Go Now

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.

"Go Now" is the story of Nick Cameron's (Robert Carlyle) struggle to cope with the debilitating affects of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). A very active person (amateur soccer player) who makes his living with his hands (architectural restorations (?- it wasn't *exactly* clear to me what they do)), it is a very difficult adjustment for him as he can do less and less and must depend upon others to do *for* him.

I am moved to submit a review because of the personal experience of my first wife who died from MS. Robert Carlyle's performance as someone with MS is so absolutely on the mark as to be frightening. Early symptoms, attempts to diagnose, the loss of function, the struggle with physical therapy, the anger and frustration of not being able to do the simple things that you once did without conscious thought but which now require concentration and tremendous effort. Another aspect that they covered well is the handicapped person's anger towards pity (or more often in his case, *perceived* pity). His was an absolutely standout performance.

They also handled fairly well the dilemma of the caregiver (Juliet Aubrey as Karen). Physically, they can go at any time. Emotionally, they MUST stay because they love the MS victim. In the movie, the fact that they weren't married made it an easier possibility for her to leave. Like the rich person who wonders if they are loved for their money or themselves, Robert Carlyle found it very hard to accept that she loved him for himself, and did not want to stay out of pity or a sense of obligation.

My only complaint about this movie is that the thick accents made it very difficult to understand too much of the dialogue.

Also, as another reviewer noted, a strong plus was the "real people" feeling about the rest of the cast. The movie felt as though a movie camera had captured real life, not people acting in a movie.

A stellar performance by Robert Carlyle. I have only seen him in "The Full Monty", but I will now try to find his other movies. I am now a big fan of Robert Carlyle. I like this guy a LOT.

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.

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. ***

GO NOW

A touching, uplifting film by the same folks that brought you the depressingly gritty TRAINSPOTTING a few years back. GO NOW is the story of Nick Cameron played by Robert Carlisle, a mason and rugby player and his girlfriend and their life together. This may sound boring, but it's a well acted and like many films from the UK, very under played and cast with real looking people. It's slow pace might annoy American viewer used to US films, but we get to know the characters in this story. I felt like I was meeting real people as opposed to cardboard characters we find in so many Hollywood flics. We first meet Nick as a very uncoordinated, `blind' rugby, (or is it soccer?) player, the victim of the coach's verbal abuse and scorn of his `mates'. A construction worker by day, he quickly finds his life making several uncomfortable turns when he loses his grip on a heavy hammer as he climbs up to his work site on a new building. With love and support from Karin his girlfriend he faces challenges no one should ever have to.

`Go Now', the old Moody Blues classic is heard throughout the film. I am a long time Moody Blues fan and GO NOW caught my attention simply by the title and the use of the song in the film. `Go Now', the song is a strange choice for a song at the film's ending. The theme of the song and the theme of the movie do not match. But the movie, in spite of its mismatched theme and title is still a good film.

However, the depiction of premarital sex and co-habitation and liberal use of the `F' and `S' words makes it inappropriate for kids.

If I were to rate it on a zero to five scale I'd give it a 2.5