Urban and the Shed Crew

Just watched today Urban and the Shed Crew, available now to stream through the Blenheim Films website. I had read Bernard Hare's book some four years ago or so, and have been looking forward to finally seeing the film.

It was well worth the wait, what an excellent film, with very strong performances. I do caution that it is a heartbreaking film to watch, it will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. But it will also make you think about our social responsibilities, from our governments yes, but also from ourselves.

I'm in the US, and though the film is set in Leeds in the UK, it is just as relevant to what happens here in our cities, and everywhere really to young people, to children, in need of care and hope.

Very strong performances from the entire cast, including all the young actors involved in this film. Bravo to Richard Armitage as Chop and Anna Friel as Greta, and a double Bravo to young Fraser Kelly as Urban. Bravo to director Candida Brady.

I would recommend watching the film first and then reading Bernard Hare's book, a true story. Mr. Hare is the real Chop.

This film really deserves to be seen.

This is a great movie. Based on a real life tale it is has some difficult to watch moments but is also uplifting overall. Paints a very evocative and gritty picture of the time.

Some great performances. Richard Armitage as Chop is outstanding - he is a much better actor than his other screen hunk roles suggest. Fraser Kelly as the young Urban makes a truly impressive debut and is much more convincing than he should be for his age. Anna Friel is as good as ever, and Neil Morrissey is also excellent as Doc. Look out also for Charlie Heaton, later of Stranger Things.

It is well shot and edited, and the original soundtrack works well with the storyline and action. Try to catch it in the cinema if you can alternatively stream it once available.

Wow, a very powerful & thought provoking story which has been beautifully captured through the film. It is based on a true story of extreme lows and hardships and is at times heartbreaking to know that this has really happened. However it is also uplifting and filled with hope and love. The cast is strong with superb performances from known actors Richard Armitage & Anna Friel. Richard Armitage's part is a complicated character which he portrays incredibly. And also brilliant performances from talented lesser known cast members who are certainly destined for success. This is definitely one to watch. I would highly recommend!

I loved Urban and the Shed Crew. It has a very strong, engaging narrative with very powerful individual characters who immediately grab our attention and concern. The film presents us with 1990s Leeds, and a world of lost, fragile people who are trying to find some kind of connection, some kind of place in the world as they struggle with the chaos of their lives. The relationship between the young runaway Urban and his erstwhile stepfather figure, Chop, is compelling and convincing. The portrayal of Urban's mother, is equally powerful and very sad. The acting is superb and visually the film is subtle, memorable. This is a film which is very thought provoking, it puts you through the mill emotionally but is quietly heart warming, showing the redemptive power of human love.

Poignant and heartfelt film based on Bernard Hare's memoir Urban Grimshaw and the Shed Crew. I've been eagerly anticipating the release of this film and was not disappointed. Great performances by all, especially from Fraser Kelly and Richard Armitage, who play their roles with sensitivity. There are glimpses of pain and love beneath their hardened exteriors. Also, there were some really striking shots--kudos to the cinematographer.

Watched this on Blenheim Films' site and thankful for Candida Brady's persistence and passion to get this finally released to a global audience.