Rent Broken (2012)

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.

Good British drama - Broken review by LE

I rented this due to the link with Bill Kenwright - all the films he's been involved with have been excellent. Lots of great performances and well handled by Norris. There's a rather edgy post-screening interview with a film critic in the special features - Norris does not look happy. Maybe the screening hadn't gone as well as expected.

I'm surprised this film didn't cut through a bit more, I'd never heard of it until I rented it, and I can't see why it isn't more famous. I guess there's some rather egregious nepotism in some of the casting which leaves a bit of a sour taste in the mouth but other than that it's well worth your time. Tim Roth has never been better.