User reviews

Shane Meadows is fast becoming one of the finest directors to come out of England, his films have such an earthy quality to them it's very hard to imagine that any Englishman can not find one film from his output that they can't identify with. Be it thematically or character wise. Meadows is the man from the street laying out his stories with honesty and gusto awareness. Whether Meadows will ever break out and be a hit outside of the British Isles is highly debatable, his Dead Man's Shoes from 2004 was well received away from his home shores, but you would be hard pressed to find anyone in American multiplexes (for example purposes only) who could tell you who he is, which for a director who has his finger firmly on the pulse of characterisation, that is a crying shame.

A Room For Romeo Brass is the tale of two teenage boys who during a fight with some bullies meet gangly loner Morell, as Morell starts to take an unhealthy obsession with Romeo's sister, their friendship is pulled apart, but this is merely the start of Morell's impact as he is about to explode into both of the boys already fractured families.

That's all you need to know really, for there is no more to tell, and this is one of Meadows's main strengths, there are no hidden agendas, no allegories of wars, this is just an everyday English housing estate with two families awash with everyday characters. Just how often do you see a loner in your neighbourhood? They are there, are they all like Morell? Well it may be best not to find out eh?

Paddy Considine makes his film debut here (thankfully he is now a name across the waters), and his turn as Morell is as scary as it is sad. Anyone who was impressed with his turn as the vengeful Richard in Dead Man's Shoes will be well rewarded here. A young Andrew Shim as Romeo grabs the role with sizzling vitality, a character calling for strength of nature whilst layering in a heartfelt slant that the story benefits from. I must mention big Frankie Harper (Dog in Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels), playing Romeo's estranged father, he gets it absolutely note perfect and I was delighted to see Meadows give him the film's crowning moment.

A film that opens with The Specials and closes with The Stone Roses should always appeal to an English heart, but lets get Shane Meadows' work out there to the masses, for here is a man who even gives an end credit mention for the man who turned on the generators, a man making films for the people, about the people in our midsts. 8/10

This is a truly great film, not seen by enough people in my opinion, Shane Meadows is a breath of fresh air for the British film industry, and I won't hesitate to go and see his next film, on the strength, of his last two ( twentyfourseven, romeo brass ) While most british audiences are somewhat ignorant to quality films like this, and would rather watch overrated films like 'Lock Stock...' there is always a hardcore of fans for films like this. Shane Meadows is inspired by the likes of Ken Loach and Mike Leigh, possibly Britain's best independent directors, but Meadows adds a bit more 'cheer' to this film, who says its uncool to have a happy ending? Romeo and Gavin are twelve year old pals, who have a great understanding of each other, and their surroundings, but then their friendship is tested when Morrel ( Paddy Considine ) enters their life, at first he is a pal, but why is a grown man hanging around with two boys? he then wants to date Romeo's sister, little do they realise they are being drawn into a world of obsession, violence and desperation, will it all come good in the end? Watch out for the outstanding performance from Paddy Considine, it really is the best debut from an actor ever!

Let me get to the point about this film. Paddy Considine is outstandingly brilliant in the role that should have made him an icon if anyone had bothered to see it! He is at once dynamic, dangerous, disturbing and occasionly comic. He reminded me of Travis Bickle that De Niro so brilliantly played in Taxi Driver. High praise indeed, but very deserving as we are in an age where everybody moans about British cinema without bothering to seek gems like this out. So well done to Shane Meadows, keep churning out class like this and 24/7 and you'll become a legend!! From The West Midlands

It was so pleasurable to watch this lovely film about the quest for friendship and loyalty in an often cruel and punishing world. Meadows has been described as a Midlands Scorsese; however, to my mind there is a vein of sweetness, naivete, in Meadows' work, as in the man himself, that is absent from Scorsese's films. He captures, with reason - since much of his material is autobiographical - the jocular and tender aspects of working class life while rendering vividly the violence that can also lurk there. His dramas are always holding and infinitely endearing in a tough minded way. In this film, Meadows' love is obviously directed at the valiant and caring mothers, but he allows the fathers of the boys, who appear never to get it right, to finally redeem themselves, each in his own way.

In talking with Shane Meadows, I learned that he recruits his actors from the 6 - 20 year old group of actors in his town, and that he is very proud of the fact that, by this means, he can help them take a step toward extricating themselves from their hard lot in life. Shane Meadows is a survivor and an artist, one who has the heart and the enormous ability to give heart to others who must still find their way. Bravo!!!

Previous to catching this I'd watched a little bit of the earlier critically acclaimed Meadows film, "24:7", enjoyed the portion I saw very much and then was rudely interrupted. Consequently, when I got the chance to borrow "... Romeo Brass" I was mildly excited, if a little unsure about what to expect. 90 minutes later I lay in bed incredibly satisfied. I had seen an example of British cinema carrying on the traditions of artists like Ken Loach. ".. Romeo Brass" is a stunning and disturbing examination of human relationships. The several tone shifts within the film are the result of steady direction rather than shoddy plotting, and Paddy Considine's remarkable performance as "Morell" more than compensates for some shaky rendering by a few of his co-stars.

Meadows here creates characters who are unfailingly interesting and rarely easy to predict. The film is a concentrated treasure-trove of wonders, and certain sequences will live with me through many future years of filmic consumption. After seeing this particular effort, I will now make it my mission to absorb everything else that Meadows has done in his career so far. So indeed should you. A marvellous film.

Hidden as it was in the BBC schedules, I nearly missed this gem of a film. Shane Meadows seems to improve with every picture, following up the raw promise of 'Small Time' and the almost great 'TwentyFourSeven' with this priceless jewel, which is proof that Meadows alone carries the torch of the British film industry forward amidst the Guy Ritchie pap we churn out on a regular basis.

Although the acting from some of the minor characters was a bit on the dodgy side, Paddy Considine shone as the socially inadequate Morrell and the two lads (and their fathers in a memorably frightening final scene) did a solid job. Credit must also go to the screenwriter Paul Fraser, who has breathed some life into the cliched, patronizing 'working class' sceenplays that featured in 'Brassed Off', or (worse) 'The Full Monty'. The usual 'working class' signifiers (a guest appearance by Kathy Burke, or chain smoking as a character trait) were thankfully missing.

'A Room For Romeo Brass' was an excellent piece of observation. The character Morrell brings back awful memories of acquaintances I had in my youth, and these people still hang around the estate like the foulest of stenches. The film replicated 'life' in a way that Danny Boyle would fail to comprehend.

There were some minor imperfections (for instance, the music was over the top), but Meadows is only 29, he has time to perfect his craft. For everyone disillusioned with British film and its compulsion to chase the dollar, this film will restore that lost faith.

"A Room for Romeo Brass" starts with a funny sequence as we watch Romeo and his friend Gavin walking through town and as they arrive at the fish and chips shop, Romeo asks for a large family order, which he proceeds to devour by himself, as he has no intention of sharing his meal with his friend Gavin. When he arrives home he hands his mother and sister two small packets of whatever he hasn't eaten.

Shane Meadows, the director, and co-writer of this surprising small film knows a thing, or two, about young boys and the way they act toward one another. As it turns out, both Romeo and Gavin are neighbors and they are supposed to be best friends.

When Gavin, who seems to be handicapped, and walks with a limp, is attacked by the soccer bullies, Romeo comes to his aid, but he is overpowered. Out of nowhere comes Morrell, who defends the boys and send the tormentors packing. This savior is a man who is much older and doesn't fit in the picture. A bit later on in the movie, we know why he wanted to get closer to Romeo, especially, he craves for the beautiful Ladine, his sister. In pursuing the girl, Morrell is instrumental in separating the two friends.

The main reason for watching this film is Paddy Considine's work in it. Mr. Considine is a versatile actor who gives here a tremendous performance as Morrell. The young actors, notably Andrew Shim, and Ben Marshall appear to be naturals. Vicky McClure is good as Ladine.

It took a while to get used to the accents, as some of the dialog was lost. Shane Meadows is a new talent with a lot of promise and we look forward to his new ventures.

To say Paddy Considine played the role Morell is a GROSS understatement. The director made wise choice in casting the part. Morell, the town weirdo, wasn't just an important part of the movie, HE WAS THE MOVIE!!! From his first scene to his last, the character grabs your attention and never let's go. Whether it's his of the wall (and mostly unintentional) humor, or his dark yet tormented behavior, Morell (Considine) clearly establishes himself as an integral part of the film. Consinde's ability to generate humor, fear, disdain and sympathy for Morell, makes him a talented actor to watch for in future projects! I highly recommend this film.

Now here's a real winner right at the start of the year 2000 UK releases. Shane Meadows building on his 24 7:Twenty Four Seven success, adding colour but not disturbing the black and white order. Watching A Room For Romeo Brass was a wonderful experience for me. On one level the majority of the cast played their parts with the provincial rudiments of a Mike Leigh social drama, but intersecting this plateau was the brilliant unfolding of the Morell character, (Paddy Considine), a splendid mixture of Bez and Ewen Bremner, and my vote for the most memorable performance at 2000 at this early stage. Go see.

Ron

This film reminded me of how powerless you are as a child - just being outside can get you into a fight, while adults, who often have no right to, can have control over your life. It reminded me how children can "break" or "make" friends so easily, with past grievances forgiven and forgotten in a few seconds. Adults tend to find that a lot harder to do.

I watched this film without knowing anything about it, so perhaps I found the scenes where Morell threatens the two boys on different occasions to be extremely shocking (incidentally, the swearing which is almost constantly present in the film is NOT shocking in the slightest).

The main thing that I got from the film was concerned with how masculinity is defined - Morell tries to teach Romeo Brass how to be a "man" via weird survivalist techniques - violence, macho posturing, being able to take care of yourself seem to be the ways that masculinity is mediated. The bragging and posturing that occurs in the fights between Morell and the boy's fathers seem to mirror an earlier fight between the boys and two other boys who are playing football at the beginning of the film - "are you trying to start a fight?" "No, I AM starting a fight". It was interesting that Knock-Knock's father and Morell were both wearing almost identical shell-suits in the violent climax scene.

While this was technically a good film, I found it to be much more disturbing than Zombie Flesheaters or whatever, because of its realism.

An independent film that is the most outstanding blend of comedy and drama. This movie is an absolute must see. Containing a pair of the friendliest friends in the world and a strange loner that steals your heart then throws it right back at you. All of the characters capture into a storyline that won't let you go. An odd, yet highly affect soundtrack track of finger-picked guitar tunes with vocals stranger then that of the films antagonist, can often be found aiding our sad and pensive characters through this brilliant tapestry of emotion.

If your looking for a flick with a stylistic soundtrack and the complete "laugh and cry" package A Room for Romeo Brass is your film. Definitely one of my favorite Indies so far.

A film that is a premise for the excellent career of Paddy Considine.

Considine plays a strange character, Morell who is befriended by a couple of 12 year old best friends Romeo Brass and Gavin "Knocks" Woolley. Brass is played by regular Shane Meadows stock company actor Andrew Shimm. Milky in This Is England.

As the film progresses we see the friendship of the boys (also next door neighbours) being tested by the unstable Morrell who isn't what he seems at the start of the movie.

The film is early in director Shane Meadows career, he would later go on to greatness with This is England (2006). Is Morrell a forerunner of the Stephen Graham character Combo in that?

Is the kitchen sink feel of the Nottingham location also an early template for his career?

The ending is violent but a fair comeuppance. Excellent early Meadows film.

I saw this at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Romeo Brass is a young teenage boy, and his best friend is Gavin, who has problems with his back and difficulty walking. When an eccentric man comes into their lives and befriends them, their lives begin to unravel.

Paddy Considine is excellent as Morell, a socially inept man who chooses to seek friendship with youths, probably because they match his intelligence and maturity. There are many light-hearted and often hilarious moments with the new threesome, especially when Morell becomes intent on pursuing Romeo's older sister. As the story unfolds, though, we begin to realize that the stakes are much higher than merely a few gags the boys are playing on Morell. It's part American Beauty, with two families that, when encountered with new circumstances, realize that they can't continue living in that fashion, and proceed to reinvent themselves, not knowing how they'll turn out. It's part Julien Donkey-Boy, with Morell drawing parallels with Ewen Bremner's character. Both, superficially, seem to be plain idiots that manage to consistently squeeze laughs out of the audience with low-brow humour. But soon we realize the social maladjustment runs much deeper, and the films become much more twisted than we ever expected. Writer/director Shane Meadows is to be commended for a late scene in the film so powerful he has the entire theatre gasping. In a de-sensitized era of film where all the blood, gore, guns and knives can't make an audience blink, this is quite a feat. Meadows relies on strong character and plot development for its effectiveness, as well as the philosophy that "less is more".

Watch it, and you'll know what I'm talking about. It's well worth it.

I have a bit of a soft spot for gritty English realism and Shane Meadows does it better than most. Romeo Brass is an understated gem featuring a truly memorable performance from Paddy Considine. 'Morell' is a character unlike any other and Considine manages to make him both hilarious and terrifying in equal measure. The talented Vicky McClure is also excellent, playing off Considine perfectly. A brilliant soundtrack rounds out this dark yet strangely uplifting movie and while it is a bit rough round the edges, it captures the time and place perfectly.

'A Room For Romeo Brass' is the best British film I've seen in years, if that doesn't sound like too much of a cliche. It's almost completely undefinable- just when you think that it's a real-life type of comedy, it switches to being extremely disturbing, and you don't quite know where you are for the rest of the movie (in the best possible way, believe me). Paddy Considine plays Morrell, the mysterious, child-like adult who befriends two schoolboys after coming to their aid when they become involved in a fight with some local lads. Their uneasy and strange friendship with Morrell continues after he becomes obsessed with the sister of Romeo(one of the boys, and the eponymous character), and the life-long friendship of the two boys is slowly driven apart as Morrell becomes increasingly obbsessive.

Like all of Shane Meadows films, it takes a look at the working-class world of his youth, but is unique amongst this type of British film because it's funny without being sentimental or condescending, and dark without being depressing. Meadows is certainly ploughing his own unique furrow, which kickstarted with the fabulous 'Twentyfourseven'(many cast members from that film, including Bob Hoskins, make cameos here). Paddy Considine is fantastic, and it beggars belief that this was his first ever screen appearance. His portrayal of Morrell is both sympathetic and terrifying and you can never underestimate his character for a second. The two boys are fabulous as well, and conjure up many memories of what it was like to be that age.

It's a real shame that this film didn't do better business upon its release, because it deserved to(not that that makes any difference on the film). Shane Meadows and his cast should be applauded for 'A Room For Romeo Brass'. It's fantastic. (***** out of *****).

After being a fan of This Is England for many years, I decided to go back and watch Meadows' other films. First up was this, and I would argue that it is almost on par with This Is England. A great, believable story with great actors. I find it more close to heart as it is filmed in suburban England, which is where I grew up which is a theme I experience with his other films too, it is refreshing to have a normal story instead of Hollywood films.

The characters, setting and story are all realistic and believable, it is something that any two friends in your street could experience. The only reason why This Is England is slightly better, is because there is a more hard-hitting ending and more interesting characters in that film.

But that is totally fine as this is one of Meadows' earlier films with presumably a lower budget. Sure, some of the accents sound comedic but as most of the actors where new to acting in this film, it is very impressive. It feels like a home movie, in a good way and I look forward to watching more of Meadows' work, he is definitely one of the UK's best. A solid 8 out of 10 stars.

I am currently working through Shane Meadows filmography and looking at some of his earlier work I decided to give a Room for Romeo Brass a watch. Having watched Dead Man's Shoes a couple of weeks ago and enjoyed it, I was quite looking forward to this movie.

As with all Shane Meadows films that I have seen, A room for Romeo Brass is a depressing, gritty, raw, working class look at life in England. It follows two teenage boys who are divided when a man (10 years older than them) enters their life.

The acting in this movie is an extreme mix of fantastic and awful. The two lead boys deliver decent enough performances, with Romeo being the stronger of the two, but many of the supporting family characters are not great. Vicky McClure, who plays one of the sisters, is pretty awful here with very wooden delivery and poor emotion. Paddy Considine who plays the older man is fantastic. He is extremely convincing, adding humour, tension and aggression brilliantly. I imagine that trying to deliver a convincing script in a movie like this is quite a challenge as there are many filler scenes and slow scenes used to build characters which use heavy dialogue. Much of this dialogue is quite basic and I feel the actors don't have too much to work with this results in some wooden delivery and awkward pacing of conversations. I found myself very involved in the story as the tension was built very well and it certainly felt edgy and uncomfortable as I got more into it. However, once a certain act happens about halfway into the movie, it became quite predictable how it was going to progress.

A Room for Romeo Brass does a strong job of bringing a mix of genres to one movie. There are several scenes which are funny and light-hearted and scenes which build tension effectively.

Overall, A Room for Romeo Brass was a little underwhelming for me. I still enjoyed the movie and would recommend viewing it once, however it wasn't as good as some of Shane Meadows other movies that I have seen. It was a little predictable and missed some emotional connections which would have made it more powerful.

6/10

After the promise, wit and energy of Meadows' "Twentyfourseven", this film doesn't quite match it's predecessor.

Notwithstanding it is original, charming and witty. In many ways it's also more darker and intelligent. And still so much better than your usual multiplex fare.