Very few films manage to capture the grim reality of working-class England in the 1980s as well as this underappreciated gem from Alan Clarke. For a movie that touches on issues of alcohol abuse, infidelity, domestic violence and racism, it is testament to the excellent writing that this is so enjoyable to watch. Clark manages to strike a perfect balance between gloomy social realism and in-your-face comedy.
The film features impressive performances from some highly underrated British actors in the infancy of their careers including Lesley Sharp, Siobhan Finneran and George Costigan. Michelle Holmes is a little full-on but her character drives the story along with a great degree of vivaciousness and humour. We also get an incredibly accurate portrayal of a hapless drunk by Willie Ross, who steals the show in all his scenes. The old man having his own little viewing party on the council estate is one of those lovely moments that stays with you long after watching. I always loved Danny O'Dea as Eli in Last of The Summer Wine and was delighted to find out it was him up there on the balcony
The film features impressive performances from some highly underrated British actors in the infancy of their careers including Lesley Sharp, Siobhan Finneran and George Costigan. Michelle Holmes is a little full-on but her character drives the story along with a great degree of vivaciousness and humour. We also get an incredibly accurate portrayal of a hapless drunk by Willie Ross, who steals the show in all his scenes. The old man having his own little viewing party on the council estate is one of those lovely moments that stays with you long after watching. I always loved Danny O'Dea as Eli in Last of The Summer Wine and was delighted to find out it was him up there on the balcony