Sweet Sixteen

Ken Loach makes films of political power and emotional intensity. If he has a flaw as a film-maker, it is that the overall body of his work is insufficiently varied, and that the same basic narrative (of essentially decent people fighting and ultimately failing to overcome their disadvantages) re-appears in a different setting in each successive film. 'Sweet Sixteen' is, however, one of his better works, in part because he resists the temptation (as sometimes he does not) to place a hero with a heart of gold at it's centre. What we have instead is a horrifyingly believable story of an ordinary kid getting into bigger and bigger trouble. Every detail convinces, and the quality of performances Loach entices from his inexperienced cast is of the highest order: the film is also a sobering reminder of the underside of life in Blair's Britain. Loach has a rare talent: it's on display here, but don't expect any surprises.

It doesn't get any more nakedly gritty than this. This is a movie for

anyone who thinks that kids who grow up to be drug addicts and

drug users have only themselves to blame. What's particularly

disturbing is how the biggest antagonists for Liam, and his friend

Pinball are not people their own age, but rather adults. Some

scenes are very unnerving and hard to watch simply because the

hazing and degradation that the fifteen-year-old characters endure

is at the hands of people who behave like insecure playground

bullies, but are members of a powerful organized crime force.

Even though I'm pretty close to the age of the main character, I can

barely imagine what the nightmarish experiences he endures

must be like.

The movie is emotionally devastating nearly all the way though. It's

moments of levity are welcome, but few. There's points where it

seems as though everything will turn out alright, but then

something else happens that throws everything off-course. For a

relaxing and enjoyable time, this is not a movie to see. But if you're

looking for something that will move you, shock you and really

make you think (and appreciate your own situation) than Sweet

Sixteen is the one too see.

10/10

I felt like I had been punched after I watched this film - it is one of the most powerful movies I have seen in a long time.

This is Ken Loach at his very best, with a wonderful script from Paul Laverty. A tragic, bittersweet tale of a young boys hope and optimism crushed by his uncaring family and the harsh world in which he lives. Despite the fact that this film is a tragedy, it is also very sweet, with some touching moments and a great deal of humour. There is also hope of a sort - the central character Liam has an older sister who cares about him deeply and is always there for him.

The acting is stellar, it is shot with finesse and all in all is a masterful piece of film making. See this.

From the opening scenes to the closing credits it was wonderful the acting the storyline the direction were wonderful, if this dosent move you nothing will, young Liam and Chantelles scene in the flat was so powerfull,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,a fantastic must see film

I saw this film at the 2002 Toronto International Film Festival. A completely charming mix of hope and despair set in Greenock, a troubled suburb of Glasgow. Fifteen-year old Liam spends his time trying to scrounge enough money to buy a caravan (trailer) for his mom and him to live in when she's released from prison. He needs money fast, and decides to cut in on his mom's boyfriend's heroin trade. Of course, he's soon in way over his head. Among the rest of the non-professional cast, Martin Compston's performance floored me. He captures that period between childhood and adulthood with just the right mix of emotions. He was sitting in the seat right behind me and when the film was over, I turned to him, speechless, and just shook his hand.