Common

'Common' is the story of four boys who go out to get pizza and come back suspects to a murder. This premise was more than enough to get me interested, and the film did not disappoint. Not only is Nico Mirallegro absolutely adorable as the innocent and scared character of JohnJo, but the telling of the story - the WHOLE story - is wonderful. You see the aftermath of the murder from every perspective - the mothers of the boys' involved, as well as the mother of the murdered boy. It's impossible to know who to root for. Everyone, maybe? This is just one of those films that leaves you questioning who the real villain is, right up until the very end. I'm one of these people who tries too hard to see the meaning behind a films making, but this time? I was too swept up in the story to really see what all this was about. A real and subtle political message wrapped in a great plot, with amazing actors and everything you could really want from a film.

I watched this in 2025 some 11 years after it was made. On BBC4 it was accompanied by a 15 minute trailer by Jimmy explaining his thoughts. The difficult topic is handled very delicately and the overall result is magnificent.

Script - Jimmy McGovern does a marvellous job of representing all parties with empathy and skill yet making it entertaining and gripping.

The Cast - magnificent cast and the acting is really strong throughout.

Soundtrack - great, I'm not sure who does it but it sounds like Robert Wyatt maybe.

Overall - the purpose and message is delivered superbly and this is a quality production I commend you to watch!!

Jimmy McGovern, the man who wrote Cracker and Hillsborough, again gives us a powerful piece of television. McGovern's writing can be somewhat grim at times but is always challenging and thought provoking.

The scene at the very end between the two mothers, and the brief clip of the young boy in his cell with the sun pouring in through the window, was incredibly powerful, add in that beautiful song that sadly does not seem to be available to purchase or listen to anywhere but in this drama. Poignant.

'Common' is a low-budget drama centered around the prosecution of four young men that got involved on a stupid crime by different ways and degrees.

It will then explore difficult choices made by all those involved, who also comprise families and other people, exploring angles around the prosecution of the crime and its wranglings.

The major difference for other typical courtroom dramas is that 'Common' is more concerned on the tensions that arise between co- conspirators.

Acting is decent, and sometimes even good. Editing is also well-done considering the profile of the movie. The end result is pleasant and it does give food for thought regarding a specific controversial feature of the law that is obviously conveyed as negative in the movie.

The major flaw is the absence of any context of how the characters ended up tangled with each other on the dramatic events that trigger the story, beforehand or in flashbacks.

Jimmy McGovern always hits the nail on the head. this film explores joint enterprise. i didnt know that the law was from the 1800's . there again what does the ordinary person in the street know about the law. Its a sad story but happens quite a lot. every parents nightmare. Great acting all round. You wont forget this film in a hurry.