A Room for Romeo Brass (2000)

In December 1998 young independent film maker Shane Meadows, soon to turn 26, began filming on this dramatised semi-autobiographical feature. Many years on Meadows is now considered one of the foremost artists of British independent cinema - largely a credit to 'This is England', the project which took so much out of the creator that he felt it necessary to check into a clinic to recuperate prior to it's release. The 2006 film, which was a critical and award winning success, was a development of the themes, characters and style introduced here in 'A Room for Romeo Brass'.Through an endearing prologue starring a bag of chips we are introduced to Romeo (Andrew Shim) and his best friend 'Knocks' (Ben Marshall), two midlands boys on the verge of adolescence, representative of a young Meadows and his co-writer, Paul Fraser. The boys have come through tarnished early years together and they share a bond which grants each the confidence to act older than the children that they are. Confidence verges on cockiness with Knocks and leads the pair into a park scuffle with two older lads. Morell (Paddy Considine), a chance bystander, is drawn into the fold as the hero who defends the young duo and breaks up the fight. Morell is 'overcome with love' when he meets Romeo's sister Ladine (Vicky McClure, who would later play Shim's love interest 'Lol' in the 'This is England' film and series). Learning no lesson from the park episode, Knocks plays a prank to make Morell look the fool in front of Ladine. Morell immediately pursues his love and the audience laughs along as he is branded a 'gizoid' by Ladine. It is not long though before the laughing stops, as Knocks is left alone for just a few moments with Morell's darker side.The gripping layered performance of Morell by Considine makes it difficult to believe that this was the actor's first movie role. A number of collaborations with Meadows followed and undoubtedly inspired his own award winning directorial debut in 2011, the beautifully gritty 'Tyrannosaur'. Considine is one in a cast of hot picks by Meadows. The depth of every individual shines through in a real testament to the actors but also to the script from the master of British characters. The most enjoyable aspect of this film is that you are watching real people in real situations, presented in a way that highlights familiar faults and flaws. Meadows is better than black and white packaging of good and bad. Here a hero quickly becomes a villain and in turn a villain becomes a hero but there is no naive suggestion that these transitions are final. Just as in 'This is England' we learnt that the Combo's behaviour is beyond his control, here we pity Morall, psychologically scarred by frequent beatings from his father and by being left all alone following his later death from illness.The foundations for the later masterpiece are set out: A young male protagonist, a reflection of Meadows' memory, projects a tough guy persona as a defense mechanism formed to overcome the lack of a present father. He falls in with an emotionally damaged substitute father figure and previously strong friendships are pushed to the limits. Disturbing physical violence is witnessed first hand before finishing with a calm bedroom chat with Mum to set us on the right track again. Where 'This is England' has the edge is in the natural development of these elements, the horror factor of the racism theme and the greatly enhanced production quality.

Paddy Considine's performance alone is worthy of the 10/10 rating. Considine's character Morell truly pulls you into the film, funny, creepy, twisted, sad, emotional, his character touches all emotions. Screen time without Morell can best be described as taking cigarettes away from a smoker. It's amazing how films like this go under the radar and are never brought up in conversation about great British films.I've watched this twice in 2 days, mainly down to Considine's performance and I'm pretty sure it won't be my last viewing.Morell has now become one of my favourite cult film characters, great quotes, great mannerisms, great performance... oh and great clothes.

just sitting here watching this and ...wow...Paddy Considine what a great job he does starts of all nice and shy then starts to turn....and man does he turn .....mind you ....whats up with the dad (bill) ...wheres ya balls ....I do like the way Paddy delivers his performance on this on e and think i will try and find out more about his work! This movie is sure worth a look ! the two boys do a delightful job of keeping the flow of the movie even an appearance by bob hoskins is interesting to see. I'm sitting here watching it and wondering if Paddy is going to make a final comeback after getting his beans ...watching with antisipation

Let me get to the point about this film. Paddy Considine is outstandingly brilliant in the role that should have made him an icon if anyone had bothered to see it! He is at once dynamic, dangerous, disturbing and occasionly comic. He reminded me of Travis Bickle that De Niro so brilliantly played in Taxi Driver. High praise indeed, but very deserving as we are in an age where everybody moans about British cinema without bothering to seek gems like this out. So well done to Shane Meadows, keep churning out class like this and 24/7 and you'll become a legend!! From The West Midlands