Review of Nil by Mouth (1997) by M D — 04 Apr 2009
A bleak, hopeless, and otherwise heart wrenching film that vividly captures the reality of day-to-day life in the London slums. Nowhere have I seen a more disturbing portrait of a distraught and in every way dysfunctional familial unit than the one portrayed in this film.
It is a family torn at the seams by poverty, abuse, alcoholism, and drug use. It is so tragic to watch, yet so affecting at the same time, because you cannot help but pity them. Ray Winstone is terrifying.
His performance in this film will shock you to the core with its brutality, and unabashed abusiveness. He is a downright sickening and pathetic individual. Charlie Creed-Miles and Kathy Burke give remarkable performances as well, as the addict, and the battered wife, respectively.
This movie is definitely not for those seeking an uplifting experience, nor for those who are appalled by profanity or violence (this film has the second-most uses of the word "fuck" of any film ever made).
But for those who see it, it will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark comparable only to Requiem for a Dream. Kudos to Gary Oldman on this auspicious directorial debut.
This review of Nil by Mouth (1997) was written by M D on 04 Apr 2009.
Nil by Mouth has generally received very positive reviews.
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