Beats

Beats

This was a very carefully crafted movie, on the face of it is was just about two close friends growing up in 1994 on the wrong side of the tracks. When the parents of one child move away to a more affluent area the boys decide to have one last adventure and go "large" before they go down different paths.

However the writer and director want to say so much more beyond this simple idea and this is the brilliance of this movie. It explored:

1, the deprivation created by de-industrialisation following the Thatcher years and the time of new labour.

2, the nature of friendship and peer pressure.

3, social mobility of children within the UK and familial support needed to progress.

4, disaffection with society in poverty and the search for escape.

The key achievement of this movie was its capturing of 1994 in a northern town. I loved it.

I saw this movie on a surprise screening at the IFFR. It was voted third by the viewers at the festival and therefore got chosen for an extra screening.

I was blown away by this film. It's almost entirely shot with a grey filter that adds to the grittiness of the Scottish town where this movie predominantly plays in. The story in itself is quite simple. but the interaction between the characters makes sure that this was movie is one of the most unique 'coming of age' experiences i've seen. The movie is full of humor in a way that feels very natural. The movie is visually beautiful in it's own gritty way. At a certain point in the way movie the style of cinematografy completely changes in a way that helps immerse the viewer in a fresh and exciting way.

I do not want to spoil the movie in any way, If you have a chance to see this movie in the cinema I would advise you to do so. The sound is amazing and brings the whole experience together. Even if you are not a fan of the genre of music (like me) this movie will probably still be amazing.

9/10.

This film had all the ingredients but didn't work for me.

This is tartan Dazed & Confused territory - one last BIG night fare. And Trainspotting hangs over affairs, with one of the main characters a double-take for Spud and a PoundLand Renton in the tale.

The trouble is it chucks all the ingredients in: Criminal Justice bill, coming Blair; closing down of the mines; police brutality. But they all seem muddled (or incorrect). And many of the characters incredibly one-dimensional.

However, it ends on a tender note as two young men whose bond is strengthened through their shared love of music.

Probably one of the best original Scottish films since Trainspotting. Well acted and an excellent soundtrack too.

Made me wanna drop an E, find a rave and get my 3rd degree gurn on.

Absolutely loved every second somehow so vibrant yet in black and white. Love, laughter and great music felt connected to everyone involved throughout and left me wanting to rave the night away. Almost perfect.