Review of Neds (2007) by Ally C — 13 Apr 2011

Neds is the new film by Scottish director Peter Mullan. A doyen of the Social Realism school of British cinema and maker of films that don't pull their punches. Neds (standing for Non-Educated Delinquents) is similarly harsh but instead of being a straight laced slice of the downtrodden working classes, his portrayal of gang violence and inner city education is complex and with high tension.

This isn't to say his move towards violence is a welcome one, indeed where the film falters slightly is the psychotic unravelling of Conor McCarron's John McGill as his self-control is strips away with his potential as a leading member of class towards a troubled individual who turns away from all facets of mainstream society.

Although Mullan chooses to show the extreme character change McGill goes through, he is justified as this is a danger in schools, Scottish at least. Mullan plays McGill's father, an unnervingly fearsome character, drunk and violent but eerily quiet at times.

The surrounding cast of school friends, gang members and family are top notch and one can't help but seeing Neds as a less sweet, Scottish version of This Is England, a film that has changed the British filmmaking landscape with its portrayal of period adolescents.

As always from Mullen, this is a cracking attempt to show a side of life that is too often neglected in cinema and he nearly pulls it off with stunning effect.