Review of Ill Manors

This film came to my attention very late, less than a week ago even. But i watched the trailer, was very impressed and took myself off to the cinema this afternoon with much excitement and enthusiasm. So did it fulfil my expectations? Yes and no. Yes, it's an unflinching and very realistic look at the drug trade in London. The drug of interest in this film - cocaine. But lets face it, cocaine is a massive problem everywhere now, i know it is in my town. But at least that is something most of us can relate to and keep at a distance - most of us have the choice not to take drugs or be involved in the dealing of drugs and the violence that comes with it. The characters in this story are the poor unfortunates that were forced in to this way of life in order to survive. The subject of foster care and the results of poor foster care resonate with several characters in this film.

So in those respects this film is a masterclass - as is the acting and ben drews direction is fantastic.

But then there's the script. There is a story laid out with an inter wining theme - but no real protagonist of antagonist is ever properly established as the plot switches too often to establish the key characters and their overall goal.

This is one of the best debut films i have ever seen, but its writing is severely flawed in my opinion. However, Im sure whatever Mr Drew delivers next will be a masterclass if this is the film-making talent he is showing this early on.