Storyline

Youth culture meets identity politics in this part-thriller, part-gay love story set in London in 1977, days before the Queen's Silver Jubilee celebrations. The hedonistic world of pirate DJs Chris and Caz is shattered when a close friend is killed while cruising in the local park. The black community suspect the National Front, but the police pull Chris in as a suspect. This beautifully crafted period piece, a bold and stylish debut feature from Isaac Julien, paints a convincing picture of late-'70s London. The city is a carefully mapped out social landscape, open to all but offering safety to none, as we are taken to a Dalston barber, east London council estates festooned with Union Jacks, West End offices, soul clubs and city parks.

Plot Keywords

1970s, immigrant, graveyard, gay, gay kiss, garage, funeral, friend, friendship, flirting, fire, fellatio, interracial couple, interracial relationship, interrogation, nudity, murder, money, mirror, microphone

Short Review

Nice idea poorly executed with some of the worst acting you’ll see this side of pantomime season. The courage to deal with some hitherto uncovered themes around sexuality, race, music culture and racism is to be applauded, but the soundtrack and the title are some of the best elements of this disappointing film. Naff, no grit.

Trailer

Streaming Service

1. Amazon Video : Rent from $1.99, Or $0.00 with a Prime membership