There will be many wondering what could happen next for the eponymous hero CAL. after his pretty roller coaster debut as lead character in SHANK - well he comes back.....and it's not all plain sailing.
This film could so easily be seen without any reference to the SHANK - it feels like a totally different style and approach by the creatives behind it and it works.
The mind behind this story must have sleepless nights as the plot unfolds with one shock after another. With a mature eye the director draws you in by opening with wide views of a port in England (with fishermen on the shore in the foreground -( it is a gorgeous shot) and this sets the tone as our lead then is captured taking the train into town and walking before eventually arriving at a house. He then takes you into the world of the grit of downtrodden Brits stuck in a rut of economic pain that is shocking and palpable but beautifully portrayed by all the characters. There is wonderful ellipsis in the narrative that leaves the audience to fill the gaps because we know what the gaps are from having seen other films and from our own personal experiences of life. This is not a patronising film but an observed nightmare punctuated with some great humour from auntie Jane.
There are so many subtle devices - from the capturing of the occupy movement and demonstrations (and using it as a backdrop to the main characters struggle) to the repeated shots of money being counted culminating in the rabid riot footage inter cut with a very nasty ultimatum for the lead characters. I should point out the film isn't all dark there is a love story that emerges and blossoms.
I thought this film (seen in the cinema in London - it's a big screen movie that's for sure) looked stunning in all it's blue hue.....delicately shot in places and a wonderfully captured atmosphere.A well crafted and scripted narrative - performed with skill and not a wrong note from all the cast.
The songs in the film which I am guessing were written for it are powerful and elegiac and wonderfully underpinned by a sparing score that brings out the harshness of the reality in scenes as well as the emotion.
I cannot recommend this film more highly - it is tough and thought provoking but entertaining at the same time. Shane Meadows meets Ken Loach.....
I've avoided spoiler alerts cos you've gotta see it.
