Pure

I picked this film up not knowing what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised. It is a gripping story, and the characters are well-developed. There are indeed several disturbing scenes and some sad circumstances, but it is tastefully done. I think everyone should watch this film, honestly. It reminds the viewer of the harsh realities of the world. Kiera Knightly does a wonderful job in her supporting role, as do the rest of the actors. Definitely an incredible performance by the little boy for such a mentally and emotionally demanding role. The score is also well-written and captures the tone of the film nicely. Overall, this is a wonderful, sad, gripping story that is a must-see!

Molly Parker is indeed convincing as the addict mother but the person who brings this film off is the boy who plays her son -- so it behooves us to get his name right. Harry Eden makes a brilliant debut in this difficult role. He is onscreen in almost every scene, with far more screen time than either Parker or David Wenham who plays the mother's supplier. His daily trials are grim but his ultimate resolution of them is cathartic.

I was so impressed by this film. At first glance, it's just another junkie flick, as another user has implied - but there's a real humanity to this film that movies like "Trainspotting" and "Requiem" are lacking. I think this is largely due to the absolutely *stunning* performance of the main character - probably one of the best child actors I've ever seen on screen.

I saw this movie at the Toronto film festival. Yet again Molly Parker gives a convincing performance, this time as a widowed single mother who becomes a drug addict. David Wenham plays her son and he goes to heroic lengths to keep his family together. Love rules in this movie.

Normally I am depressed by these kind of movies. There is a place for a look at the worst side of life but I don't usually seek them out for entertainment. However the performances in this are uniformly excellent and I watched it in spite of my prejudices. Particular praise goes out to Molly Parker and David Wenham, both from other parts of the world, but playing Londoners convincingly. Paul, wonderfully played by Harry Eden, is a fully fleshed character and Eden is unusually good for a child actor who, in effect, is carrying the whole movie, as he is in practically every scene. If anyone needs to see the misery that drugs cause they could do little better than watch this film.