Neds

First off, let me point out a few things, to people who obviously didn't get this.

People who complained about the silly music, you really couldn't see that the director was trying to show how ridiculous the violence was?

People who didn't get the Jesus thing, well, you've obviously never come from a dark enough culture, where solvent abuse is rife, and people have extremely vivid hallucinations.

I was raised in the area the movie is set, and the time it was set, and i can tell you, its very accurate. Yes, they have accents, its set in Scotland, did you expect them to say "Kwoffee?" and no, there are no bothers in this movie, but take it from me, i never seen anyone of African descent until i was in my teens, and even then it was quite a rare thing in Scotland, and a real minority.

The movie itself is very well done, and tells a cautionary tale, that could translate to anywhere in the world. The production values of the movie are good, and its certainly way better than average and keeps you entertained, i watched this as a piece of "World Cinema", even though i come from the area, and had no trouble at all with the dialogue, but then again, thats me, i can see who others would find it difficult, then again, i would moan about this spoiling the movie, when in Rome ... i would accept it for what it is.

If you get the chance to see this, then do so, with an open mind, its entertaining, moving, shocking, and everything a good movie should be.

:)

Not an original film in many ways, and not the most uplifting movie either, "Neds" is one film that will not appeal to everyone.

For those not au fait with Glasgow patter, a ned is basically a social delinquent or casual. Clichés of shell-suits, drink bottles, smoking and loitering in parks and you get the idea of what a "ned" is meant to be.

Peter Mullan makes this partially biographical film about the slide of a precocious teenage boy from star pupil to the dregs (in the 70s). Filmed without taking any shortcuts, the crew all speak undiluted Glaswegian (with no vulgarities cut) and use cutting humour. The film show physical abuse as it was, first in the classroom, then at home and finally in the streets (gang fights and the like). It doesn't dwell or linger on the violence which is thankful (avoiding pandering to some) but it is strong when it comes.

Acting is exceptionally good and the story is intriguing, plus there is a good soundtrack that captures the period very well. In some ways, it's a film that follows in the same sphere as "This is England", but it follows its own path nevertheless.

If you want social realism, then I'd say this is a good film to watch. Won't appeal to everyone, but most people will find it of interest. A good watch.

Just watched this at the cinema and had to write my first review! Having lived in Glasgow for eight years and seen the number of Chelsea smiles on show, this film hits the nail on the head as to how brutal Glasgow is for deprived kids. The acting is first class. Connor McCarron puts in a mighty performance as a child with a promising future, only to see his dreams disappear as he gets increasingly involved in the Glasgow gangs. 1970's Glasgow is flawlessly recreated and the mood of the film grips you within the first minute. If you've seen it you'l know what i mean! The pace is perfect, Peter Mullan does an excellent job in showing the downfall of the characters and asking questions of society and how tough life can be for a young kid in what is a violent city. I honestly came out of the cinema traumatised and spellbound, which is no mean feat. I would recommend to all, but warn you it will affect you, the violence is intense and the language is pretty grim, but realistic, thats how it is! Possibly s good as Scotlands finest film: Trainspotting, which is something i never thought i'd say.

"You are a swat Mister Mcgill"

Peter Mullan's Neds has become one of the small number of electrical Scottish films that have been made within the last 20 years. As it goes Peter Mullan has always been interested in directing and from my point of view has a Ken Loach appeal about it when it comes to writing and producing scripts.

NEDS a film which portrays a young mans will to succeed in any circumstance and every hurdle which is played by society must be dealt with-in an appropriate 70s fashion. Living in Scotland not only is there defaults within any of the class systems but a constant bombardment from Parents,Police and Schools to do well. John McGill (Conner McCarron) becomes victim to this. He has the potential to fulfil any career prospect which is becomes knocked around by his unstable nuclear family and his authoritative teachers.

I have read some of the reviews on here and are somewhat critical. It is hard to understand what living in a poor background with an alcoholic father, a troublesome brother and horrible weather if your not partial to any of the surroundings. If you do not reside in any of these categories then it will be hard to acknowledge why (NEDS) want to fight each other over a measly piece of unfurnished turf which they themselves have no own-age rights.

If you liked Small Faces,Sweet Sixteen then this is a must. All credit to Peter and Cast. Please make more films in the future.

STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning

John (Connor McCarron) excels as a child in his studies, but the rough, hard environment around him soon has an effect on his personal character and, as he grows up in 1970s Glasgow, he moulds into one of the pack, as problems at home and school breed the violent character within him, going up against the hard drinking, knife wielding thugs that are the sworn enemies of the hard drinking, knife wielding thugs he's in with.

Glasgow still holds the notorious accolade of being 'the knife crime capital of Great Britain', so this could have been just as hard hitting and unflinching as it was setting out to be being a modern day drama. Instead, director Peter Mullan has presented a sprawling, overlong if I'm brutally honest, exploration of a young man's despairing, senseless dessension into mindless thuggery, possibly based on his own experiences. As a result of this, it comes off as very hard to get into to start with, lost as it is in it's own mood, atmosphere and style. But it's these same things that somehow manage to make it a more absorbing experience if you stick with it long enough, slowly drawing you into the life of this troubled character and the various ups and downs he encounters as he trawls through the rough landscape of his youth. Still, this feels like quite an undisciplined effort from Mullan, which veers into outlandish, arty moments (such as the lead character duking it out with the Lord Jesus Christ) that only serve to make it an even more alienating experience than it already is. ***