Recensioni degli utenti

Nick Love's sparky début tells the story of two lads growing up on a rough south London housing estate (possibly Thamesmead?). On the brink of a life of petty crime, their close friendship is threatened by the immaturity of one, and the other's lack of commitment to life on the edge, and the film follows the course of their inevitable divergence. The movie's strengths include a lively pace and a capacity to make you feel sympathy for its characters, in spite of their frequently antisocial behaviour. Equally, however, there's not a lot on show here that you won't have seen before, and the ending, which conjures an upbeat note where logically there should be tragedy, lacked (for me, at least) the emotional power I think it was supposed to convey. This isn't a truly great film; but neither is it a movie without promise.

One of Nick Love's earlier films (his second i think) and I enjoyed it a lot.

The main story revolves around two boys who live on a east London estate and basically shows them getting drawn into the life of crime and drugs and what this can do to you. A lot of the filming is done on a real estate in Bermondsey, South London. Which i feel adds to the reality of the film. It gives a somewhat alarming account and insight into what life is like living in this estates around south London.

It is not in the same league as the likes of Trainspotting or The Full Monty which are both classic British films and are international recognised. but is still definitely worth watching.

Overall a good, enjoyable film. Give it a go.

Goodbye Charlie Bright does carry a certain raw energy that makes it sort of fun to watch but do not let that fool you because for me, the film fell marginally short. I think it's great that a British director is making films about British ways of living in locations British people will recognise and Nick Love has clearly been doing something that impresses someone else because he's made a few films since this one. But Goodbye Charlie Bright is a film that will appeal more to those of the certain culture the film focuses on. As someone who lives relatively close to London and as someone who was of these kids' age when the film was respectively produced, I suppose there should be some sort of a connection for me. But, there isn't and this is probably down to the fact I was not of the ilk Love is exposing for his film.

Goodbye Charlie Bright is a film for the Brits and that is enough for it to garner some sort of respect from me. The kids walk around wearing Millwall football club shirts, they talk in the heavy respective accent and their lives unfold in a setting most of us will be familiar with – I can still remember the garages and apartment estate near my old secondary school and the sorts of people you may see hanging around there at certain times. But for me not to feel any sort of connection nor familiarity with these people or locations despite being relatively familiar with them in some sort of way is quite sad. Then again perhaps it's a good thing but there is nothing on offer in terms of nostalgia for someone who has lived through this period in Britain (2001) of these characters respective ages.

Instead, Love gives us a realistic look at life on an estate and introduces us to many-a caricatures of South London urban life. The film is not particularly neo-realistic and thus cannot be considered as a political film nor statement on the ways of living in Britain for those of a certain class. But Love avoids this approach, instead opting for high energy levels, black humour and causality involving the characters. The obvious problem with the film is, I think, the way it tiptoes around the more important issues such as knife and gun culture (until the very end). Instead it has its characters act in a self-promoting manner under a guise of playing chess and getting into mischief made light-hearted and 'fun' when really it's all very, very dangerous and life threatening.

The film is shameless in its attempt to get a quick guffaw and this is announced very early on when a couple of lads run stark nude through the estate, grab a football and then run off for the sanctuary of a hidden bush. Along the way they run past a young woman and the obligatory yells and hollers soon follow. The film has more so gotten across its need for childish humour and an outlandish scene good enough for a quick laugh than it has made an important point on the dangers of the young, bored and unemployed British white male of circa summer 2001. The film also hovers around the necessity to include scenes of partying, partying antics involving girls and the over consumption of alcohol. Again, this is relatively early on and offers nothing to the narrative but does act as a scene establishing who these people are and what they do. The party is a send off for a character going to the Army (Aldershot, not too far from myself) but it is for a character we do not know of, have no connection to and consequently cannot care for. I wonder if the boys at the function care that much either or is it an excuse for loud music, girls and lager?

Then there are the little things that make Goodbye Charlie Bright feel like a missed opportunity. The film's primary source of antagonism early on is in the form of a large black man that the lads steal from. Firstly, it is a shame that it is the role of a black man that must be used for this part and secondly the strand involving this plot of antagonism is developed into something interesting before being stopped dead in its tracks. Then there is the friendship with Jamie Foreman's character Tony which is introduced and developed but not followed through with. There is a little bit of antagonism with a guy who has 'made it' with his pretty wife, big car, house and pool but that comes and goes without much occurring. It was interesting for me to watch out for where the main source of antagonism was going to come from and that ended up being Phil Daniel's character Eddie who is introduced as a knife wielding, womanising racist but is then brought down to Earth with a Falkland's War related back-story although it feels like a loose attempt to throw in some Thatcherism related politics.

As I say, the film retains an 'entertaining' quality that feels real and raw but it doesn't elevate itself to any greatness. The relationship between Bright (Nicholls) and Justin (Manookian) who are probably both playing themselves gets too homo-erotic towards the end with all the rolling around, head patting and frequent use of the name 'the wife' (two girls at the beginning even shout "Queers!" at them) but even so, it cannot hold much of a torch to Love's later work nor to other respective nation's films about this subject matter like Brazil's City of God and France's La Haine.

This was a weird film with 4 ex-Eastenders stars. Watching it felt like I had started watching a soap opera that was already going. There's no discernible beginning, middle or end to it. You just join the characters with the no real insight into them, plenty of plots develop, but the disappear without trace and the end only really resolves some of the plot. I had the feeling that if I tuned in next week to the next episodes or maybe watched a sequel everything else will be sorted out. There was slightly an over emphasis on the drugs scene and certainly excessive swearing. But despite all that it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, had some good characters & acting. The vicar in Eastenders played the gangster villain brilliantly & convincingly in a role I'd like to see him in again and I'd certainly recommend catching this if it's on.

A low 7/10

I saw this film a couple of years ago and didn't think much of it, I had seen the football factory before hand, and saw that a few of the actors were in this and I would give it a watch.

The film it's self builds up to a good ending and during the film you get to understand the characters and how they have grown in to the young men you see.

I don't think much of Roland as an actor or Paul Nicholls but both give really good performance and i almost forget that Nicholls is from Bolton.

Some of the dialogue is this film is fantastic and really funny especially with the character called Hector/Hecky.

If you want to watch a film thats easy to watch and funny with a good ending why not rent it out.

This is a terrible film. You cannot get around this fact, it is poorly acted by Eastenders rejects (as if being in Eastenders alone is not indicative of your poor acting skills), terribly scripted and an absolute mess as goes directing. Why are we letting such films get to screen let alone DVD? Because we are clambering for anything shot on our hallowed turf as a break from all the smultz of americanism. Lock Stock opened up the marketplace to british directors and films but come on, Lock Stock was at best, an average film, and with such poor efforts as Gangster No.1 (I felt the need (and pleasure) to destroy my DVD copy rather than let this turged filth of a film pass to any other). Comon please, let's not support this sort of amateur writing and film making. Avoid!!

I think it'd be hard for anyone from another country to relate to this film...which would in turn make it quite hard to enjoy it... It doesn't pull its punches - to be honest it was kind of strange...I grew up with kids like the ones in this film, and it was like a flashback in a way.

This film isn't an epic, it's not a world-changer...it's just like a snapshot...a glimpse into their world. It's hard to explain...

It's worth a look in - I just happened to be staying up late and it came on cable...started watching it and carried on...

Maybe go rent it if it's in your local video store.

Sorry this review isn't more eloquent - my mind's still on the film.

I'm quite surprised I've never heard of this film. I actually liked it, the cheekiness of these lads reminds me of growing up. A few faces from football factory is the reason I watched it. A good English movie.

I got a copy of this film at a Prowler store in London last year because it was on the markdown table and any non-porno film going for 5 GBP that had three naked lads on the back cover seemed a bargain even if it would have to wait till I got my PAL friendly DVD player.

When I did finally get to see it I was quite happy that I picked it up, as it's the type of film that will never be released in the US NTSC format. Besides the format translation trouble, there's the trouble that all the lads live in council housing (the projects) in south London and speak a British dialect that would be very hard for an American ear to understand.

The story deals with Charlie Bright, and his boyhood pals Damien, Tommy, Francis and Justin. These lads have grown up together since they were toddlers and still spend most of their waking hours together, wasting time, pulling pranks, doing drugs and doing some thieving to pay for them. However they are now coming of age and drifting apart. Tommy has joined the army and is leaving soon; Francis has found a steady girl and is now drifting away from the guys. Damien is the most daring thief of the lot and `would do anything for a few quid but you could never trust him.' That leaves Charlie and Justin. Justin has grown up in an almost parent-free environment and has attached himself so tightly to Charlie since toddler hood that the neighbors have noticed the especially close relationship and have taken to referring to Justin, when talking to Charlie, as `the wife.'

While none of the boys exhibit any outwardly gay actions it is this `special friendship' between Justin and Charlie that gives this film its gay interest. Charlie is in fact straight and has interest in a girl living in the same council flats but is afraid to make the first move for fear that the ever-present Justin will somehow embarrass him or otherwise screw it up. Justin on the other hand is content to let things go on as they have and treats girls as a target for teasing just as he has done for years.

In the end Charlie loses his patience and does something that allows Justin to do things that will force the end of their close association. How much Justin perceives of Charlie's motives, as he smilingly carries out his end of the little drama is where the mystery and the brilliance of this piece lies. Straight folks have panned this film as being plot less and a `waste of lottery funds' but reading between the lines I saw a heartbreaking story that was original and memorable.

I'd be interested in knowing what others think if they ever see this unheralded movie.

This is a terrible. Kept waiting for something to happen of any vague interest. Glad it only cost 99p to watch on Virgin. It was one cliché after another. The most impressive thing about it is Paul Nichols accent which is very convincing. I felt nothing for any of the characters except contempt. None of the scenes seem to go anywhere at all and some good actors (David Thewlis) were completely wasted due to the incredibly drab nature of this film. Whoever said this is a British Stand by Me is insane. They need to watch both films next to each other and if they can't see the difference then they should stop reviewing films on here! Watch Kidulthood, Nil By Mouth or This is England if you want some decent, gritty British drama about growing up in difficult circumstances.

Good to see taht British Film is getting out of the 'Lock, Stock' genre, but the film is still centred around East End devlish deeds, drugs, and crime.

The story is about a group of friends, two of them being the most popular and attractive, and one being the negative. The story follows the boy's eventual rise into east end villian society and how his other friend's actions slowly begin to break downhis life, unless drastic action is taken.

The film definately hits the good charts, but it's nothing that could stand upto TRAINSPOTTING or PULP FICTION. Not one for the yanks, but would definately be worth a watch for Brits. Give it a try

***6/10***

In all honesty, people need to stop hating on this film and start seeing it for the simple bit of local London British genius it is.

This movie is on my top five favourite movies of all time list indefinitely! Not because it's epic or because it has an all-American cast - because it doesn't, it's just real. Admittedly if you're not from London or can't stand a cockney accent then this film is most definitely NOT for you. Other than that I think you'll love it and if you don't/ didn't then I'd love to know why... I defend it to the end! I seriously thought that Eastenders would be the be-all and end-all of Paul Nicholls but he so proved me wrong.. Whatever he does I will always remember him for this movie! He was absolutely brilliant (and cute too). Roland Manookian is not to be forgotten either as the annoying little side-kick that everyone loves to hate. And Jamie Foreman is the man as soon as we are introduced to his character "Tony" on screen... What a fantastic cast!!! Call it personal preference but there were so many laugh-out-loud moments for me in this film and times that I wanted to just cry... It's a roller-coaster of emotions. I recommend this to everyone!! And if you're disappointed then I apologise but I'm confident you won't be. Funny, sad, exciting all at once!!!

Just recently you've cringed at some of the British film output. Lottery money has been thrown at any old script, and the results have been mostly tedious and a joke.

So this film is a pleasant surprise. It takes a well-worn story you've seen a 100 times before, and gives it a vitality, energy and style all of it's own. Also it's a film that has received good distribution for once. Catch it while you can.

Worth a look. As much for being a Brit flick as anything else. Getting slightly away from the cliched Lock, Stock genre, but staying within the rough parts of London, the film looks at Charlie's realisation that his life lacks direction. Unfortunately the film never really gets to grips with the real emotion behind Charlie's development, but there is plenty to keep the younger, (dare I say, hipper), audience watching and giggling, especially if you likes drugs and swearing.

The beauty of the film is that it is not predictable. Without giving anything away, the plot often seems to be heading in an obvious direction before skewing off at a tangent. This is not to say that you will be on the edge of your seats though. The plot does have its dips, and there was a period when I wondered just how much more of the same I would be getting. Not long after, however, the audience was treated to an unexpected and well-played finale.

The acting is great at times, and not so at others, not even Dani Behr brings the cast down (too much), and individual characters such as Francis and Justin were particularly well-acted. I could not decide if the photography was poor deliberately, to fit the mood of the film, or if it just happened that way. Either way, that can be your decision!

Go and have a watch, enjoy an British film, and whatever you do, don't miss the start!

Nick Love used to be married to Pasty Palmer, Paul Nicholls used to be in Eastenders, Phil Daniels hasn't really done anything decent since Quadrophenia and was in Eastenders as well (and is actually the only decent actor in this) while Danny Dyer currently is in Eastenders... There is a very strong Eastenders feel to this and I don't mean that in a good way. It's a movie for people who for some reason wish they were raised on a "rough Southeast London" estate or for foreigners who will think this is what "rough Southeast London" estates are like. People who actually live on South London estates, rough or not, will look at it and wonder who came up with this rubbish before switching off. And don't get me started on the accents. I know some of the actors have strong London accents in real life, so why overdo them? It makes the movie even more fake than it already is. I live on a SE London estate, and no one here, old or young, speaks like that. The simple plot couldn't be more predictable than an Eastenders episode, so the only surprise is that instead of the famous drum roll, it all ends with Oasis, which is probably the best bit in the movie.

i'm really disappointed to read all this negativity in what is such a great film. i can't comment on how authentic it is regarding south London as i am from north Manchester. the attitudes of the main characters is very similar to what i knew though and some of the content was shockingly familiar. it is the best buddy film i have ever seen for one. the twisted friendship between Charlie and Justin is something that many of us have surely been through. i found myself shedding a tear towards the end (even though i have a skinhead, like beer and shout my head off at Manchester city on a regular basis) as i could instantly remember when a friend had to tell me what everyone else said about me behind my back when i was 16. time to grow up.

a really wonderful story which is very well written and superbly acted. Richard saved himself in my eyes as hector, Jamie foreman shone yet again and Roland was awesome.

one of my very favourite films.

Nick love has made a beautiful film a kind of British Stand by me...loved it a super film, a touching debut not to be missed.... It has a real quality that gave me the horn. I think it is his most romantic offering to date friends and enemy's love and hate.. wonderful actors wonderful characters... Great use of music really get's you going, loved it what more can I say to fill up the ten lines... it was really good and if the yanks like mean streets they would love this it is a real slice of London life... 10 out of 10... get in you bunch of Tobys... I think anyone who doesn't get this film as in doesn't like it is a cold twisted crank who should get a heart and have a look around themselves and see that nick has a great talent for telling real heart felt tales... a modern day Charles Dickens.....

This film works as a buddy picture but also gives an insightful look at the crime and boredom driven lifestyle so inherent in British working class housing estates. All the characters exist in a world where crime and excitement feeds a void in their lives where showing love, caring or compassion is almost impossible. The character of Justin in particular is flawed and irresponsible, yet in the end lovable. it's to the film makers credit that he is able to make us care about a character who at one point sticks a gun in a 7 year old's mouth to show how big he is. The film also manages the most impossible of tasks of making the housing estate and a British summer both ' bright ' and illuminating. A major departure from the grey and downtrodden depiction of working class life so predominant in Mike Leigh's film for example. An excellent film

I first watched this film when I was 15 years old and I've loved it ever since one of my favourite films from my teenage years