Gangs of Glasgow

This is the sort that wins lots of plaudits and it's not difficult to see why . It's like jumping in to the Tardis and finding one self in a distinctive time and place so much so you sometimes find it difficult to believe that you're watching a mere film and genuinely believe you're stuck in the time zone it's set . Then suddenly the social realism of the film starts over doing things a little and the hyper realism starts detracting from the reality

There does tend to be an element of British cultural bourgeois mind set called " The cult of the proletariat " . By this I mean the bourgeoisie have an instinctive intrigue of all things relating to the lower working class environment but have a dread of ever experiencing it . It's no coincidence that protagonist John McGill is academically gifted and instead of pursuing the academic dream of attending University starts descending in to a path of crime and self destruction . There's no convincing incitement for any of this and the fact McGill could have been someone instead of a no one is quickly forgotten . All this gives the impression that McGill's life is a Shakespearian tragedy

From a technical point of view there's absolutely nothing wrong with Mullen's film and shows what can be achieved with a small budget . It's superbly and convincingly acted by everyone especially by Conor McCaron as John McGill . The problems lie in exaggeration . When the film was released Mullen was on record as saying what violent times the 1970s were and he's not wrong . The strap was commonly , perhaps too commonly used by teachers at school but yet would you ever hear a teacher swear ? The dialogue might be authentic but the Glasgow vernacular constantly using the F word and the C word and ending nearly every spoken line with " Man " will make it very difficult for a non working class Scottish audience and one suspects the working class Scottish proles may not be the target audience

Not an original film in many ways, and not the most uplifting movie either, "Neds" is one film that will not appeal to everyone.

For those not au fait with Glasgow patter, a ned is basically a social delinquent or casual. Clichés of shell-suits, drink bottles, smoking and loitering in parks and you get the idea of what a "ned" is meant to be.

Peter Mullan makes this partially biographical film about the slide of a precocious teenage boy from star pupil to the dregs (in the 70s). Filmed without taking any shortcuts, the crew all speak undiluted Glaswegian (with no vulgarities cut) and use cutting humour. The film show physical abuse as it was, first in the classroom, then at home and finally in the streets (gang fights and the like). It doesn't dwell or linger on the violence which is thankful (avoiding pandering to some) but it is strong when it comes.

Acting is exceptionally good and the story is intriguing, plus there is a good soundtrack that captures the period very well. In some ways, it's a film that follows in the same sphere as "This is England", but it follows its own path nevertheless.

If you want social realism, then I'd say this is a good film to watch. Won't appeal to everyone, but most people will find it of interest. A good watch.

I haven't really watched many (any?) Scottish films but I am familiar with Peter Mullan, having seen his completely depressing TYRANNOSAUR previously. NEDS is equally grim, but also uplifting. It's a film with a nostalgic '70s ambiance and an autobiographical feel, featuring the misadventures of a shy, chubby schoolboy who ends up becoming a fearsome teenage gang member.

NEDS is a lengthy, slow-paced and frequently hard-hitting movie that tackles some uncomfortable home truths. It's a little off-putting, with sometimes impenetrable dialogue from the Scots cast and a simmering undercurrent of violence that sometimes erupts on the surface. This is very much a realistic movie that tackles cause and effect without sugar-coating the answers.

I found it compelling and often heartfelt, managing to elicit pathos and humour from the grim situation. Conor McCarron delivers a quietly effective turn as the put-upon lead and Mullan himself has a strong supporting role as the frightening alcoholic father. But it's the young cast who really shine in their parts, giving performances so authentic that this feels like a documentary at times.

A good film that gives a very accurate portrayal of what life can be like for a young kid growing up in Glasgow. The film is set in the 70's but the main themes are just as applicable for youngsters in 2011 (trying to fit in, feeling like part of a group/gang).

The highlight of the film is the performance of Conor McCarron as a bright student who makes the wrong choices and finds himself part of a young gang. Peter Mullan does a good job of keeping the film at a high tempo and he avoids all the familiar clichés that are common in these types of film.

However, the last twenty minutes or so are a bit of a struggle as Mullan seems to find it difficult to find a suitable ending to the film. At just over 2 hours, it could be argued that "neds" is a tad too long. Perhaps omitting the "Jesus vision" would have been a good start.

Just watched this at the cinema and had to write my first review! Having lived in Glasgow for eight years and seen the number of Chelsea smiles on show, this film hits the nail on the head as to how brutal Glasgow is for deprived kids. The acting is first class. Connor McCarron puts in a mighty performance as a child with a promising future, only to see his dreams disappear as he gets increasingly involved in the Glasgow gangs. 1970's Glasgow is flawlessly recreated and the mood of the film grips you within the first minute. If you've seen it you'l know what i mean! The pace is perfect, Peter Mullan does an excellent job in showing the downfall of the characters and asking questions of society and how tough life can be for a young kid in what is a violent city. I honestly came out of the cinema traumatised and spellbound, which is no mean feat. I would recommend to all, but warn you it will affect you, the violence is intense and the language is pretty grim, but realistic, thats how it is! Possibly s good as Scotlands finest film: Trainspotting, which is something i never thought i'd say.