My Name Is Leon

The acting is brilliant esp by the lad playing Leon. I felt his emotions so keenly. Having lived, and also worked some time in a children's home it brings sad memories of times in the 70s and 80s.

Young children confused and lost in a system and feeling that they are being punished for the mistakes of their parents.

A story about belonging...70's social issues, still current fifty years on, sadly: the foster care system, separating siblings and the ensuing loss and grief; postnatal depression and the woes of inadequate treatment; racial marginalisation and tensions all seen through the eyes of a 9 year old boy. Well-balanced by the warmth of a good foster cater, community spirit and hope. A lovely, heartfelt depiction: had to shed a tear or two. Great cast: Cole Martin's (Leon) performance was brilliant.

One can read a lot about the bureaucracy associated with adoption these days; but at least modern policy is child-centric, and hopefully less racist than it was in the past. Based on a novel by Kit de Wal, 'My Name is Leon' is at its best when it shows how hard, in less enlightened times, the old way of doing things could be on children at a point in their lives when they most needed support; and slightly clumsier as it explore themes of racial awareness and, in a slightly rose-tinted ending, inter-racial understanding. Although the Handsworth riots feature in the background, a bigger story never quite coaleseces. But the more personal tale is powerful and, in places, heartbreaking.

This is probably in my view the best thought provoking feature length drama I've seen on terrestrial TV in a long time. It can be a tough watch as they deal with some quite complex issues that still happen to this day that could touch/shock viewers. A very heartfelt message displaying the failures of "the system". Ending quite metaphorically leaving you wanting more.

An absolute compelling performance by the young actor Cole! There's some powerful moments of stillness from him revealing intense unexpressed feelings.

A magical BBC production!