Go Now

Multiple sclerosis (MS), like AIDS, strikes people in the prime of their lives. MS plays a central role in Go Now, but the film is not a chronicle of the disease's progress. Go Now is about two young working-class Scots who have just fallen in love. They're 'just folks'; starting out, enjoying life. Sadly, it won't be so pedestrian as Nick, played by Robert Carlyle begins to display disquieting physical symptoms. Slowly, as his health deteriorates, the reality of his situation is revealed. It is a great test for the young lovers, and this is really what the movie is about; love. The actors and director have made a very moving film that I can highly recommend.

This small BBC-produced gem stars the ever excellent Robert Carlyle (Riff-Raff, Trainspotting, Priest, The World is not enough) as an MS-afflicted soccer player/construction worker, whose struggle against the horrible disease (Multiple sclerosis) is depicted with warmth, humor and horror. Plenty of sex and raucous scenes make for a stunningly real and unconventional film. But it´s Robert Carlyle´s astonishing performance that deserves attention. Not really that much to learn here about the disease itself, but the film is touching and realistic, a far cry from similar-themed Hollywood products. Juliet Aubrey as his girlfriend is worth noting, too. ***

Robert Carlyle delivers a stunning performance in this film. Starting off as a rough-and-tumble guy, he really shows range as his character opens up emotionally with the development of a romantic relationship, and then begins a struggle with MS. Confusion, doubt, anger, pain, determination, fear...you name it: he pegs it.

Though the plot could've used a bit more work and the other actors aren't as strong as Carlyle, Go Now is still worth a viewing just for his performance alone. It leaves you with the impression that the film really was made just to be a showcase for his work. Occasional comic relief from his buddies provided a witty twist, and the soundtrack was top-notch.

Although many people may have seen this movie to see Robert Carlyle- understandably so, as he is a very fine actor- I saw this movie because I have Multiple Sclerosis and I wanted to see the manner in which the subject was depicted. I can honestly say this film was very true to life, particularly in the way it portrays the kind of emotional and physical pain having such a condition can cause. Since the kind of MS that Carlyle's character has is Chronic Progressive MS- the most serious form- it is very painful and sad to watch, but necessary to see for anyone who wants to understand the effect a disease such as MS has on a person, as well as their loved ones. I was downright relieved by the accuracy of the description of the symptoms, since MS has been the subject of some very ignorant TV shows and films. The major downside to the film is the overall weakness of the other actors, particularly when compared to Carlyle's stellar performance. Juliet Aubrey is particularly weak and unconvincing in the key role of the girlfriend. But this should not deter one from seeing it. Anyone who has MS or knows someone who has MS or any other kind of debilitating condition should see this film. You might learn something from it. As an added the plus, the soundtrack, which consists entirely of classic American R&B and Soul (most of which don't get heard too often) is wonderful.

One of the best and most serious movies I've ever seen. Robert Carlyle is really fantastic; it was so difficult to play such a difficult part and he did deliver a stunning performance. It's unbelievable how this picture depicts the tragedy of a person hit by this terrible illness. No commonplace in the whole film, a description of an average life of an average man (actually an average couple) destroyed by Multiple Sclerosis. Congratulations to the director for dealing with a dramatic subject in a very intelligent way, showing how hard it is to find the strength to carry on in those situations, but without ending up with pitying the sick person. Everything is amazingly real, even the long sex scene at the beginning of the love affair that will eventually turn into an everlasting love story. Of course I do highly recommend this movie.