I saw this film at the 2006 Palm Springs International Film Festival and this film was well attended and received by the audiences there. Dominic Savage comes out with a pretty strong film for his directorial big screen debut in a film he also wrote. It's a reworking of an old theme of two people from different cultures falling in love and the inevitable problems they face when cultures clash but this is rendered well and reflects the very real misconceptions and prejudices of a modern city in the UK. The film has a real raw gritty look and has some of the feel of a modern West Side Story in it's Romeo & Juliet tension and a modern American Graffiti in it's capturing of kids with cars in a contemporary cruise-scene environment. The ending was a little weak but I would rate it a 6.5 of a scale of 10 and recommend it.
24 Reviews
A love-it or hate-it film
robainsley1 January 2007
To judge by the comments here, it's one of those films you indeed either love or hate. I loved it; to me, coming from the north of England, the characters and dialogue were utterly convincing and compelling. (Maybe because the decent, fair-minded chap who ran the wallpaper shop reminded me of my Dad... unfortunately some of the other characters, with their odious and ignorant views, I recognised too.)
To me, the only problem was the over-reliance on coincidences (oh, so Greek drama). But I liked the fact that many of the expected clichés were avoided.
So, Hollywood it ain't. If you like your films smartly scripted and smoothly acted, you may well hate the Loach-style rough edges.
But for me, this raw and bluntly honest film was one of the most powerful pieces of cinema of the year. And, actually, excellently acted. Throughout I kept saying, that's what it's like. That's just what they do. That's exactly what they say. And, by gosh, I wish it wasn't.
To me, the only problem was the over-reliance on coincidences (oh, so Greek drama). But I liked the fact that many of the expected clichés were avoided.
So, Hollywood it ain't. If you like your films smartly scripted and smoothly acted, you may well hate the Loach-style rough edges.
But for me, this raw and bluntly honest film was one of the most powerful pieces of cinema of the year. And, actually, excellently acted. Throughout I kept saying, that's what it's like. That's just what they do. That's exactly what they say. And, by gosh, I wish it wasn't.
Romeo and Juliet in blue collar England
ikanboy28 August 2006
The movie wears it's message on it's sleeve. It's about racism in England. No, not Black v. White, but Brown v. White. A Pakistani British girl gets a job in a wallpaper store. There she is welcomed by all but the boy to whom she is assigned to as a trainee. He is surly, largely mute, and it's clear he hates "Pakis." In the mean time we are introduced to an older Pakistani male who works at a factory and has to contend with the racial digs of his fellows. One man, a manager, hesitantly engages him in talk, but he shows his prejudices with his ignorance of the other man's culture. The message is clear: If you are a Brit, then there is only one cultural standard and that is working class neanderthalism.
Soon enough we see the people are linked. The girl is the sister of the Pakistani man, and his strictures to her are clear: don't date "Goras(?)", i.e. local Brits. It is also clear that these rules apply to her but not to him.
The girl befriends another girl at work, who is clearly out for wanton pleasure. This friend turns out to be the daughter of the man who is the manager of the Pakistani male. When the girls are seen walking home by the Pakistani male he chides her for "hanging out" with the wrong sort.
So far so good. Is the movie going to show us the British working class ethnocentrism, and amorality, clashing with a more rigid, religious imported culture? Yes, but it's also going to show us the hypocrisy and male chauvinism of the Pakistani male.
To complete the circle and connect all the characters the Pakistani male picks up the friend of his sister. This is done in a manner highly parallel to picking up a whore; she sits on a bench with a friend, all tarted up, and they get into the car of whomever that drives by. The Pakistani male is right: she is the wrong sort, but she's the sort that turns him on, and to his chagrin he eventually falls for her.
In the mean time we see more into the reasons for the Pakistani girls being ignored by the boy at work. His brother and mother are proud racists. The brother makes it clear that "shagging" a "Paki" would be grounds for expulsion from the "white" race, and his mother hates them because she blames them for having more entrepreneurial skill than she does.
It is therefore inevitable that he will make a pass at the Pakistani girl, if only to taste forbidden fruit.
Having set us up, it is now only a question of how the movie will bring all these inevitable collisions together, and whether anyone will walk away from the smoke! Collisions do occur, and people get beaten up, but the young couple, now deeply in love, cast off away from their families, in search of a more tolerant lifestyle. Nothing is said of the inevitable cultural and religious clashes ahead of them when the love glow ebbs, but at least they don't end up committing suicide! The message is clear: love wins out from intolerance and familial dark holes! It's a nice message if an overly optimistic and unrealistic one.
Soon enough we see the people are linked. The girl is the sister of the Pakistani man, and his strictures to her are clear: don't date "Goras(?)", i.e. local Brits. It is also clear that these rules apply to her but not to him.
The girl befriends another girl at work, who is clearly out for wanton pleasure. This friend turns out to be the daughter of the man who is the manager of the Pakistani male. When the girls are seen walking home by the Pakistani male he chides her for "hanging out" with the wrong sort.
So far so good. Is the movie going to show us the British working class ethnocentrism, and amorality, clashing with a more rigid, religious imported culture? Yes, but it's also going to show us the hypocrisy and male chauvinism of the Pakistani male.
To complete the circle and connect all the characters the Pakistani male picks up the friend of his sister. This is done in a manner highly parallel to picking up a whore; she sits on a bench with a friend, all tarted up, and they get into the car of whomever that drives by. The Pakistani male is right: she is the wrong sort, but she's the sort that turns him on, and to his chagrin he eventually falls for her.
In the mean time we see more into the reasons for the Pakistani girls being ignored by the boy at work. His brother and mother are proud racists. The brother makes it clear that "shagging" a "Paki" would be grounds for expulsion from the "white" race, and his mother hates them because she blames them for having more entrepreneurial skill than she does.
It is therefore inevitable that he will make a pass at the Pakistani girl, if only to taste forbidden fruit.
Having set us up, it is now only a question of how the movie will bring all these inevitable collisions together, and whether anyone will walk away from the smoke! Collisions do occur, and people get beaten up, but the young couple, now deeply in love, cast off away from their families, in search of a more tolerant lifestyle. Nothing is said of the inevitable cultural and religious clashes ahead of them when the love glow ebbs, but at least they don't end up committing suicide! The message is clear: love wins out from intolerance and familial dark holes! It's a nice message if an overly optimistic and unrealistic one.
Really makes you think about racism in modern england
vickicook28 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Love + hate really blows you as the audience away with its strong language, views on racism and complete realism. It gives an insight of how certain societies in England do have struggles with racism especially between whites and Asians.
The acting may appear weak at the beginning but the whole film had no script so is fully improvised which makes the film appear more of a documentary rather than just a film so the feelings and opinions of the characters appear a lot stronger than they would if the film was scripted.
The racism within the whole film reminds me of a modern romeo and Juliet only it isn't between two families it's between two races that the characters in the film believe shouldn't be together. The opinions and actions are strong and can be upsetting to certain viewers.
Although I believe the age rating should be taken seriously in this particular film because of the strong racist opinions are very convincing and could easily influence younger minds to take sides with one of the characters opinions.
Overall I think the film makes you realise that there is a problem with racism in Britain and hopefully those who watch the film should make sure they don't get involved rather than believing in what the characters are up to.
The acting may appear weak at the beginning but the whole film had no script so is fully improvised which makes the film appear more of a documentary rather than just a film so the feelings and opinions of the characters appear a lot stronger than they would if the film was scripted.
The racism within the whole film reminds me of a modern romeo and Juliet only it isn't between two families it's between two races that the characters in the film believe shouldn't be together. The opinions and actions are strong and can be upsetting to certain viewers.
Although I believe the age rating should be taken seriously in this particular film because of the strong racist opinions are very convincing and could easily influence younger minds to take sides with one of the characters opinions.
Overall I think the film makes you realise that there is a problem with racism in Britain and hopefully those who watch the film should make sure they don't get involved rather than believing in what the characters are up to.
Powerful & Gripping
spjames24 April 2006
A terrific debut from Dominic Savage, this gritty drama set in North England deals with racism and love, lust and hate. The beautiful Samina Awan plays 17-year-old Pakistan girl Naseema who starts working at a lonely wallpaper shop and quickly falls for Adam (Tom Hudso), a racist who finds himself conflicted, especially in contrast to his racist, binge drinking friends and older brother.
There are other characters involved and sometimes the supporting characters (Naseema's friend going out with her brother, whose own work college is the girl's father) hog a bit of the screen, but the central love story is compelling enough and very satisfying.
It is flawed, and the ending can't decide if it's feel-good or feel-bad, but the story resonates powerfully, even if the accents don't.
There are other characters involved and sometimes the supporting characters (Naseema's friend going out with her brother, whose own work college is the girl's father) hog a bit of the screen, but the central love story is compelling enough and very satisfying.
It is flawed, and the ending can't decide if it's feel-good or feel-bad, but the story resonates powerfully, even if the accents don't.
realistic, gritty and powerful drama
woodyfromderby19 April 2006
About time i watched one of those films that real does move you. Having spent some years in that "world" i can definitely see the problems and issues that unfortunately can still arise in todays society. Although sometimes quite upsetting that this sort of attitude behavior still occurs in the modern world of 2006, this turns into a a real 'feel good' film, with plenty of morals + some fantastic music which suits the scenes perfectly. It grabbed me in the first few minutes. I did wonder if people would enjoy this film who hadn't lived in Northern England at first, but the direction, story line and acting make it all the more pleasurable.
A very relevant film.
tao90226 July 2015
Set in a Northern town where white racism is prevalent and Muslim youth are torn between their contemporary world and their parent's traditional faith. Adam and Naseem are typical of their sections of the community but are dissatisfied with their lifestyles. They start a relationship which predictably challenges what is regarded as acceptable by their peers and parents.
Although there is nothing new in this film it does a good job of exposing complex issues within contemporary Britain. The acting is brilliant and brings alive the familiar themes of intolerance, revenge, teenage sexuality and love in multicultural Britain. The story perhaps relies a little too much on coincidences.
Although there is nothing new in this film it does a good job of exposing complex issues within contemporary Britain. The acting is brilliant and brings alive the familiar themes of intolerance, revenge, teenage sexuality and love in multicultural Britain. The story perhaps relies a little too much on coincidences.
What' not to like?
puckhead9515 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
An excellent film. Low budget for sure but that might have helped, not hindered, this film. It has a very realistic feel and look. There's no glamourizing here. But at the same time, it doesn't feel overly dramatic.
The actors, all newbies or very limited in experience we all very believable. No one dies like you might think someone will at some point. Fantastic acting and editing. The story flowed so well.
Other films will be made for far more money with big name actors and directors but I doubt they couldn't have done any better. Maybe not a perfect film but is there such a thing?
The actors, all newbies or very limited in experience we all very believable. No one dies like you might think someone will at some point. Fantastic acting and editing. The story flowed so well.
Other films will be made for far more money with big name actors and directors but I doubt they couldn't have done any better. Maybe not a perfect film but is there such a thing?
promising...
indy-393 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Promising directorial debut here with a interesting script. Probably more honest about this racial problem than any American film would ever be (just imagine a Hollywood reworking substituting black for paki...think the movie could ever end with the enraged white father beating hell out of his daughter's black boyfriend?) and with pretty good performances. Big knock...I don't care how good the music is, you can't keep interrupting an 86 minute film as often as this is without arousing the suspicion that you're stretching to reach an acceptable length.While it's perfectly okay to use the score of a film to help set the mood, it feels like the music here becomes a crutch for the director when he doesn't know how to tell the story with words and images. Still well worth a watch.
Unimpressive film-making.
rmt7819 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I recently rented this film on DVD and thought it would be an interesting choice seeing as I am both from the north of England (Bradford), and also interested in film-making. However, it soon became apparent that this film seemed to lack a decent level of development script-wise. The characters were weak and often stereotyped and the story lacked substance. The subject matter could be an interesting basis for a film. However, the delivery of this appeared naive and unfocused.
The ending felt as though it was casting judgement on the characters - punishing and rewarding where the filmmakers felt necessary. This felt a little awkward and silly, and seemed at odds with the 'realism' used in the style of shooting. For me, the film dealt with the characters and subject matter in a rather heavy handed and clumsy manner. It felt as though the writer had already decided how he wanted to end the story and set about crow-barring everything else in to fit it.
Another point that I feel strongly about is the watered-down Ken Loach feel the film had. I get quite upset that UK film financiers can't see that there is more to British films than 'gritty realism'. It has become almost a safe option. Film is an infinitely wonderful playground for imaginative ideas and it is not being exploited by UK feature film producers. There is a lot of talent here in the UK. It's unfortunate that most of these individuals end up either making music videos and commercials 100% of the time or they go to America.
Love + Hate would have worked better if it had been cut down to 30 or 60 minutes and appeared as a one-off TV drama.
The ending felt as though it was casting judgement on the characters - punishing and rewarding where the filmmakers felt necessary. This felt a little awkward and silly, and seemed at odds with the 'realism' used in the style of shooting. For me, the film dealt with the characters and subject matter in a rather heavy handed and clumsy manner. It felt as though the writer had already decided how he wanted to end the story and set about crow-barring everything else in to fit it.
Another point that I feel strongly about is the watered-down Ken Loach feel the film had. I get quite upset that UK film financiers can't see that there is more to British films than 'gritty realism'. It has become almost a safe option. Film is an infinitely wonderful playground for imaginative ideas and it is not being exploited by UK feature film producers. There is a lot of talent here in the UK. It's unfortunate that most of these individuals end up either making music videos and commercials 100% of the time or they go to America.
Love + Hate would have worked better if it had been cut down to 30 or 60 minutes and appeared as a one-off TV drama.
As good as it gets!
singh-61 July 2007
For me love+Hate is one of the best films i've seen in the last five years. It was my best film of 2006.The main reason i love this film is the realism of it. It deals with issues. Mainly the film is about racism, and what it does to people who use it to control their life. The story is about a young girl who goes to work in a DIY shop and meets a young boy who takes an instant dislike to her. Eventually he realises that he loves her and is torn between what his friends and family might think,and his true feelings. There are other stories but i wouldn't want to ruin it for anyone. The film is brilliant in all the key areas. The acting is superb by everyone. The script is just as brilliant. The music is excellent and provides a real essence to the story being told. The direction is very good. Everything is really superb. It will not be a film to everyones taste but it is thought provoking and original in the way only great films are.
the acting is at the level of a college performing arts course.
gordon-1917 October 2006
I find it difficult to comprehend what makes viewer's feel this is a powerful movie. I would guess that the main intention of this film would be a character study and the effects of racism in a British community. It is therefore all the more disappointing that all the characters are two dimensional and the acting is at the level of a college performing arts course. I'm always sceptical of "improvisation", another word for being too lazy to write a decent script. I was embarrassed by the performances and sat in an audience who laughed when they surely were supposed to be moved by the story. Racism is a serious issue but I think a subtle approach in cinema works far better than laying it on with trowel.
I liked this movie enough to register an IMDb account.
zukmuk4 October 2006
I liked this movie enough to register an IMDb account. Ihope people see this one. Every bit as good as Crash for laying out the human problems with racial barriers and the hypocrisy that is inherent. Super-real performances and an understated script make this a real gem for lovers of human drama.
Why is it OK to for brother to date white women but a mortal sin for is sister to date a white boy. Would you be OK with your white sister dating a man of color? Your daughter?
This is the question brought forth here. A real hard look at ourselves and our racial pride.
Why is it OK to for brother to date white women but a mortal sin for is sister to date a white boy. Would you be OK with your white sister dating a man of color? Your daughter?
This is the question brought forth here. A real hard look at ourselves and our racial pride.
Beautiful film about the power of love against racism and ignorance
lauralmacleod1 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I recently saw this film on BBC Iplayer and was really surprised to see it was made in 2005; the subject matter is as relevant and important now and it has not aged one bit. The film is set in a bleak Northern England town and one that has well known cultural divides between ethnic Brits and Pakistani immigrants. Two young people from very different backgrounds meet and fall in love against the odds. There are important strands through the entire film. Young love that cannot be restricted by race and cultural divides. Racism and violence shown in thuggery from both sides; abuse of women shown on both sides and how such behaviour results in pain and disharmony. Love and Hate is a hopeful film because with zero sentimentality it portrays the human dilemma and the working classes of the UK struggling with identity and existence who strive to make sense of their reality. The strong soundtrack is uplifting and the film does not flinch from portraying the ugliness of poverty versus the hope of young love. A great ending and what became of the two young actors who played the main protagonists? Their performances are brilliant and hold the film together.
Make sure you watch it with English subtitles
pope52315 December 2008
The dialog delivery was awkward and unnatural. I get the feeling that they were trying to make it sound more "natural" with the actors stepping on each other's lines, but it just sounds like they don't know their parts so well. It could just be bad acting. Maybe the actors were attempting to ad-lib. I don't know.
The writer has low expectations for the audience's understanding and feels he has to spell everything out in the dialog. The racist kids walks out of the back room, it's pretty obvious that it's because he doesn't like the new Muslim girl. The Muslim girl says "Why did he just leave like that without saying anything?". Duh.
And I can't understand most of what the two chav prostitutes are saying. That's what you are, by the way, when you get all dressed up to sit by the side of the road waiting to get picked up for sex with random guys in their cars. A hooker.
It's not a terrible film, but it's not exactly an original story either.
The writer has low expectations for the audience's understanding and feels he has to spell everything out in the dialog. The racist kids walks out of the back room, it's pretty obvious that it's because he doesn't like the new Muslim girl. The Muslim girl says "Why did he just leave like that without saying anything?". Duh.
And I can't understand most of what the two chav prostitutes are saying. That's what you are, by the way, when you get all dressed up to sit by the side of the road waiting to get picked up for sex with random guys in their cars. A hooker.
It's not a terrible film, but it's not exactly an original story either.
British gritty romance
yas-2681129 December 2015
Signed up to IMDb just to write this review. Loved it when I was a teenager when it was released back in 2005 and it remains as one of my favourite films of all time. A pure romance but it's definitely not an easy road to get to the happiness they seek. Low budget British film but that is all the more reason to love it. Would recommend and I can watch it over and over again. I don't want to explain too much of the plot and trying to avoid any spoilers where I can but in a nutshell. Teenage white male from a heavily racist family background meets Naseema - a Muslim- at their Saturday job in a wallpaper shop. He can't hide his feelings as much as he tries. Her family would not agree with this relationship so it's dilemma of what to do to take them forward.
Low budget film with poor audio
qui_j30 October 2020
This a low budget film with poor audio that makes it impossible to hear the mainly improvised dialog from a very poor script. I gave up after 15 minutes as without using subtitles, it was pretty impossible to hear what was being said. Poor audio was a huge problem with BBC produced films at the time. This may have been a result of those times!
Ignore the negative comments made by others. It is good!
hinckleyfox12 January 2007
First and foremost, this is only my 2nd post ever and I've been using this website for well over 2 years now. My point is, something has to stir me up, to write a comment.
Well this film has, and more to the point some of the negative posts by others. Firstly, its not a classic. Secondly and more importantly, its nowhere near belonging on the scrap heap either. As the other posts have explained the outline of the plot, I refrain from repeating. What I will say though, is how surprised I was at how good I felt this film was upon its conclusion. I've watched so many films over the years, and have seen nearly all of the films in the top 250 on this website. Like I've said, its not a classic, but the film has a really good effort at offering a powerful and compelling story about issues in modern Britain. Comments made about the standard of the acting, are at the very least harsh, and seem to miss the point. The actors are indeed supposed to be young adults from Blackburn starting life out in the working world. It would be inappropriate to be acted with the grandeur of a Hollywood line-up. They give it a really good go and certain scenes are to a degree shocking and indeed quite moving.
No, its not a tear-jerker. It just has a powerful, if not slightly plagiarised plot, leaving you feeling better for indulging in its 86 minutes of worthwhile subject. Its a good British film you should watch with an open mind and an hour and a half of uninterrupted time.
Well this film has, and more to the point some of the negative posts by others. Firstly, its not a classic. Secondly and more importantly, its nowhere near belonging on the scrap heap either. As the other posts have explained the outline of the plot, I refrain from repeating. What I will say though, is how surprised I was at how good I felt this film was upon its conclusion. I've watched so many films over the years, and have seen nearly all of the films in the top 250 on this website. Like I've said, its not a classic, but the film has a really good effort at offering a powerful and compelling story about issues in modern Britain. Comments made about the standard of the acting, are at the very least harsh, and seem to miss the point. The actors are indeed supposed to be young adults from Blackburn starting life out in the working world. It would be inappropriate to be acted with the grandeur of a Hollywood line-up. They give it a really good go and certain scenes are to a degree shocking and indeed quite moving.
No, its not a tear-jerker. It just has a powerful, if not slightly plagiarised plot, leaving you feeling better for indulging in its 86 minutes of worthwhile subject. Its a good British film you should watch with an open mind and an hour and a half of uninterrupted time.
Raw and Unflinching
heywood_jablomey19 July 2006
I saw this about 2 years ago at a preview screening in Pinewood Studios, not knowing what to expect, I was totally gobsmacked. As a pakistani Muslim myself I saw comparisons to Ae fond Kiss but they were dismissed within half an hour, this makes Ae fond kiss look like a bollywood production. The raw, real nature of how that community acts back home was so real that it was almost uncomfortable watching it. Very rarely can a movie capture a moment in time that surpasses the realm of celluloid. Watching the interactions with the brother and his issues really struck home, there were moments where I was in tears. I couldn't control myself. Also, in terms of photography it was top notch. Perhaps on the greatest films of 2005/2006. Would recommend everyone to watch.
The only let down was at the end of the preview screening when the people asking for feedback from the movie did not ask the only 2 pakistanis in the cinema(me and my friend).Asked everyone else, except for us! How ironic was that!
The only let down was at the end of the preview screening when the people asking for feedback from the movie did not ask the only 2 pakistanis in the cinema(me and my friend).Asked everyone else, except for us! How ironic was that!
Is this a film or an extended edition of Eastenders?
anxietyresister9 September 2008
That's what I kept asking myself during the many fights, screaming matches, swearing and general mayhem that permeate the 84 minutes. The comparisons also stand up when you think of the one-dimensional characters, who have so little depth that it is virtually impossible to care what happens to them. They are just badly written cyphers for the director to hang his multicultural beliefs on, a topic that has been done much better in other dramas both on TV and the cinema.
I must confess, I'm not really one for spotting bad performances during a film, but it must be said that Nichola Burley (as the heroine's slutty best friend) and Wasim Zakir (as the nasty, bullying brother) were absolutely terrible. I don't know what acting school they graduated from, but if I was them I'd apply for a full refund post haste. Only Samina Awan in the lead role manages to impress in a cast of so-called British talent that we'll probably never hear from again. At least, that's the hope. Next time, hire a different scout.
Another intriguing thought is the hideously fashionable soundtrack featuring the likes of Snow Patrol, Ian Brown and Keane. Now, I'm a bit of a music fan and I'm familiar with most of these artists output, but I didn't recognise any of the tracks during this movie (apart from the omnipresent "Run"). B-sides, anyone? We get many, many musical montages which telegraph how we're suppose to feel. These are accompanied by such startlingly original images as couples kissing by a swollen lake and canoodling in doorways. This is a problem, as none of the songs convey the mood efficiently, and we realise the director lacks the ability to carry the emotional journey to the audience through storytelling and dialogue alone.
The ending is presumably meant to be just desserts, as everybody gets their comeuppance and there is at least one big shock in store.. But I remained resolutely unmoved because the script had given me no-one to root for. It's not enough to tackle a hot-button issue, you have to actually give us a plot that hasn't already been done to death and individuals who are more than window dressing. As it stands, this film is a noble failure, with only the promising lead actress and a few mildly diverting punch-ups to save it from the bin. 4/10. Must try harder..
I must confess, I'm not really one for spotting bad performances during a film, but it must be said that Nichola Burley (as the heroine's slutty best friend) and Wasim Zakir (as the nasty, bullying brother) were absolutely terrible. I don't know what acting school they graduated from, but if I was them I'd apply for a full refund post haste. Only Samina Awan in the lead role manages to impress in a cast of so-called British talent that we'll probably never hear from again. At least, that's the hope. Next time, hire a different scout.
Another intriguing thought is the hideously fashionable soundtrack featuring the likes of Snow Patrol, Ian Brown and Keane. Now, I'm a bit of a music fan and I'm familiar with most of these artists output, but I didn't recognise any of the tracks during this movie (apart from the omnipresent "Run"). B-sides, anyone? We get many, many musical montages which telegraph how we're suppose to feel. These are accompanied by such startlingly original images as couples kissing by a swollen lake and canoodling in doorways. This is a problem, as none of the songs convey the mood efficiently, and we realise the director lacks the ability to carry the emotional journey to the audience through storytelling and dialogue alone.
The ending is presumably meant to be just desserts, as everybody gets their comeuppance and there is at least one big shock in store.. But I remained resolutely unmoved because the script had given me no-one to root for. It's not enough to tackle a hot-button issue, you have to actually give us a plot that hasn't already been done to death and individuals who are more than window dressing. As it stands, this film is a noble failure, with only the promising lead actress and a few mildly diverting punch-ups to save it from the bin. 4/10. Must try harder..
Great movie...
hyperness_864 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this movie recently, and really enjoyed they storyline. The clash of cultures was greatly portrayed, and it is a story that some will be able to relate to. I felt that the actors chosen to portray the characters did an excellent job. I enjoyed how everything in the film was connected in someway. For example: certain characters were in someway connected to somebody else and so on. It was also good to see how certain characters related to certain situations and how their beliefs changed throughout the film. It is a great movie, and i urge anyone who enjoys serious story lines to have a look, and you'll see what a great film it is.
Excellent Film!!!
Kal200618 May 2006
Thought this film was excellent. I actually grew up with and am still good friends with one of the cast ("Ryan Leslie - Sean") but this does not make my opinion byast, well maybe a little bit.. But really, it's good to see a film about good ol' Northern England with a subject which everyone can relate to and understand, although the subject itself isn't good, i think Dominic Savage did a great job to use such a delicate subject and make an excellent film from it. I've heard through the grapevine (Not confirmed) that Dominic is going to be working on another film which is also about true to life subjects and how one event can wreak havoc on a number of people. Let's hope that he does and hope it will be as good as this one.
Romeo & Juliet
tim-robinson-221 October 2006
This movie is a contemporary UK vision of an age old story as epitomised by Shakespeare, but with two at odds relationships adding a layer of complication. The situation, a volatile northern English town, typically Bradford, and characters, one Islamic Pakistani family and two prejudiced English families loosely representing the Capulets and the Montagues.
The star crossed lovers are young people meeting through in the first a common work environment, and the second a random encounter.
Given what I am sure was a limited budget, this is a valid insight into contemporary cultural divides and intolerances. The level of ignorance and fear presented on both sides of the equation is a scathing attack on the goldfish bowl worlds all parties are raised in, perpetuated by the petty shortcomings of the familial peers.
Despite other commentary this is a work of art which moved my, rarely moved by Hollywood fodder, rather cynical and jaded emotions. Certain scenes had me sad, angry and hopeful.
I hope you take the time to view this and find it as rewarding as I did. The acting is not always top notch, a mostly unknown cast, but the atmospheres are captured well and emotionally it is up there with the best workings of the Bard's masterpiece.
The star crossed lovers are young people meeting through in the first a common work environment, and the second a random encounter.
Given what I am sure was a limited budget, this is a valid insight into contemporary cultural divides and intolerances. The level of ignorance and fear presented on both sides of the equation is a scathing attack on the goldfish bowl worlds all parties are raised in, perpetuated by the petty shortcomings of the familial peers.
Despite other commentary this is a work of art which moved my, rarely moved by Hollywood fodder, rather cynical and jaded emotions. Certain scenes had me sad, angry and hopeful.
I hope you take the time to view this and find it as rewarding as I did. The acting is not always top notch, a mostly unknown cast, but the atmospheres are captured well and emotionally it is up there with the best workings of the Bard's masterpiece.
I loved this film
edgesfit1 April 2007
Hi, - The way the director portrayed this film was amazing, a must see... also there was gesture one of the characters used which was scratching his ear, tell me if you have ever seen this in any other film? superb, really captures the realness of the issue and plot. There were many moments where i felt the urge to cry and also many moments where i expected something bad to happen but the film stayed good, now i am just writing anything because u heard the minimum is 10 lines so right now i am just gonna keep talking until i have reached the minimum, but please go watch the film it is good. thanks for reading, bye
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