The film sparked a censorship debate in the UK regarding the amount of bad language used. Under current British Board of Film Classification rules, multiple uses of the word "fuck" usually only warrant a 15-certificate, but a single aggressive use of the word "cunt" tends to lead to an 18-certificate, as was the case with this film. Opponents argued that an 18-certificate would prevent the people who could most closely identify with the characters from going to see the film, and that such language was much more common, and therefore less offensive, in the north of the UK, where the film was set. The London-based censors stuck to their guns. The local authority covering Inverclyde, where the film was shot, used their cinema licensing powers to award the film a 15-certificate for screenings in the area.
The word "fuck" and its variations are used 313 times.
The film was shot in sequence.
Martin Compston was a high-school soccer player of Divison II in Scottish when he was discovered and cast in the film.
In 2000, director Ken Loach discovered 16-year-old Martin Compston at an audition at his old high school and gave him the lead role in Sweet Sixteen (2002), which was his feature-film debut. The movie was filmed in Martin's home area, including Greenock, Gourock, Inverkip, Kilmalcolm, and Wemyss Bay. The film was a huge success, which shot Martin into full view of the public and even gave some fame to Inverclyde.
However, many counselors thought that this was bad publicity because the film has to do with drugs and underage drinking. However, Loach then made a statement that the movie was not based on Greenock and Inverclyde --- but was only filmed there, as that was where Martin was located.
However, many counselors thought that this was bad publicity because the film has to do with drugs and underage drinking. However, Loach then made a statement that the movie was not based on Greenock and Inverclyde --- but was only filmed there, as that was where Martin was located.