Sweet Sixteen (2002)
For a young man from a tough family, growing up can be a rough journey
Starring: Martin Compston, Annmarie Fulton, William Ruane
Director: Ken Loach
Running Time: 102 minutes
US MPAA rating: N/AUK BBFC rating: 18
Drama
On DVD Martin Compston plays Liam, a young lad who lives in the estates of Greenock in Scotland. Part of a dysfunctional family, his mother is in jail and he lives with his mother's boyfriend and his grandfather, both rough troublemakers. As his mother's release and his 16th birthday approach, he dreams of a better life with his mother in a caravan away from the trouble. However, to make it happen, first he must raise the money.
In pursuit of his dream life, Liam and his friends get involved in ever more risky money-making schemes that put him in increasing danger and entangle him with some of the people who carry out the violence and crime in the area. Resistant at first, Liam finds a distorted strength within himself to sink to new depths if it will achieve his goal. Drawn in to the violence, finally he can no longer avoid the life to which he was born and which he has tried so hard to escape
This is a fine film that very much deserves its place in the small but significant group of outstanding British films that has attracted a wider audience. Newcomer Martin Compston is outstanding and makes quite a mark on his debut, although only time will tell if he is able to sustain this in future films. Ken Loach produces a gritty, realistic tale of life on a dismal Scottish estate, and exposes the soft side of the hard youngsters who live there without diverging from the harsh reality of their lives. The characters are sympathetic and likeable, even while being genuinely rough and intimidating. The film is full of truth and, much as one would wish to do otherwise, Loach forces the viewer to acknowledge it.
DVD Extras: A decent collection of extras for this small British film.
Extras: Director's commentary, Sweet Success - BBC documentary, Outtakes, TV spot, Theatrical trailer.
It's Got: A truly outstanding performance from young newcomer Martin Compston.
It Needs: Viewers prepared to concentrate to understand the thick regional accents.
Alternatives: Kes, My Name is Joe, The Navigators
Summary: An outstanding, touching, gritty and emotional film full of harsh reality that truly deserves the accolades it has received. Well worth making the time to see.
Review by Andrea Chee
Review Date: 5th February 2003
External Links
Sweet Sixteen at the IMDB
Comments3 Comments |
| Iam from Greenock, where sweet sixteen is set and filmed. this film gives a real good idea of what happens in every day life in greenock. i like this film very much as it is. i managed to get in the film by walking by when they were running down West Blackhall Street (after Liam got the truck to knock over the policemans bike lol) Im the guy siting down!! I give this film a rating of 10/10 Well done Martin Compston and Ken Loach!! |
| Comment by:- chris | | 26 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| Hi i am fae Clydebank and i just LOVE Sweet Sixteen it is an amazing film! i just love the way they talk it is brilliant Martin is a really Good actor and really GOOD looking too hehe! i give the film a rating of 10/10 well done to Ken Loach here before i go do u know how i can get in touch wae Martin at all?! |
| Comment by:- Sarah xxx | | 13 October 2004 | ip: logged |
| i love martin comston. he is so sexy. i love the film as well and i would give it a 10/10. any other girl that thinks martin is sexy can keep there hands of him, he is mine. xoxox |
| Comment by:- sarah anderson | www. i don't know.com... | 10 November 2004 | ip: logged |
