drug-fuelled hallucinogenic conversation with a teddy bear ends up as both a pivotal development for Mike’s character and one of the film’s funniest scenes. The license for creativity is fully embraced by the director, and adds to the uniqueness of the work when it is successful, as well as when it is not. So despite some clunky production and creative misfires, Hi, I’m Growing Up is a relatable and endearing story that exudes personality and a sense of director-driven vision. It firmly punches above its weight by championing a story about growing up, and is evidence to aspiring directors that the potential for great film-making exists with just a camera and a great story. About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

  • Living As Leo Review | Film Reviews

    HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Living As Leo Film Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Critic: William Hemingway | Posted on: Feb 6, 2024 Directed by: Cameron Lee Horace Written by: Cameron Lee Horace Starring: Joe Snape, Margaret Bunting, Jessica Hawkes, Helen Austin Leo (Snape) is an awkward teenager who finds it difficult to socialise and make friends. He lives at home with his Gran (Bunting) for reasons which remain unexplained, so we’ve got no idea what happened to his parents. We can probably assume that it was bad, though. Worried about Leo’s happiness and mental health, his gran gets him a new dog, and even though he can’t manage to think of a name to give it, Leo loves his new pal along with the company and friendship it provides. However, being the lonely, awkward teenager that he is, Leo also has other things on his mind and he has taken to watching his neighbour, Skylar (Hawkes) from out of his window with some binoculars. It is for reasons known only to himself as to why Leo would actually want anything to do with Skylar, as she is a completely toxic airhead whose main talent seems to be for bitching and putting people down. Still, Leo wants to put himself through the humiliation of actually asking Skylar out, so he goes for it the next day at the bus stop with excruciatingly foreseeable results. The fact that fellow toxic hosebeast, Lucy Loose Lips (Austin) is there to witness the whole fiasco only serves to make things worse. Just when things look about as bad as they’re going to get for Leo, something else happens which turns his whole world upside-down and he suddenly has a big decision to make which will affect his entire future. This all may sound like quite a lot to fit into a short film with a runtime of under five-minutes but really everything is introduced with a large set of kid gloves and gets passed over quite quickly, leaving writer/director Cameron Lee Horace with enough time to throw in a couple of stylish narrative segues along the way. Sadly these little diversions, such as when Leo breaks the fourth wall and starts talking to the camera for no reason at all, add nothing to the story or the overall feel of the film. Horace has also previously said that he was put off submitting Living As Leo to film festivals because of audio issues which weren’t up to the quality he expected, and this does come across during the film, although not enough to make that much of a difference to the viewing experience. There’s also the fact that Leo’s new dog pal is actually animated rather than real, and even though the cartoonishness isn’t badly done or jarring in any way, it is quite distracting when trying to get into the real life issues which Leo is facing. Whilst there may be something to be said for the highlighting of the trials and tribulations of adolescence there’s nothing here that hasn’t been said before and better elsewhere. About the Film Critic William Hemingway Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

  • Boomslang 2: The Dinner | UKFRF 2022

    Boomslang 2: The Dinner Listen to our review on the film podcast What our film review said: READ FULL REVIEW This short is an entertaining experience with well-written dialogue, interesting characters and performances that succeed in being quite a joy to watch. Throughout its twelve-minute duration it never loses its ability to be comical and it will most likely provide the audience with a good laugh. Proudly supporting MediCinema for our 2022 film festival.

  • Scratch Review | Film Reviews

    HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Scratch Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Swati Verma | Posted on: Nov 3, 2022 Directed by: James Clubb, Liam Steers Written by: James Clubb Starring: Cal Jones, John Bulwich The title of the short film Scratch can refer to the loss of peace and sadness due to unpleasant experiences that the protagonist Cal Jones is trying to recover from. The writer-director James Clubb and Liam Steers carefully build the script around the complexities of the brain and its long-term effect on the self as well as the people around. The plot of the cinematic piece revolves around two strangers (Cal Jones and John Bulwich) who are tied together in a situation with a mix of luck and destiny which proves to be a life-changing event for both of them. The nonlinear narrative style of storytelling is adapted by the filmmaker to give a sense of drama and thrill to the audience and to keep them hooked to the content. The short film opens with a black screen with a phone conversation which helps set up the tone of the creative piece and also establishes the subject matter of the movie. A series of transition shots and well-written, incorporated flashbacks to provide the required intensity and allow the viewers to learn from the film. The black-and-white colour palette, lighting, music, dialogue, costume, hair, and makeup complement the continuity and flow of the psychological thriller/drama Scratch. In the performance department, Cal Jones who plays the protagonist wants to live a normal life but a traumatic happening in the recent past keeps revisiting him with continuous disturbing thoughts. Jones depicts the internal, external, and emotional struggles to achieve some degree of normalcy as well as stability. The body language, eyes, and facial expressions are on fleek to communicate the emotional support he craves from his wife/girlfriend Lucy but rather opts for depending on alcohol. John Bulwich plays the role of a beggar who is a firm believer in luck, fate, and destiny. Bulwich portrays the stubborn and angry attitude of the character efficiently showcasing and strengthening the conflict of the storyline of the film, therefore assisting in maintaining the suspense and thrill in the climax of the film. Scratch reiterates the fact that every individual has their luck, fate, and destiny in life and just needs to wait for the right time to achieve what they want. The short film teaches the audience that true friends and family can help them emerge from every problem and they shouldn’t take their loved ones for granted. The piece also talks about life giving people the option of being strong and courageous to deal with it as one cannot delete the bad experiences and only enjoy the good days. The movie discusses the importance of the strength of the mind to keep oneself happy and healthy despite all the hardships thrown at us by life. Scratch also highlights and warns the viewers of the harmful effects bad habits like smoking, alcoholism and using your phone too much can cause and advises them to keep a check on these for a better future. I appreciate the efforts of the filmmakers in keeping an open ending so that the audience can interpret the story as per their understanding rather than restricting them to confine the thought process. About the Film Critic Swati Verma Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

  • Inherited Review | Film Reviews

    HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Inherited Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Sam Quarton | Posted on: Jul 29, 2022 Directed by: Humphrey Brown III Written by: Sekou Browne Starring: Damon Hoyle, Jessica Davis, Natoya Danielle, Humphrey Brown III Drenched in covid-induced familial anxiety, Inherited offers an emotionally articulate response to the question of covid-era representation. Now over two years on since the beginning of the pandemic, one we are still in fact shackled to, filmmakers have progressed past the unnecessarily tendentious question of whether it is too soon to depict the horrors of COVID-19 - and its cataclysmic impact on families - to broach a more pressing ethical quandary: how should we depict it? And while there is obviously no correct answer to this question, director Humphrey Brown III offers a deft and emotionally articulate response with Inherited. Mostly comprised of footage from several Zoom meetings, the short follows stalwart son Michael – played with apt emotional enervation by Damon Hoyle – and his quarrelling siblings as they attempt to find their missing father and pastor Michael Sr. during the height of Texas’ grappling with the pandemic. But Michael’s concerns bubble to boiling point upon discovering financial woes about Michael Sr’s floundering church, and how this might play a part in the pastor’s erratic behaviour. Based off writer Sekou Browne’s own period of covid-induced terror – Browne tirelessly cared for his ailing grandmother throughout the chaos of the pandemic – Inherited feels poignant and sincere. There is tangible fear here: Michael’s half smiling/half-worry leaden expression as he tries to assuage his bickering family’s concerns signposts that maybe everything won’t be alright after all. It’s the same sort of expression we have all grown to master during our own brush with the virus. Also running through this dizzying familial sadness is Joseph Zgamba’s pallid, overcast photography, which imbues the hazy Texan setting with a sense of foreboding worthy of a Scandinavian crime thriller. It’s as if the baleful spectre of death and misfortune hangs in the atmosphere like an unseen villain, waiting to strike Michael and his family at a moments notice. And unlike the latest wave of overly didactic covid dramas that attempt to chart an entire nation’s experience of the pandemic in one gelatinous mess – see the Chinese Government’s saccharine propaganda piece, Ode to the Spring – Inherited is imbued with tautness and palpable anguish that aptly focuses on one family’s travail and attempt at survival. About the Film Critic Sam Quarton World Cinema, Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

  • Dweller Review | Film Reviews

    HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Dweller Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Jul 4, 2023 Directed by: Fraser Denholm Written by: Fraser Denholm Starring: Jason Harvey, Meg Birley, Wendy Barrett Following a global destruction, a man's life inside a bunker gets interrupted by the arrival of a woman. A worlwide catastrophy took place, spreading death throughout the world. Pete (Harvey) has managed to survive for years by living by himself inside a secured bunker. His quiet life comes to an end when a woman named Sophie (Birley) enters the bunker. Strange occurrences begin to take place and it becomes apparent that something sinister is inside the bunker with them. Pete and Sophie must work together in order to deal with the menace and remain alive. A rather intriguing sci-fi thriller that is set in a post-apocalyptic world. Although the whole narrative takes place inside the bunker (it was filmed entirely inside a decomissioned Cold War Nuclear Bunker), the screenplay and mise-en-scene effectively create the impression that the events are happening after a global destruction. The two protagonists are rather different people and the only ones in the film. The core of the script is tha rapport that develops between Sophie and Pete, who spend a great deal of time trying to get information from each other, while simultaneously attempting to understand the bizarre events that proceed to take place inside the reinforced shelter, shortly after Sophies's arrival. These events include machines operating by themselves and a chilling sound that indicates that some sort of menacing creature is nearby. The suspense is plentiful and there is tension and interesting plot twists. Both Sophie and Pete make interesting protagonists, although Sophie comes across as much more friendly, an intelligent and caring woman who recognises right from wrong. Pete is less likeable, being unfriendly, refusing to trust others and swearing quite often. As mentioned, the whole story unfolds inside the bunker and the mise-en-scene includes computers, communication devices, intriguing clothing and weapons. Jonathan Brown deserves commendations for the stunning cinematography and praise also goes to the creativity that went into the stylised letters during the credits. Regarding the audio, the sound effects are cool and the music by Michael McGeoch is ominous and electronic and it is one of the film's strongest aspects. This short is a half-an-hour-long story that sort of resembles the first Alien film. However this is more than a post-apocalyptic science fiction story about survival, it is an emotional journey about morality, survivor's guilt, self-reflection, trust and selfishness. Very well-acted and with a screenplay that lays great emphasis on character development, this film is an impressive achievement. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

  • Antlers Review | Film Reviews

    HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Antlers Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Brady Clark | Posted on: Oct 26, 2021 Directed by: Scott Cooper Written by: Henry Chaisson, Nick Antosca, Scott Cooper Starring: Keri Russell, Jesse Plemons, Jeremy T. Thomas Scott Cooper’s Antlers has just enough creepiness, gore, and fright to hold its own leading into the Halloween weekend. Whilst it is not hugely original or standout in the horror franchise, Cooper manages to keep intrigue alive as he delves into the mythological beasts genre. Held up by two strong TV leads in the form of The American’s Keri Russell and Jesse Plemons of Breaking Bad and Fargo fame, Antlers also contains a clear Guillermo del Toro stamp within the majority of its scenes and in a script that is well suited to actors who do not need to say a great deal to raise their performance. In the film, teacher Julia Meadows (Russell) is concerned one of her young students may be suffering abuse at home, and, after a series of disappearances, suspects something worse is at play, bringing her Sheriff brother (Plemons) into the mix. Antlers is not without its problems. Whilst slower horrors can often still keep your heart rate high through ambitious concepts and powerful music, Cooper’s pacing tests the patience at times, and the score prioritises volume over appropriateness. The intelligence of the plot also decreases over the duration of the film, venturing into an unsatisfying conclusion that cannot justify the choices of its characters. Where Antlers struggles most, is in identifying its goal and underlying message. Cooper highlights abuse and poverty, but in circling them rather than exploring these subjects further, there is not enough depth to the film or its characters. Antlers is reminiscent of The Village at times, or at least its better parts, and delivers in providing the same bleak outlook and serious approach to a ‘creature feature’. But without striving for something beyond general expectations of this genre, Antlers comes out as a mediocre small-town horror that won’t stay in the mind for too long About the Film Critic Brady Clark Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

  • Sacrilege Official Trailer | Film Trailers

    Sacrilege Official Trailer Sacrilege Heading to digital download from 27th September Bad Blood Films have confirmed that their folk-horror Sacrilege will be heading to digital download from 27th September. The film stars a host of British talent, including Tamaryn Payne (Hollyoaks ), Emily Wyatt (Rise of the Footsoldier ), Sian Abrahams (Complete Strangers ), Naomi Willow (A Guide To Second Date Sex), Ian Champion (Property ), Rory Wilton (Fisherman's Friends ) & Emma Spurgin Hussey (Poldark ). Four lifelong friends head to a remote lodge for a weekend of fun.What begins as an idyllic retreat quickly descends into a fight for their lives when a local Pagan cult offer them up to their Goddess as a sacrifice for the Solstice. Sacrilege was produced and filmed in the South West of England where Producer Mark Kenna and Writer/ Director David Creed reside. Much of the film was shot in nearby Forest of Dean, as well as Weston-Super-Mare. The film was scheduled for a UK wide release in March 2020 and premiered at Empire Cineworld in Leicester Square to a packed out screening. Unfortunately within days, the Covid-19 pandemic gripped the country and many of the film's screenings were curtailed. "We're thrilled that UK audiences will finally be able to get the chance to watch Sacrilege. We've been blown away by its reception in the US and it's great to see it finally come home after a tumultous eighteen months ", said producer Mark Kenna. Bad Blood Films pushed the limits of the budget by using a drone for the opening credit scene, as well as making use of a robot camera dolly and a five-camera set-up for the Ritual scene, casting 60 local residents as extras. Sacrilege will be available on digital download from 27th September and can be pre-ordered on iTunes here and Apple TV here The Bezonians Official Trailer Greeks take on geezers in The Bezonians, a satirical Brit gangster thriller that gets its UK debut on DVD and digital this May from 101 Films. Streamline Dive into Streamline, an emotionally rich coming-of-age-film, and a supremely impressive directorial debut from Tyson Wade Johnston, who also penned the piece. This gritty and gripping feature is produced by Australian swimming legend Ian Thorpe and stars Hollywood favourite Brit actor Jason Isaacs (The Harry Potter Franchise, Mass) is now set to wow UK audiences with its digital release on 11 April from 101 Films. Spears Watch the trailer for the indie film Spears, by filmmaker Gerard Lough. For more of the latest film trailers visit UK Film Review. First Date Check out the trailer for 101 Films' First Date. Help Official Trailer Help from filmmaker Blake Ridder releases official trailer. Watch the trailer for Help from filmmaker Blake Ridder. The Bad Guys Official Trailer DreamWorks launch official trailer for The Bad Guys. Nobody has ever failed so hard at trying to be good as The Bad Guys. Across the Spider-Verse Part One Trailer Following the huge success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, this trailer for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - Part One comes as no surprise but is certainly welcome. A Christmas Number One Official Trailer A Sky Original, A Christmas Number One is produced by Sky, Genesius Pictures, Lupus Films and Space Age Films. It will be available on Sky Cinema and streaming service NOW from 10 December. Spider-Man: No Way Home Official Trailer Currently slated for a UK release of December 15th, Spider-Man fans across the world were rocked with this official trailer for Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). Eternals Final Trailer Directed by Chloé Zhao, the saga of the Eternals, a race of immortal beings who lived on Earth and shaped its history and civilizations. Moonfall Official Trailer Directed by Roland Emmerich and starring Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, and John Bradley, Moonfall is currently scheduled for a cinematic release in the UK in February 2022. Uncharted Official Trailer From Sony Pictures UK, check out the official first trailer for the highly-anticipated UNCHARTED, based on the hugely popular video game franchise of the same name. The Real Charlie Chaplin Official Trailer The Real Charlie Chaplin is an Archer’s Mark, Passion Pictures and Smaller Biggie production, in association with Ventureland and Fee Fie Foe. Belfast Official Trailer 2 From lauded director Kenneth Branagh, and starring an acclaimed ensemble cast, Belfast is a personal and joyful story about the power of memory, set in late 1960s Northern Ireland. The Batman Main Trailer Currently expected for a March 2022 release, The Batman (2022) starring Robert Pattinson is one of the most anticipated films of next year. Warner Bros dropped The Batman Main Trailer and DC fans have gone crazy with excitement. Resident Evil - Welcome to Raccoon City - Official Trailer The official first trailer and poster for RESIDENT EVIL: WELCOME TO RACCOON CITY, the much-anticipated action horror based on the iconic videogame franchise, coming to cinemas 3 December. The Turn of the Screw Official Teaser Trailer Danny Arthur attacks in a prison officer in the hope to get moved off the wing, he has just joined Ambrose Cook in his cell, a black inmate who is waiting for his parole in a couple of months. The Beatles and India Trailer Now a new, award-winning feature documentary The Beatles and India from Silva Screen Productions and Renoir Pictures explores the lasting legacy from their ground-breaking visit to Rishikesh. Britney Vs Spears Trailer The world knows Britney Spears: performer, artist, icon. But in the last few years, her name has been publicly tied to another, more mysterious term: conservatorship. Britney vs Spears tells the explosive story of Britney’s life and her public and private search for freedom. A Boy Called Christmas Trailer In A Boy Called Christmas, an ordinary young boy called Nikolas sets out on an extraordinary adventure into the snowy north in search of his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves, Elfhelm.

  • Vortex, the Dawn of Sovereignty Review | Film Reviews

    HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Vortex, the Dawn of Sovereignty Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Feb 8, 2022 Directed by: Michel Rousseau Written by: Michel Rousseau Starring: Cerise Rousseau, Emilie Rousseau, Michel Rousseau, Terence Rousseau A science fiction adventure filled with extraterrestrials, robots and spaceships. It is the year 2047 and the world is living in a state of dictatorship, where everyone is constantly being observed and living in fear. In Paris, a teenage girl named Serena is part of a resistance team and has found a way to travel to another dimension and that is through the use of special goggles that enable the wearer to see otherworldly portals that serve as paths to these dimensions. With the help of others, she must embark on a journey and find a way to be free. This feature wastes no time in showing the viewer that they are going to be experiencing extraordinary things throughout and it is quite a show. Right from the start the dystopian world is revealed, with vehicles of the authorities policing the streets, robot drones flying around, humanlike robots, plenty of guns and a flying gargoyle. However, things go to a whole other level when the action moves from the city and general human civilisation to space. Unsurprisingly, in space the mise-en-scene is rather different and there are spaceships, robots and all sorts of aliens, some of which look human while others look like insects. The audience follows Serena as she travels and meets a variety of characters. Michel Rousseau worked on this movie with his family. Apart from directing and writing, Michel also did voice acting for many of the characters and worked on the clothing, music and special effects. The result is quite rewarding to the eyes (and ears). The extraterrestrials and robots are all animated and so is most of the environment and vehicles. The 3D animation looks great and thanks to a great deal of imagination and creativity, the filmmakers created a world that will most likely make people think of Star Wars. There are plenty of weird characters to encounter, including an entity with a human form and a face filled with tentacles and a woman with hair that magically changes shape and colour. Although the special effects do not look very realistic, they are entertaining to watch and the movie does an OK job in mixing live action with animation. Sometimes, watching the animated scenes is like watching cutscenes from a video game. The music is one of the film's strongest aspects. It sounds dynamic and magical and it adds significant value to the scenes, creating an adventurous atmosphere. The cinematography looks beautiful and the editing makes effective use of the wipe technique. Generally, the acting is not very good and during the last twenty five minutes or so the film runs out of steam. The plot is fine, however the elements that make this sci-fi appealing belong primarily in the mise-en-scene, they are the surroundings, the animation and most of all the extraordinary characters. And as mentioned previously, there is the fantastic score. A small number of individuals collaborated in order to make this feature a reality and their efforts resulted in a movie that will most likely appeal to fans of science fiction. The story is about freedom, about being who one wants to be and Cerise Rousseau leads the film well as a character who is pursuing such goals. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Indie Feature Film, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

  • A Manchester Story Review | Film Reviews

    HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS A Manchester Story Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Mar 31, 2022 Directed by: Anton Arenko Written by: N/A Starring: Figen Murray, Clint Boon, Michael Cox, Dr. Cath Hill, Adam Lawler A powerful, moving and inspiring documentary about the generous and courageous contributions and achievements that people in Manchester completed, following the devastating attack that was carried out by a suicide bomber at the Manchester Arena on the 22 of May 2017, shortly after a concert by American singer Ariana Grande had taken place. Basically, the structure of this documentary consists of several individuals being interviewed. These individuals consist of people who where deeply affected by the terrible event, some of which where present at the arena when the explosion occurred. These people explain how their life was affected by the attack and how they were motivated them to take action and do things that will help their community and these include organising an event involving hundreds of bikers, making sure that traumatised survivors get the support they need, setting up a choir called the 'Manchester Survivors Club' and tatooing images of the Machester Bee on people. These actions were done with the intention of honoring the ones who lost their life because of the incident and to show that the city of Manchester has not been broken by the event and that the people who live there are strong, united and able to overcome destructive events and their aftermath. Some of the interviewees include Eve Senior, a young dancer who was severely injured and was determined to dance again. Michael Cox, a biker who helped organise a massive gathering of bikers for strength and support, Figen Murray, who lost her son Martyn Hett due to the incident and decided to do her part in making security tighter at public events and tattoo artist Sam Barber, who started spreading tattoos of the Manchester worker bee, which is an emblem of the city and represents unity. All the interviewees come across as friendly, caring and intelligent and it is emotional listening to their stories and they also show that they are determined to be strong and help others. Aside from the interviews, there is also footage of crowds attending events, paying tribute to the victims and footage of the interior of the arena during that fateful night. There are photographs of some of the victims, the interviewees and of people participating in events such as the choir and motorcycle event and many photos of the Machester Bee, either as a sticker or a tattoo. Tris Dunn does an amazing contribution with the beautiful and dynamic score, which provides a melancholic atmosphere and a feeling of hope. This documentary reveals the power of the human spirit. It introduces the viewer to some hard-working and warm-hearted individuals, whose refusal to let a terrible tragedy bring them and their community to their knees and whose determination to help, move forward and make a difference proved that love, spirit and unity prevail. This viewing is highly recommended. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Indie Feature Film, Documentary < All Reviews Next Film Review >

  • William Baines Film Critic | UK Film Review

    William Baines William Baines is a writer at UK Film Review. Providing film reviews for the entertainment website. Follow On Twitter Read My Film Reviews

  • Barnes Film Festival

    Barnes Film Festival Barnes Film Festival is now planning its fourth film festival, taking place in Barnes in September 2019. The festival showcases filmmaking talent from across the UK, workshops and panel talks, together with award-winning films from around the world. Barnes Film Festival celebrates diversity, passion and creativity, and connects all filmmakers – and anybody interested in film – with industry professionals. As well as our Filmmaking Competition, the Festival will host inspiring film events for all, including workshops, discussions, screenings and gatherings, with leading figures from the film, documentary and animation industries. Whether you’re a filmmaker, or a film fan looking to discover something new, there’s something at Barnes Film Festival for you! Come along to our next Festival and be part of something fantastic. SEE MORE FILM FESTIVALS

bottom of page