Big Boys Don't Cry

This is not the kind of movie you'd watch for family entertainment but it is the kind of movie that everyone needs to see. It's the harrowing story of Paul Connelly and the abuse he and others suffered at the hands of evil men in the 1970's.

The lead actor, Michael Socha, gives the performance of his career so far and the young lads that play Paul and Liam as kids are also impressive. In fact all the cast come out of this with credit.

The movie also shows us parts of Pauls life that he's probably not proud of but the overriding factor of the film is to show how such atrocities can mess with a victims mind.

Well done to all concerened with this, especially Paul who must have had a few dark nights recounting his experiences whilst working on this.

This film killed me.

The topics discussed in this film are not for the light hearted. However, saying that it is a topic that needed to be discussed. Events like this happen and we need to be aware of that. The acting In this film was extremely powerful and the kid actors did a fantastic job. I felt extremely uncomfortable at times which was exactly how I think I was supposed to feel.

If you watch this film beware that this is based on a true story and this is something that can really have an impact on you. This is a film that will stay with me for a while, and one that should. A sad story that people should know about.

This film literally broke my heart. Its portrayed in an incredible way that opens you up to a deeper understanding with regards to the mental scars left by atrocious acts such as these against children.

I cannot imagine what it was like for these children, children that had no one else in the entire world to care for them. Abused physically, mentally & sexually. The things that these disgusting carers (a far cry from) made them believe, things they took into their later lives.

The sentence for such things should be undoubtedly increased. Crimes against children should be met with the death penalty and nothing less.

I commend you Paul, for being able to shine a light on this.

Sending love to you and your family.

This is a film, based on the real life story of Paul Connolly, that powerfully depicts how adults in authority abused young children throughout their childhood in a local children's home.

The production team did an amazing job in taking us back to the late 1970's and highlighting the horrors that Paul, his best friend Liam and the other kids in their dorm went through.

The cast and crew have delivered a chilling version of Paul's story and its unbelievable how this abuse continues behind closed doors in 2022.

I had the honour of going to the film premier in Chelmsford, Essex where Paul and the executive producer Richard Hart held a meet and greet Q & A afterwards.

We were given an insight into the demons that Paul carries with every single day. He explains that love from his wife and children have helped him deal with them on a daily basis but that they never disappear.

The message is made loud and clear and good luck to the children charities trying to help 100's of kids going through the same abuse on a daily basis.

This is an extremely difficult but I think necessary watch. It depicts the horror of abject physical, mental, and emotional violence, and abuse, torture and evil neglect on innocent children in a care home. It is extremely hard-hitting and pulls no punches in the recounting of Paul Connolly's story.

Michael Socha gave an exemplary performance in his portrayal of the tragic childhood that Paul endured and his nightmares in adulthood as a survivor dealing with lifelong trauma that can only ever be managed but never cured.

The director was superb in showing the viewer the resilience that Paul was able to find amidst his pain, tremendously helped by the love of his wife to be, who took the time to listen and understand and for which kindness, empathy and love can move mountains.

I wept when she hugged him as this may well have been the first time he had ever been given tenderness of any kind. From that point onwards he was able to be safely vulnerable and tell his story.

Thank You Paul for doing so and shedding light to that part of mankind that must NEVER remain hidden...