Little Boy Blue

This mini-series is an emotional rollercoaster. The actors in the British crime dramas are from top to bottom, off the charts good, and this one is just is no different. And this is based on a true story.

This is absolutely heart braking to watch, I defy anybody to watch this without shedding a tear. Based on the tragic real life events of young Rhys Jones, and his horrific and tragic murder. I understand that the parents of young Rhys were involved in the production of this drama, and I think that definitely helps with the grit and realism of the show, it doesn't feel like it's been sensationalised at any point, it feels very realistic.

Fantastic performances all round, I have forever been a fan of Stephen Graham, but he has gone up a notch with this, he's proved what an incredibly powerful actor he is.

It's tough viewing, and I've watched every episode in tears, but it's a story that is worth seeing, what that poor family went through. The scenes in Goodison Park are among the most powerful I've seen in years.

9/10

We rarely give 10's, but we were so blown away by this series that we truly feel that it is merited in this instance.

What really sets Little Boy Blue apart is it's refusal to follow the formulaic over dramatised tear jerker style which is prevalent in this type of 'true story' telling.

And this is where it really grabs you and punches you in the gut. The emotion is so genuine that even hardened old cynics such as me and the wife had tears in our eyes at several points.

Having lived and worked the Midlands in inner city environment, the characters and settings were all too familiar, and totally convincing.

Great acting all round, with a special mention to the superb Steven Graham, who led us to this series after an outstanding performance in Save Me (check it out).

An utterly captivating drama, perfectly executed over four episodes with not a single flaw to be found.

Top-notch writing, precision directing, exemplary performances from the entire cast, seamless editing, with music and cinematography that intelligently don't make themselves noticed (so nothing showy or artsy, just excellent scene-setting) perfectly paced with an overall sense of all-round good storytelling.

Every moment of this true-life drama was suffused with authenticity, integrity, and verisimilitude, with no audience manipulation to be detected (which doesn't mean it wasn't there; just that it was artfully and subtly done). This is a rare gem that is worth watching more than once, although the subject matter is grim. Top marks.

My heart goes out to the Jones family and all of those involved with seeking justice in this senseless killing of eleven year old Rhys Jones.

As an American, I had never heard of this terrible tragedy in the UK.

One thing is for sure, and familiar. Justice is a frustrating process, and one full of bureaucracy and achingly slow chain of command, and disappointing losses. It truly feels as though the criminals have more rights than the victims. And yet, holding out hope is inherently natural.

The actors are EXCELLENT in this series. Especially impressed with the actress Sinéad Keenan as the little boys mother. Strange that I do not recall seeing her in any other works. (and I mainly watch UK shows) Brian F. O'Byrne is also very impressive. Stephen Graham brings his charisma, and talent, effectively as well. Good to see Stephen Walters (eternally missed as Angus, on Outlander) in this too. All of the characters are worthy of attention and praise really.

The subject matter is hard, and heartbreaking.

The punks responsible = infuriating!

I find the way these sons speak to their mums hard to believe and absolutely abhorrent. It's cringe worthy. As a child, and as an adult, I would never have spoken to my mum or dad, or any family member in that way. It's so ugly, and quite shocking to view such portrayals. What a glimpse into horrid family dysfunction, and what is acceptable, or tolerated, behavior. And yes I realize these are dramatizations, and troubled kids in gang related territorial violence, but still.

Very glad I found this to view on BritBox this weekend.

Job well done by ALL.

Just wish it weren't a true story.