Urban Hymn (2015)

Not much to say other than the fact that this film was both beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time, anybody can achieve any goal as long as they believe in themselves no matter their background.

Urban Hymn is a stunning and complex drama that keeps you on your toes throughout. I was surprised by this film's ability to grab my attention and sustain it, I truly couldn't look away. The director, Michael Caton-Jones, takes you on an immersive journey through the lives of a case worker and a troubled teen and their unexpected common ground in music. Jamie has been through many hardships in her 17 years and has barely any hope for her future. Kate, her case worker, teaches her to realize her potential and inspire her to follow her passions. This is a story of overcoming your past, accepting a helping hand and understanding that you are more than your circumstances. This film is truly a tear-jerking coming of age story that reminds us that everyday can be a fresh start. I recommend this film to anyone who has a passion for music, its affect in people's lives and an appreciation for film that isn't afraid to be unapologetically human.

What a breathtaking film! Urban Hymn is a powerful and heart-wrenching story of an inner-city teenager named Jamie Harrison, broken from her harrowing journey thus far. Jamie discovers her purpose in life through the grace and generosity of social worker Kate Linton, as she leads Jamie toward the power of music. Jamie then reveals to have a stunning voice that astonishes all who have only known her for pillaging and being an overall miscreant. Her troubled past life seems to get in the way of her newfound hope for a better life for herself, namely her degenerate best friend Leanne whose selfish attempts to keep Jamie from following her dream results in a shocking twist at the end of the film. From a cinematographic standpoint, the aesthetic of the multiple shots of Kate running through the park in London on a cloudy day matches the tone of film so perfectly. I think the thing that really makes this film stand out is its actors' incredible performances. They are so transparent and passionate; the story itself is such a classic turnaround coming of age story, but it is so beautifully and organically illustrated through these unique characters. This thrilling and complex film is definitely a must-see!

With quiet grace, Urban Hymn steps forth onto the stage, a single spotlight pierces the darkness, a pinprick of sound in a void, we wait. This entire film is waiting, with bated breath and hardened limbs, we wait. We wait for our wispy protagonist (Shirley Henderson) to connect with her troubled teen charge (Letitia Wright). We wait for this troubled teen to step out from her shadows and brave the light, we wait. This film gains traction as it moves, it relishes in the evolution of its characters, and celebrates their triumphs. Director Michael Caton Jones celebrates the individual in this film, which is exactly what saves it from the all too familiar pitfalls of its genre. Following the well worn path of past coming of age stories, Jones breathes new life to this emotional journey with his brilliant cast. Shirley Henderson becomes social worker Kate Linton, a grieving mother struggling to let go of her murdered son. Henderson plays this part beautifully, equal parts confident and hesitant, never overplaying either, she finds a delicate balance within her character. New to the screen Letitia Wright, too talented to believe this is her first feature lead role, lends her trembling, soprano voice to the film. Wright manages to be both brash and vulnerable within the same breath, a skill that lends itself well to his film. Outside of the dangerous dichotomy between Kate and Jamie Harrison, London looms, and it has never looked so beautiful. Cinematographer Dennis Crossan creates a world from a pallet of muted tones, careful faded pastels juxtaposed with warm gashes of golden light. Crossan keeps the camera tight on our characters, and the claustrophobic nature of the film fails to lift except in a few moments of unbridled freedom. It is for these moments that we wait, we wait for our happy ending, for our characters to find themselves. Sometimes we wait for nothing, but in this movie the wait is worth it.