Kidulthood

If you've been holed up in a box for a good few decades, this subject matter might shock your knee-high pantyhose right off, but for most of us, we know that the reality out there for many kid/adults (hence the name) is much like this movie. If you don't recognise yourself, your friends, people you know or your neighbourhood in at least some of the issues highlighted then your urban wonderland is a place some can only dream of. Written by Noel Clarke, 'Kidulthood' succeeds in looking through the eyes of those in that transient state between kid and adult, and the umpteen challenges the world piles on their lonely teenage plate. Its short sharp edits, imaginative camera angles, booming basslines and bitter tales make for challenging and harrowing viewing at times, and it's certainly not one to take your gran or little nephew to go see. But for its mature performances and brutally truthful look at the world today's youth find themselves in, it's not to be missed. [Simone Gray]