Un endroit comme un autre

In this age of raucous blockbuster franchises, where more is more & each one vies to outdo the last, into this maelstrom drops "Nowhere Special".

This is a work of extraordinary restraint, a real tribute to the film makers art. In other hands it could have been a schmaltzy, cloying dose of sentimentality. I dread to think of what American directors would have done with it. This, however, has been handled with the lightest touch, a guiding hand that has drawn out the very best from the whole cast. I normally *loathe* child actors, they set my teeth on edge!. The young boy in this is in another league altogether. At no point does he appear to be "acting" or forced. The relationship between father & son is utterly & completely believable at all times. James Norton's tactic of befriending his young co-star, over an extended period of time, is evident in the ease with which they interact throughout.

I really can't recommend this film highly enough. From the sensitive handling of an imminent death; to the stunning acting; to the use of the Belfast backdrop & lastly, the *beautiful*, sparing use of the perfect music. I streamed this & I never bother to watch end credits (unless it's one of those tricksy superhero movies that sneak in a cheeky bit at the end!) but I stayed with this to the very end, transfixed by the beauty of a musical score that served as the perfect elegy to the film.

This is that increasingly rare thing, a film with integrity & heart, the perfect tribute to the people who actually went through this. Kudos to everyone concerned in the making of this film & they deserved far better from the box office.

A film to remember and such a fine performance by James Norton and the little boy. A truly emotional journey and Pasolini's direction and screenplay are breathtaking.

I've always been an admirer of Norton!s work but this is him at his very best. Can't recommend it highly enough if you can brave the tears.

I was thoroughly impressed by this film. The story is beautifully developed, and convincingly told. The messages are very effective. It makes you feel them with your heart, without the need to use clichés and dramatic scenes. Less is more in this film, and it is truly special.

Sweet but sad film with a simple understated performance from James Norton, and Daniel Lamont as his son is lovely

Eileen O'Higgins also deserves a mention.

This will break your heart from the first scene onwards but stick with it and I promise that it will also: 1. Inspire you 2. Make you look at all sorts of things through another light, and most importantly 3. Leave you as a better person As a single father who has brought up two boys from the ages of seven and two, countless aspects of this film resonated with my own experiences, despite never having been anywhere close to the situation that transpires (except in my most troubled times and imagination). My sons are now twenty and seventeen and have become their own wonderful selves desoite my fumbling efforts along the way, but I truly wish I had seen this at the start of my own journey.

Brilliant writing, direction and most of all career defining performances, in particular from James Norton, but also barely credible from such a young actor as Daniel Lamont, as well as all the supporting cast.

If I could, I would have given this 20+ stars... choose your time to watch it, but never has 'must watch' more applied.