A Kind of Hush

About a group of young men struggling to find a way to live with their shared experience of childhood sexual abuse. Despite the subject matter, a truly entertaining film, I found myself caught up in the understated and deeply authentic emotions of the characters, especially Stu who is trying to enter into a tender relationship with a young woman without really knowing how. A deep film with dense, spare dialogue, full of subtle visual references, adroitly performed by mainly first-time actors and dealing very well with a central issue of child abuse, often overlooked, the effects on the feelings of those misused.

Stirner has courageously shown that the human spirit offers some hope in the midst of grimness. Kathleen, Chef and Beryl offer Stu (and us) glimpses of how life could be different.

Excellently and movingly done with humour and lightness of touch. If more British films like this were given adequate distribution as well as production funding we might get back into international contention. In my opinion it stands alongside 'The Full Monty'and'Brassed Off' and is better than for example 'The War Zone'.

A first time feature for the majority of crew and cast, the focus is placed upon a young group of homeless or out-casted teenagers as they gang together to inflict revenge upon their abusers of past and present. Roy Hudd is excellent as the friendly father-figure, but full credit must be given to the young cast, most of whom are first time actors, who tackle the difficult content and subject with maturity and dignity.

The low budget only adds to the strength of the piece, giving it an inherent grainy, and often dirty feel.

A kind of hush was a beautiful, emotional film that was robbed of the success that it so badly deserved. Using Raw actors, exploring raw emotions of the dark depths that lie beneath.Ben Roberts who played Simon was exceptional.It is Such a shame that this film never made it. This film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great,this film is great.

I found a "Kind of Hush" to be a profoundly moving experience. The young, mostly unknown, actors bring a fresh, simple yet highly skillful presence to the screen. The direction subtly goes beyond the anger and the violence to reveal the love, affection and support that exists between the young boys. This feels particularly significant considering they are attempting to deal with the pain and distress brought into their lives by others. Writer/director Brian Stirner shows sensitivity and talent in his first film. Excellent performances by all the cast; there are also great moments of humour. If this is an example of how Stirner works, I very much look forward to his future projects.

I saw this film at the Brussels Film Festival (where I believe it won the best film award). A group of boys attempting, but mostly failing, to take revenge for abuse, the film gently but unerringly exposes their vulnerability and childlike joy as they begin to come to terms with their loss and to grow up. A thoroughly unsentimental film and yet powerfully moving and (surprisingly) very funny too. The best film I've seen so far this year - I thoroughly recommend it.