100 Streets

I strongly believe that reviews can take the magic out or embrace the greatness of any movie with a few paragraphs, so I will keep this simple. Having lived in London for several years, I have to admit I was positively prejudiced about the film from the very beginning. Nevertheless, it managed to meet and even surpass my already high expectations. The reason is simple.

It was a slick enjoyable movie with a distinctive message, life is life. You cannot plan every step of they way, there is always something unexpected luring to happen. It is true that characters were not as emotional as a person would want them to, in order for him/her to find their struggles relate-able. Maybe that was the plan all along, who knows? (the director, obviously). All I know is I spent a relaxing evening enjoying a fine film.

Following the lives of three central characters, 100 Streets takes you on a journey through central London, through lives, loves, and loss. Around those three characters, their satellites, who are all just as important as them, for they help shape and define their futures.

A film about snap decisions, the bigger picture, and what ifs, this is a great film in the style of Pawno (Paul Ireland, 2015). Very glad I picked this one up; you will be, too.

Despite a good cast who do their best the story is pretty weak and moves along very slowly. I'm usually a big fan of Idris Elba and Gemma Arterton but even they couldn't light it up.

Netflix suggested I watch this after seeing 'Brighton Rock' and I can see why. The intensity of the characters' demise and their struggle to make sense of what happens makes for compelling viewing.The setting is everything, from the local football club to Battersea Bridge and all streets in between. While the characters don't cross over too much (which might make it a bit of a soap opera) they make subtle references which keeps the viewer guessing. I guess the theme is around disintegration and how we all cope when things seem to deteriorate. A really absorbing film, well worth a watch.

Although this intense British drama is not for everyone, I felt it does offer some rewards if one sticks with it. It depicts various interconnected stories of Londoners and a roller coaster of human lives and emotions. The film can be dark and violent at times, but it can also be quite touching and uplifting as well.

Most of the characters here are flawed in one way or another, but I thought the ensemble cast portrayals were top notch. The director Jim O'Hanlon and screenwriter Leon F. Butler are making their feature film debuts here, but O'Hanlon does have extensive writing experience in television.

To note, this is an adult drama with explicit language throughout, one fairly explicit sex scene, drug and alcohol usage on screen, and one brief scene of nudity. I also should mention I had to use the subtitles here due to thick accents and slang usage.

Overall, this indie can be very uncomfortable to watch at times but I felt there are rewards here if the viewer sticks with it.