British films tend to be either comedies about class (Full Monty et al) or rock hard dramas. This is the latter without a doubt, but it is not out and out gangster violence - it is a serious and thoughtful drama punctuated with several bare knuckle fight scenes and frankly the home life is starker. For my money this is the best British drama since the excellent Brick Lane and it bought to mind most though earlier films of the 80s, the era it depicts, Mona Lisa and The Long Good Friday.
Yes, it is gritty and the script doesn't need any Nick Hornby touches to get to reality - this is a frankly startling look at the underside of an abusive family and the story of the Kid and how he tries again and again from childhood to manhood to get out from under only to find himself trapped again and again by unbelievable twists of fate.
Knowing this is based on a true story adds poignancy.
This really is an involving film, even given the excessive language and violence which in its context is (just about) justifiable.
At the end of the day this was, for me, a brilliant drama, totally engrossing, well-made, the performances were unbelievably believable, though God help the child that has parents like that.....
Highly recommended as being one of the best and strongest British dramas - it captures the spirit of the 80s and the amazing true story involved.
