Rent Broken (2012)

CHARMING, YET DARK, FAMLY DRAMA - Broken review by GF

Powerful film often dark, yet often funny and moving, this UK film focuses on three neighbouring families, who are all in their own way 'Broken'.

The central character 'Skunk', a twelve year old girl, played by newcomer Eloise laurence is the glue holding the film together and the film is formed by her relationships with her Father in particular and the other characters.

This film won the British Independent Film of the year and to attract such actors such as Tim Roth and Denis Lawson, it was going to have to be something special and it certainly is - definitely a must see, and proof that UK cinema is capable of producing more than fluff about Royal families and second rate gangster flicks.

Sad to its boots - Broken review by JD

Only Brits do films as genuinely sad without being dramatic, clichéd, rom-com, or emotional. This is just real and pathetic in a normal suburban way. Only some of the children are not outstandingly good actors. My reservation about 5 stars is that some of the characters are a little extreme for complete credibility and some of the acting. There are well observed remembrances about school, particularly about bullying. The scene towards the end involving the girl played by Lily James will stop you from breathing in an utterly still and quiet moment the tension could not be greater.