Breaking Glass

Very much a political commentary on the disenfranchisement of youth and accurately summing up the feelings of the under 20s at that time, if not the reality.

The film was made just after the nation had suffered 'The Winter of Discontent' the final humiliation of the disastrous socialist government that had destroyed the aspirations and job prospects of a generation. This also led to the famous election of the far-right Thatcher government at the same time, but, they had not been in office for long enough to affect the approach of the film.

I saw the film at the time it was first shown, and being a punk and having a father that was a trade union leader at the time, much of what was portrayed in the film was familiar to me.

Although the film was very much trying to be a 'grim Northern realism' film for the 80s (and set in the south at that!), it was pure fantasy - things were never that bad, and it's easy to get depressed about situations that are portrayed as every-day occurrences that either never happened or were rare. The scenes of race riots are particularly overstated.

The music of the film, however, is it's strongest area. It is absolutely of its time, and completely representative. It is so classic that "In the beginning..." was being played in a country pub that I was in only last week (9/99) nearly 20 years later. What followed was 'New Wave' with 'Duran Duran' and others - what a disaster!

Given the slow degradation of the main character over the duration of the film, it is interesting to see what happened the the actress who played her (Hazel O'Connor) in real life. Life imitating art?

I have watched this movie and although it is dated and low budget there is much more to this movie than "A low budget post punk Star is born!" There is the main story about a rebellious anti-establishment singer "Kate" played by Hazel O Connor who in order to "make it" has to give up control of her music and is forced on to the record company "bandwagon". This results in her losing the bands manager "Danny" (brilliantly played by Phil Daniels)who feels he is losing control of the band! But more than this, the movie is an accurate reflection of the post-punk anti-establishment feeling in England which I lived through at the time. The lyrics of Hazel's songs depict this and still have something to say today regarding Government and establishment control! However, the greatest irony is the climax of the movie where Kate (Hazel O Connor) is singing the song "Eighth day" as a protest against the establishment when she herself is having to "fit in to the establishment" to perform the song. Well worth another look!

Hazel O'Connor is excellent and the movie is much more than just a musical. It reflects society as it was in the 'Thatcherite' era with it's excesses and prejudices. The storyline is believable and despite the low production cost, comes across very well. I would commend it to anyone. Hope that it is re-released on DVD.

Firstly I need to admit I was and still am a big fan of Hazel O'Connor. That may apply the rose tint to my views or not but better you know this than not.

Set in the late 70's UK the film portrays the rise to fame of a post-punk singer and her subsequent fall. "Gritty" is a good description of the film as it doesn't pull it's punches in portraying both life and business. Hazel's music isn't going to be to everyone's taste and that may or may not put you off from the film as the music is central to the film tying in to the rebellious social order of the day. Though I'm a fan I'm not blind to the fact Hazel's voice is nothing outstanding but that just adds to the gritty nature I mentioned and the simply fantastic love song "Will You?" which describes the awkwardness inherent in lovers first dates is all the better for that voice. It wouldn't be the song it is if sung with a perfect voice. Another admission - that song is one of my all time favourites and contains the best sax solo ever.

Both the directing and acting are first rate, really pulling you in to the story. That story is nothing new and has been done many a time but I can't think of any that did it better.

I first came to breaking glass some years ago after having heard a track from the film. When I first watched it I thought it was shocking but after coming back to it years later I can see so much more in it. It's a truly excellent film depicting life in Thatcher's Britain as well as a wry view of the music industry. Hazel O'Conner is underrated in my view but she does excel here. Excellent film and even better soundtrack.