Big Boys Don't Cry

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 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 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.

Michael Socha deserves an Oscar for this performance. He makes you feel every bit of the character he's portraying and the unheard voices of those he's not. The performance is incredible. The film doesn't drag whilst it gives an insight into the character and the many layers to a troubled character. It explores a very harrowing theme in a way that is hard to watch, but ultimately a must see for audiences everywhere. I am sure many watching will be able to relate, as I was, to the harsh environments of the 70's and 80's that have not been talked about enough. However, the mistreatment of children in care still occurs today. On a large scale.

Gritty drama based on a true story of child abuse in a childrens home in the 70s and 80s. Jacko as a damaged man shows how his childhood has affected him as an adult but how things can turn around.

Acting was superb. At times upsetting to watch and heart breaking scenes .

The filming was brilliant. Unfortunately more and more cases of historic child abuse are being reported .

Paul Connolly aka Jacko is a brave man telling his story and helping others as a result. Am so glad his outcome was different than many others and he had had the chance to lead a life worthy of him . He deserves a huge hug.