The Fence

In terrific, fresh, low-budget '80s-based blue-collar Brit dramedy "The Fence" David Perkins is a rough diamond young Bristol lad who has the new motorbike he'd been saving for stolen... so with the likes of big brother Eugene Simon and mates Deshaye Gaye & Gabriel Howell he goes on a gradually darkening hunt for it through various 'colourful' local characters (like Lee Armstrong, Alexander Lincoln & Paul Holbrook). The soundtrack's rockin' and Sally Phillips offers minor support, but the real stars (both on their debuts) are Perkins (bang on) & writer/director William Stone (great). It's a must see for all Brits of a certain age... especially if they're from the West Country.

Watched The Fence, an truly great film last night.

Rating 18 (X) due to a bit of glue sniffing; I normally don't watch 18 films, but no issue with this one; at home I'd happily let a 14 year-old see it).

Good thought-provoking viewing for adults of all ages, perhaps especially interesting for those who remember the economically-tough 1980 's as the film is set on a council estate in 1980's.

British made & filmed. This director's first full-length film, but you'd never guess.

A true story, this gritty 1980's film reminded me of The Full Monty.

I strongly recommend going to see The Fence. I saw it at Showcase, but a good choice for arts cinemas and indies too.

Brilliantly filmed, took us right back to the 80's. This is what it was like. Loved the cars and music, clothes that we used to wear. The houses and decor everything as it was. It was like taking a trip down memory Lane. Very relatable coming from south Bristol myself I remember the tension between Hartcliffe and Knowle West youngsters.

Had us laughing out loud Some sad parts but the reality of the times back then. Hope there are more like this in the future. If you can see it in the cinema it's worth going you won't be disappointed.

I think the young lad who played Steve has a promising career ahead of him.

When I first looked down the reviews, I was wondering whether they were written by people who worked on the movie as I'm certain this sometimes happens.

However, this is lots of fun with a generally witty script, and a phew laugh out loud moments. For those of us, who can remember what the 80s were like, the old Ford Escort, that struggled to start in cold weather and some cheesy music. With a couple of exceptions, the soundtrack, while not featuring the best music of the 80s by a long way, will still evoke some happy memories.

The lead roles are extremely well played, especially by he always watchable Sally Phillips.

Take some of the story with a pinch of salt and have a good chuckle.

Very much Recommended.

I loved this film, I found it spot on with the humour and a great cast of characters all portrayed perfectly with brilliant acting.

OK, as a Bristolian who was around Hartcliffe, Withywood and Knowle West in the 80s I may be slightly biased. It was all the harsh realities of life on those estates but with the adding of a rose tint and great soundtrack.

The accents were generally acceptable if not perfect, the settings we're authentic if not always the actual location they were portraying.

The producers have done a great job of capturing a fun story and making a quality enjoyable film. I just hope it gets a wider audience rather than just a word of mouth and local audience.

Full credit to the writer.