15: The Life and Death of Philip Knight

I just finished watching this 1993 TV movie via Amazon Prime. I have never felt compelled to write a movie review until now. Daniel Newman was absolutely phenomenal. Despite my 48 years of movie viewing, I can only recall being so thoroughly absorbed in and emotionally moved by one other actor (Emily Watson - Breaking the Waves). I cannot believe his acting career ended in 2009, though I imagine doing anything for nineteen years is commendable. I highly recommend this movie, not only for highlighting the complexities and barriers to helping at-risk youth, but also because Daniel's performance was deeply affecting. If I failed to mention the supporting actors vital contribution to the film, I would be remiss.

Having worked in the foster care system, I can attest to the accuracy of this movie. I'm not certain of the director and/or writer's connections to this area but it was obviously exceptionally well researched. I could literally follow along a path of this happening even this many years later, as Philip Knight and I would be the same age, and in different countries where the foster care and adoption system may be a little different but not very much according to this. My only negative is the freaking music in the background.

I saw this many years ago, and remember the tragedy at the time. Well written and directed and helped with getting law changed so that children would no longer be jailed in adult prisons. Holly Aird portrayed my mother, Karen Panter (not Painter).

Having worked in social care my entire life, starting in children's homes and with young offenders in the community, this film is accurately reflective of the circumstances at the time. It is clear that the actors and director have spent time with the professionals portrayed in the film. Sadly the system still fails too many children and poverty, disadvantage and deprivation are all too familiar.