Ill Manors

(Ben Drew/2012/UK)

A vehicle for rapper Plan B to showcase 8 songs revolving around the 8 characters whose lives are the focus of the film Ill Manors works in places and not in others. Essentially it captures the sense of frustration and hopelessness in growing up in a particular part of London as well as the community dynamics in those estates and streets too. But it also over eggs the story or stories to the point of soap opera level drama. Far too much happens in a week to stay completely engaged with it as issue after issue is highlighted. It’s a pity because if it had scaled back the script to focus more on 3 or 4 of the main characters it might have resulted in a tighter and more forceful film. The performances can’t be faulted and the setting and characterisations are on point so it really is a case of an overstuffed narrative.

(2.5/5)