Due to factors beyond my control my entire blog has vanished, the host website can't even be accessed - I am devastated, mostly because I am one of those idiots that doesn't back up her writing!
Anyway - I am not one to dwell, so I am starting a new one and what better place to start than at the end.......
Finally after a very long and excruciating wait, yesterday I got to see the closing chapter of Noel Clark's Hood Movies trilogy - Brotherhood.
I'm in that position again where so much is swirling through my brain that I am having trouble forming sentences, so forgive me if I ramble.
Firstly, I have to say that it was everything I hoped it would be and more, in my opinion it was a perfect ending to a trilogy that I have basically grown up with - granted I was already 24 when Kidulthood came out, but I will always be a 17 year old at heart, so these films have spoken to me in so many ways; the carefree and reckless way you live your life as a teen, shown so raw and unflinchingly in Kidulthood, followed by Adulthood, dealing with the realisation that it's time to get your act together in your early 20's and the obstacles that your past actions will put in your way.
Brotherhood is basically the resolution, the final chapter showing our anti hero finally on the right path - finally forgiven, by the people he loves and most importantly, himself.
This trilogy is Noel Clark's magnum opus and is unquestionably a defining moment in British cinema and I hope it is recognised as such for years to come.
I love the first two movies, I know them by heart and watch them regularly, so like thousands (Millions?) of other people, I'm invested in these characters, I hated Sam in the first film, fell in love with him in the second film and got to say goodbye to him in the final chapter, which is one big deliciously satisfying resolution - I wish there had been a camera on my face to capture my reactions to this film; I cried, I laughed out loud, I winced at the violence, covered my eyes after one too many shots of Noel's bare arse - it was a total roller coaster.
It's funny, heartfelt and engaging, there is something for everyone in my eyes, including a really large amount of nakedness - male and female but along with this, which seems to be a welcome standard for Noel Clarke, there is a good solid representation of strong females - there's a piece of everyone in there, everyone is represented, all classes and walks of life, that's what I love about all 3 films, no one is discriminated against here we are all equal and we are all fuck ups - this is about showing that everyone is human, everyone is flawed, but the way you handle your business can be your defining quality; can make you the hero or the villain.
I'm rambling.........
The performances were flawless; endearing where appropriate and repellent when necessary.
Arnold Oceng and Jason Maza were both standout for me - for very different reasons.
Arnold was natural and hilarious, whilst being just the right amount of heartbreaking and soulful - he's the heart of this film, you really root for him and empathise with his situation, he's a real hero of the story, I'd like to see so much more of him.
Mr Maza on the other hand, although appearing relatively small in stature (Sorry) compared to a lot of the amazing talent he shared the screen with at points, he's literally all you see - his walk, his slight head bob with every word, his body language, his slightly dulled down Essex accent, that menacing semi squint, coupled with the 'shoulders back chest out' posture of a wide boy, made him the unrivaled villain of the piece, even though if I remember rightly, you only actually see him commit one single act of serious violence which was relatively silent and calm considering its magnitude and a little scuffle with Sam towards the end.
My question is though - has he made this impression just because he has that East London/Essex boy confidence?? Was he born to play that role?? Did he stand out to me because anyone who flattens their vowels and drops their TH's like that automatically sounds like home to me?? Who knows; either way he's a good actor who did his job extremely well.
Also worth a mention David Ajala - Christ almighty that is one beautiful man and lovely to see him return as a well needed champion of sorts for Sam. If you like his performance make sure you watch Starred up - amazing film, showcasing a lot more of his natural talent.
Leeshon Alexander was also a welcome addition and will get a whole post of his own when I can bring myself to watch 'We Are Monster' again. That film hurts my heart.
I could go on for hours, which is why I won't even start on Noel's performance (outstanding) but I will say that there was no one that made me flinch at any point, such a glorious ensemble of natural talent - a proper joy to watch.
There were a few absences and a few cast changes but none proved to be to the films detriment, in fact I think they were all wise choices.
Although where was Moony?? I feel like I need to know what happened there.
The soundtrack was off the scale amazing - I must have been pissing everyone off in the cinema constantly Shazaming stuff ha ha needless to say its a staple on my Spotify and long will that continue.
The writing was spot on, moving and intelligent, hilarious and affecting - one particular monologue from the man himself, almost literally took the air out of my lungs; it was beautifully written and beautifully delivered. You will know when you see it I'm 100% sure of that.
The whole feel of the film is the distinct combination of Noel Clarke and The Hood Movies (the last two anyway) - the montage, the sprinting tracking shot, the cut to black ending to name but a few; all familiar and all just as effective as the first time. And the blue hoody makes a return which warmed my heart.
There are so many more scenes and sequences that I know made me physically react but I refuse to be that wierdo taking notes in the cinema - I know I'll watch it again and I know different things will stand out for me so I'll update when I've seen it again.
The point to my waffling is that this is a moment in British cinema that needs to be witnessed - and while you're at it go back and appreciate his previous work, especially if you have this false impression that The Hood Movies is all he's capable of or all he knows.
Wrong.
The Knot (my undisputed favourite), Fast Girls, The Anomoly; to name a few - all amazing films.
Anyway in summary, this is a bloody good film and judging by the huge variety of different people who attended the showing I did (there was one guy, easily late 60's extremely white, who was laughing louder than anyone; he had a great time) everyone should go and see it. Maybe don't take your kids though :-/
Go watch it and learn about yourself.
P.S. Couple of highlights for me - pre skinhead Nick Nevern (I do love him) and Jason Maza's red trousers. Actually Jason Maza's wardrobe in general - those Ellesse running shorts were beaut.
Due to factors beyond my control my entire blog has vanished, the host website can't even be accessed - I am devastated, mostly because I am one of those idiots that doesn't back up her writing!
Anyway - I am not one to dwell, so I am starting a new one and what better place to start than at the end.......
Finally after a very long and excruciating wait, yesterday I got to see the closing chapter of Noel Clark's Hood Movies trilogy - Brotherhood.
I'm in that position again where so much is swirling through my brain that I am having trouble forming sentences, so forgive me if I ramble.
Firstly, I have to say that it was everything I hoped it would be and more, in my opinion it was a perfect ending to a trilogy that I have basically grown up with - granted I was already 24 when Kidulthood came out, but I will always be a 17 year old at heart, so these films have spoken to me in so many ways; the carefree and reckless way you live your life as a teen, shown so raw and unflinchingly in Kidulthood, followed by Adulthood, dealing with the realisation that it's time to get your act together in your early 20's and the obstacles that your past actions will put in your way.
Brotherhood is basically the resolution, the final chapter showing our anti hero finally on the right path - finally forgiven, by the people he loves and most importantly, himself.
This trilogy is Noel Clark's magnum opus and is unquestionably a defining moment in British cinema and I hope it is recognised as such for years to come.
I love the first two movies, I know them by heart and watch them regularly, so like thousands (Millions?) of other people, I'm invested in these characters, I hated Sam in the first film, fell in love with him in the second film and got to say goodbye to him in the final chapter, which is one big deliciously satisfying resolution - I wish there had been a camera on my face to capture my reactions to this film; I cried, I laughed out loud, I winced at the violence, covered my eyes after one too many shots of Noel's bare arse - it was a total roller coaster.
It's funny, heartfelt and engaging, there is something for everyone in my eyes, including a really large amount of nakedness - male and female but along with this, which seems to be a welcome standard for Noel Clarke, there is a good solid representation of strong females - there's a piece of everyone in there, everyone is represented, all classes and walks of life, that's what I love about all 3 films, no one is discriminated against here we are all equal and we are all fuck ups - this is about showing that everyone is human, everyone is flawed, but the way you handle your business can be your defining quality; can make you the hero or the villain.
I'm rambling.........
The performances were flawless; endearing where appropriate and repellent when necessary.
Arnold Oceng and Jason Maza were both standout for me - for very different reasons.
Arnold was natural and hilarious, whilst being just the right amount of heartbreaking and soulful - he's the heart of this film, you really root for him and empathise with his situation, he's a real hero of the story, I'd like to see so much more of him.
Mr Maza on the other hand, although appearing relatively small in stature (Sorry) compared to a lot of the amazing talent he shared the screen with at points, he's literally all you see - his walk, his slight head bob with every word, his body language, his slightly dulled down Essex accent, that menacing semi squint, coupled with the 'shoulders back chest out' posture of a wide boy, made him the unrivaled villain of the piece, even though if I remember rightly, you only actually see him commit one single act of serious violence which was relatively silent and calm considering its magnitude and a little scuffle with Sam towards the end.
My question is though - has he made this impression just because he has that East London/Essex boy confidence?? Was he born to play that role?? Did he stand out to me because anyone who flattens their vowels and drops their TH's like that automatically sounds like home to me?? Who knows; either way he's a good actor who did his job extremely well.
Also worth a mention David Ajala - Christ almighty that is one beautiful man and lovely to see him return as a well needed champion of sorts for Sam. If you like his performance make sure you watch Starred up - amazing film, showcasing a lot more of his natural talent.
Leeshon Alexander was also a welcome addition and will get a whole post of his own when I can bring myself to watch 'We Are Monster' again. That film hurts my heart.
I could go on for hours, which is why I won't even start on Noel's performance (outstanding) but I will say that there was no one that made me flinch at any point, such a glorious ensemble of natural talent - a proper joy to watch.
There were a few absences and a few cast changes but none proved to be to the films detriment, in fact I think they were all wise choices.
Although where was Moony?? I feel like I need to know what happened there.
The soundtrack was off the scale amazing - I must have been pissing everyone off in the cinema constantly Shazaming stuff ha ha needless to say its a staple on my Spotify and long will that continue.
The writing was spot on, moving and intelligent, hilarious and affecting - one particular monologue from the man himself, almost literally took the air out of my lungs; it was beautifully written and beautifully delivered. You will know when you see it I'm 100% sure of that.
The whole feel of the film is the distinct combination of Noel Clarke and The Hood Movies (the last two anyway) - the montage, the sprinting tracking shot, the cut to black ending to name but a few; all familiar and all just as effective as the first time. And the blue hoody makes a return which warmed my heart.
There are so many more scenes and sequences that I know made me physically react but I refuse to be that wierdo taking notes in the cinema - I know I'll watch it again and I know different things will stand out for me so I'll update when I've seen it again.
The point to my waffling is that this is a moment in British cinema that needs to be witnessed - and while you're at it go back and appreciate his previous work, especially if you have this false impression that The Hood Movies is all he's capable of or all he knows.
Wrong.
The Knot (my undisputed favourite), Fast Girls, The Anomoly; to name a few - all amazing films.
Anyway in summary, this is a bloody good film and judging by the huge variety of different people who attended the showing I did (there was one guy, easily late 60's extremely white, who was laughing louder than anyone; he had a great time) everyone should go and see it. Maybe don't take your kids though :-/
Go watch it and learn about yourself.
P.S. Couple of highlights for me - pre skinhead Nick Nevern (I do love him) and Jason Maza's red trousers. Actually Jason Maza's wardrobe in general - those Ellesse running shorts were beaut.