Anthony

When I first read the synopsis of this film, and that it was based on a true story, I really wasn't interested. What was the point of showing someone's life if they had not been murdered? However, I watched the trailer and I found the main character to be an extremely charismatic actor, who draws you straight into the story and his wonderful family. And the whole "What life he may of had" worked brilliantly by giving you insight into the kind of person he was, and how much he was loved by others, and that he would try his best to make people happy. Now I'm not an idiot, I know this was painted through rose tainted spectacles, and his life could have been the complete opposite, we will never know, but I didn't care in the end. He, and His family were portrayed beautifully and I think it was a beautiful memorial for his Mother and family. I'm sure many tears were shed, including mine.

Deeply saddening and uncomfortable viewing.

'Anthony' details the real life racially motivated murder of Anthony Walker. As you can imagine, it all makes for extremely tough viewing, especially when you know of the incident. I do like how the film portrays events, with focus put on Walker's life as opposed to the racists.

The film tells the story in reverse, in relation to how his life could've turned out. If I'm honest, I didn't love the backwards nature of the storytelling - it breaks up what they are trying to show too much for my liking, as it feels too stop-start. With that noted, the acting and meaning of those scenes are very nicely done.

Toheeb Jimoh is superb in the lead role, top performance. Rakie Ayola (Gee) and Bobby Schofield (Mick) are very good too. It can't have been a easy one to act out, for everyone involved I imagine.

It's not an easy watch, but I'd argue it's an important one about a truly tragic and disgusting true event.

Such a sad story and one I hadn't remembered until seeing this superbly written drama. The pain this family endured was unimaginable and not one that any family should have to ever go through.

• Anthony

My Rating 9/10

Jimmy McMcGovern British writer producer of The Street, Accused ,Cracker and Moving On is a master at telling the stories of everyday men and women their struggles , their families and their character. Anthony is a true story and especially timely and thought provoking today when violence directed at people of different skin colour is hitting the headlines each day. Nobody involved in the production could have anticipated how a drama about a racist killing would be broadcast in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd in the USA, and the activism which followed from the Black Lives Matter movement. This production in particular has, Jimmy admitted, refocused his thoughts on diversity, particularly within the film and television industry. In July 2005, black teenager Anthony Walker was murdered by two white men in an unprovoked racist attack in a Liverpool park. He was just 18 years old. This film tells the story of how this talented young man's life might have turned out. Jimmy McGovern is also a master of economy of script writing he can tell a story in 90 minutes that some writers would turn into an 8 episode series. Research is important for many projects, whether it's adapting a real-life story like Anthony's or writing a history essay. For this script, Jimmy spoke to as many people involved in Anthony's life as possible. As well as his immediate family, including his sisters and brother, and Anthony's friends, he also spoke to people who were in contact with Anthony on the night he was killed, or involved in the immediate police investigation. This included speaking to the surgeon who attempted to save Anthony's life. The different viewpoints helped create the most authoritative script possible. I didn't know one actor in this telemovie but they were all superb ,especially Toheeb Jimoh who stars as Anthony Walker. The Director Terry Mc Donough who also directed The Street, Killing Eve has done Anthony Walker and Jimmy McGovern proud and without spoiling the story his technique of telling Anthony's story in such a unique way adds to the power of the movies message. I watched it on BBC so not sure when it will be available on other streaming networks but I can't recommend Anthony highly enough it needs to be seen by everyone. A quote from Anthony's mother says it all

"I went to Jimmy because I couldn't think of anyone more suited who could depict, highlight and draw attention to the hard messages of a life not lived - Anthony's unfilled dreams, his potentials and the many lives he would have impacted on - which now will never be realised. Gee Walker

Moving and powerful. A must-see. An imagined life. Imagined because Antony Walker was not allowed to live this life. Brilliantly structured, scripted, directed and acted.