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Small Faces
1996
Three teenage brothers, gang-member Bobby, troubled mama's boy Charlie and self-assured prankster Lex, reside in a downtrodden section of Glasgow, Scotland, circa 1968. But while Bobby and Charlie are beginning to experience the power of raging hormones, the story focuses on Lex, who begins a downward spiral after he .. Read more
| Starring | Clare Higgins, Ian McElhinney, Iain Robertson, Kevin McKidd |
|---|---|
| Director | Gillies Mackinnon |
| Genres | Drama |
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Small Faces
Three teenage brothers, gang-member Bobby, troubled mama's boy Charlie and self-assured prankster Lex, reside in a downtrodden section of Glasgow, Scotland, circa 1968. But while Bobby and Charlie are beginning to experience the power of raging hormones, the story focuses on Lex, who begins a downward spiral after he accidentally shoots the leader of Bobby's gang. Lex's cockiness and immaturity unfortunately prevent him from understanding the effect his subsequent crimes will have on both himself, and on those around him. Brutally candid.
| Starring | Clare Higgins, Ian McElhinney, Iain Robertson, Kevin McKidd, Joe McFadden |
|---|---|
| Director | Gillies Mackinnon |
| Studio | PATHE DISTRIBUTION |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 44 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 30 Jun 2003 Production year: 1996 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (5)
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Rather lost in the swell created by Trainspotting, this excellent memoir of late-1960s Glasgow was co-written by director Gillies MacKinnon and his producer brother Billy. Iain Robertson is absolutely superb as the razor-sharp teenager who's unsure which of his brothers is the best role model — emotionally stunted hardcase JS Duffy or art student Joseph McFadden. Whether running with street gangs, suffering the agonies of a family get-together or driving mother Clare Higgins to distraction, Robertson never fails to convince, which can't always be said for some of the period details. Govan in the 1960s might have been a tough old place, but it seems almost innocent 30 years on.
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"...One of the great Scottish evocations of youth....Consummately crafted, surprisingly delicately acted by its young cast..."
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Most helpful member's review
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11 out of 11 people found this review helpful
Technically-unskilled, dramatically effective. Memorable.
As a kid I was in awe of this film for its exciting gangland depiction of Glasgow. Watching it again recently its flaws are obvious. In general, the dialogue is poor and the directing undistinguished or even unaccomplished. But it does have a lot going for it. It successfuly captures the violent 60s Glasgow of the Quadrophenia era in a way no other film has done, but while it takes place in the same cultural timeframe as Quad, its style is authentically Glaswegian. Its characters are believable, colourful and interesting. The dramatic climax it builds to is powerful and well-executed. In fact this film has several scenes which are highly memorable. Despite its technical shortcomings, this is a good piece of British cinema, and was recently voted into the BFI top 100 list of 'culturally British films which made a strong and lasting impression'.
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Most recent members' review
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3 out of 4 people found this review helpful
I c'dnee find the heart
A decent film which paints a vivid, albeit romanticised, version of growing up amongst the Glasgow gangs in the late 1960s.
Nice photography and design make the period setting a pleasure to watch. Meanwhile the script is full of little incidents which have the hallmark of authenticity, both of the era and the locale.
Unfortunately, this begins to wear a bit thin, as the story itself is progressively diluted in an attempt to be (too) balanced in it's coverage of the various characters and you never really feel as deeply involved with the main kid as you should. As a result, although it's interesting, it isn't moving. The cast is good, but it all seems to operate at surface level only. -
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Small Faces
Three teenage brothers, gang-member Bobby, troubled mama's boy Charlie and self-assured prankster Lex, reside in a downtrodden section of Glasgow, Scotland, circa 1968. But while Bobby and Charlie are beginning to experience the power of raging hormones, the story focuses on Lex, who begins a ...
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