A Major Disappointment

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Samantha Morton's passion for this story is evident in the purposeful construction of the film. At first you will wonder what in the world is happening, but as the film develops you will start to understand that the lingering cuts are drawing you into Lucy's world. Molly Windsor does an incredible job of portraying the innocent little observer who is thrust into a wildly different world when she is forced to move into a group home. Still sleeping with her teddy bear she has to room with Lauren, a rebellious teen who takes Lucy along with her shoplifting, partying, etc. The film is a bit sad and doesn't really offer any solution and so you are left feeling sorry for Lucy and hoping she will not succumb to the temptations around her and last probably until she ages out of the system. Hopefully what this film can do is bring awareness to problems in the social service system not only in the UK, but everywhere and perhaps kind hearted people will be stirred to help these children.

I'm surprised to see so few reviews of this marvel. I also don't think this is a sad movie, unless you had a perfect childhood. Instead, it is reassuring and inspirational to find out that some have suffered more than us, and can put our imperfect pasts into perspective. The world is shown as seen solely through the eyes of the 11-year-old Lucy, who is almost merely an observer of her own life, with little dialogue and action in most parts; the script, the acting and the direction are as uncomplicated as they are powerful. Special mention should go to the lead actress: it is impossible to take your emotional eyes off Lucy at any time, and not to feel both the pains she suffers and the little joys she encounters; the longing for affection she endures and the masses of affection she radiates at the same time. The calm, humanity, love and care of Lucy's character are not diminished but instead reinforced by everything she goes through, and to that end she emerges triumphant from the film... and from life itself. The necessary consequence of all this is that the screen writer-director deserves the highest level of admiration, for both her life and for the direction of this piece, and also a massive thanks for sharing a lot of herself in this powerful drama.

Watched this last night knowing it would stir up all the emotions you can imagine when dealing with the abuse of children and to be honest I was hoping it would be rubbish so I would have the excuse of stopping watching. Well it was powerful stuff, understated drama without being overly dramatic. You wanted to reach out and hug the girl, buy her clean clothes, give her so called carers an earful not for not caring but for not paying attention. If the system is in any part like this, and I'm sure it is, then those in the business should get a wake up call from watching this in learning what not to do. Samantha Morton can be proud of this work as a directorial debut and I am sure it was cathartic based on her childhood as she was in care until 16. Molly Windsor is excellent in the role as the child. Robert Carlyle's is quality as usual

Saw this on Channel 4 tonight. 2 key words: Bleak & beautiful.The acting during the bust-up at the Christmas Party was very realistic. The last continuous shot of the young girl on the bus home was very poignant. That image really stays with you.If Samantha is reading this: Congratulations and well done on this great film. The subject matter was presented 'just right'. Coleen's music felt really natural (and, never forced). If you never direct again, that's fine, you can be very proud of this. I understand completely that this was something felt you had to do - rather than it being 'another gig' (like most directors).Can you please provide details of all the music used in the film. The end credits text (font) was so small, I could barely read it! The subtitles didn't note every song, either. In particular, I'd like to know the name of track used at the Christams party - the one with the dance-off.Thank you. All the best for the future :) HP