A frightening look at the day in the life of a group of troubled teens, growing up in west London. Gritty, raw and brutally frank, “Kidulthood” goes deep into London’s hidden underbelly and delivers a hard-hitting reflection of what life is really like for 21st century teenagers. In a world where sex is currency, drugs are easy and violence is a way of life, trouble can never be too far behind.
The film follows 15-year-old Trife, a boy trapped between the world of his school friends, the girl he loves and the draw of his powerful and dangerous uncle. When classes are suspended after a bullied schoolgirl hangs herself rather than face another day of torment, Trife and his crew take to the streets where sex and drugs are a way of life and violence lurks behind every corner.
The Truth
Kidulthood is yet another film you’ve never heard of, but are definately missing out on. Its often hard to watch as the violence seems so real and unmoderated, you often believe you are watching a documentary.
I found myself hating some of the lead characters, especially Noel Clarke’s character “Sam”, as we watch him beat up teenage girls and bully the local school kids into submission. The movie is a rather frightening journey into the lives of inner city teenagers in London’s East Side.
The Action
Its no an action movie, but there’s quite a few fight scenes and beatings in the film.
The Sex
While there isn’t any nudity in the film, there is a lot of sexual content and situations put forward. Kind of a risky situation for the filmmakers, since a lot of the cast is under the age of 18.
What’s good about it?
A strong cast of characters and real situations make this movie a winner. Its a dark drama based around all the social problems we had when we were kids as well. Teenage pregnancy, drugs, sex, theft.. friends, the wrong crowd, relationships, alcohol etc.
What’s bad about it?
I often could not understand the dialogue among the main characters because of their heavy thick, british accents and slang. I found it hard to keep up with the inner story because of their muddled english.
You’ll Like It If
You are in the mood for a dark, at times uncomforatable drama.
Reminds me of
Juice, Boyz N The Hood
The Verdict
Kidulthood is one of the better drama’s I have had the pleasure to watch this year and is not suitable for young children or young teens.
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