Big Boys Don't Cry

Michael Socha deserves an Oscar for this performance. He makes you feel every bit of the character he's portraying and the unheard voices of those he's not. The performance is incredible. The film doesn't drag whilst it gives an insight into the character and the many layers to a troubled character. It explores a very harrowing theme in a way that is hard to watch, but ultimately a must see for audiences everywhere. I am sure many watching will be able to relate, as I was, to the harsh environments of the 70's and 80's that have not been talked about enough. However, the mistreatment of children in care still occurs today. On a large scale.

This is an extremely difficult but I think necessary watch. It depicts the horror of abject physical, mental, and emotional violence, and abuse, torture and evil neglect on innocent children in a care home. It is extremely hard-hitting and pulls no punches in the recounting of Paul Connolly's story.

Michael Socha gave an exemplary performance in his portrayal of the tragic childhood that Paul endured and his nightmares in adulthood as a survivor dealing with lifelong trauma that can only ever be managed but never cured.

The director was superb in showing the viewer the resilience that Paul was able to find amidst his pain, tremendously helped by the love of his wife to be, who took the time to listen and understand and for which kindness, empathy and love can move mountains.

I wept when she hugged him as this may well have been the first time he had ever been given tenderness of any kind. From that point onwards he was able to be safely vulnerable and tell his story.

Thank You Paul for doing so and shedding light to that part of mankind that must NEVER remain hidden...

This is a film, based on the real life story of Paul Connolly, that powerfully depicts how adults in authority abused young children throughout their childhood in a local children's home.

The production team did an amazing job in taking us back to the late 1970's and highlighting the horrors that Paul, his best friend Liam and the other kids in their dorm went through.

The cast and crew have delivered a chilling version of Paul's story and its unbelievable how this abuse continues behind closed doors in 2022.

I had the honour of going to the film premier in Chelmsford, Essex where Paul and the executive producer Richard Hart held a meet and greet Q & A afterwards.

We were given an insight into the demons that Paul carries with every single day. He explains that love from his wife and children have helped him deal with them on a daily basis but that they never disappear.

The message is made loud and clear and good luck to the children charities trying to help 100's of kids going through the same abuse on a daily basis.

This film literally broke my heart. Its portrayed in an incredible way that opens you up to a deeper understanding with regards to the mental scars left by atrocious acts such as these against children.

I cannot imagine what it was like for these children, children that had no one else in the entire world to care for them. Abused physically, mentally & sexually. The things that these disgusting carers (a far cry from) made them believe, things they took into their later lives.

The sentence for such things should be undoubtedly increased. Crimes against children should be met with the death penalty and nothing less.

I commend you Paul, for being able to shine a light on this.

Sending love to you and your family.

This true story tells a difficult subject that is painful yet compelling to watch. From the opening scene it is difficult to take your eyes of this film that holds nothing back depicting the savage way institutions back in the day we're allowed to abuse there positions on looking after young children. It is not an easy watch but then a true story of such savage consequences never are. The film shows however the strength of a young boy who against all odds survives and able to bring this to life on the big screen. Fantastic performances by the leading actors with a great support cast including a young Paul.