The Reel Deal

Set on the Three Estates in Kings Norton in Birmingham, this documentary/drama looks at the experiences of young people on the estate. Tommy is a young man who is good at school and trying to get a job but his friends seems happy to get into drugs and thieving.

The company I work for was involved in the youth work that is carried out on the estates so I must admit I was slightly more interested in this film than many of the audience who may not be aware of the issues in the area. As such I was easily won over by this.

The film uses talking heads to comment on the problems on the estate but also uses real people off the estate to act out the central plot. The plot itself is a little clichéd and doesn't do anything you don't expect it to do but it is well acted and works due to the supporting comments. The interviews with teachers etc really help because they are all people who live or work on the estate and they all have valid things to say.

The film can't quite shake off the fact that it is an amateur effort but it does feel like it has had a lot of effort and love put into it that helps it rise above what could have been just some kids and a camcorder.

Overall this only points out the issues we all know exist in Kings Norton and areas all over the UK just like it. However it says it clearly and gives a voice to those living and working in the area to put their point across.