Sitting in Limbo

This is a shocking true story of Anthony Bryan who was a victim of the Windrush scandal. A honest hard working man who had spent 50 years living and working in the UK. Married with children who were UK citizens who's life was ruined over a three year period.

Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary the British government seemed determined to deport Mr Bryant to Jamaica based on what amounted to a lost passport.

Sadly not all victims of the Windrush scandal were as fortunate as Mr Bryant many were wrongfully deported and many are still awaiting compensation.

The performances from the whole cast are terrific in particular Patrick Robinson in the lead roll. 8/10

This film was incredibly moving, as its story and brilliant presentation eliminated any sight of actors. It simply allowed a loving family to play out its tragedy before my eyes. Within ten minutes of watching this film, I quickly realized that I wasn't sneaking a peek at the injustice sought upon strangers from a foreign land but rather how easy it was for me, as an American, to not consider any other nationality of people to be a government's target for soul destruction because of the color of skin. So, quite honestly, this film didn't just educate me but humbled my very existence in the most entertaining way ever.

This powerful BBC film encapsulates the traumas endured by the Windrush generation. It makes for uncomfortable but topical viewing. I'm proud to be British, but, for the first time in my lifetime, feel truly ashamed of my country's behaviour. Films like this are vital - they help educate and ensure recklessness like this is not ever permitted to happen again.

The drama never felt overdone. A more subtle approach was taken and it pays off. Life is full of lighthearted, enjoyable moments, especially when family are involved. Such moments are beautifully captured here, juxtaposing the deeper, darker themes of anguish, hopelessness and betrayal. Fabulous lead performances too.

It is a "must make" film and as such it is important that it is made - that the word gets out there. And... importance can be synonymous with quality - but only to a certain level. Documentaries can, to a large extent, be valued more on the message they convey than their artistic merit.

Sitting Limbo hovers between two genres; the informative and the artistic - as do many other "life story films". The genre is problematic as the end result is; either likely to be accused of diverging from facts under the "artistic licence" OR being true to history and respecting the facts to the point dullness.

Sitting in Limbo certainly edges toward the documentary format - it, unfortunately has not hit the sweet spot in the middle ground. And so recommendations become dependent on preference of style:

If you consider facts superior in importance to dramaturgy - chances are you will appreciate Stella Cor.radio's work. If, on the other hand, you value artistic accomplishments above facts - chances are you will feel Sitting in Limbo runs a little dry.

There is one argument which would make the above redundant, that is; IF the pacing of the film was an artists attempt to lure the viewer into similar frustration as that of our protagonist. If the "why is nothing happening" frustration is actually part of a greater master plan. If so, the greatness is likely to be appreciated by few - but would motivate some very high scoring. In any event - be prepared to feel frustration.

Deeply powerful true-life drama about just one of the people so egregiously treated during Britain's Windrush scandal. It's understated, and all the more moving for it - simmering with rage, you find yourself keeping tears at bay for almost the whole running time.