Average Rating: 7.9/10
Reviews Counted: 85
Fresh: 82 | Rotten: 3
A bleak, but heartbreaking coming-of-age tale that resonates with truth.
Average Rating: 7.8/10
Critic Reviews: 28
Fresh: 28 | Rotten: 0
A bleak, but heartbreaking coming-of-age tale that resonates with truth.
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Average Rating: 3.9/5
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Paul Laverty writes his fourth script with director Ken Loach for the gritty coming-of-age drama Sweet Sixteen. Set in the port city of Greenock, Scotland, local kid Liam (Martin Compston) spends his days trying to make money with his best friend, Pinball (William Ruane). When he refuses to use his imprisoned mother, Jean (Michelle Coulter), as a drug mule, his criminal stepfather, Stan (Gary McCormack), and bitter grandfather, Rab (Tommy McKee), kick him out of the house. He moves in with his
May 16, 2003 Limited
Oct 7, 2003
$0.2M
Lions Gate Films
All Critics (93) | Top Critics (28) | Fresh (84) | Rotten (3) | DVD (9)
Using mostly unknown and first-time actors, Loach spins a passable coming-of-age tale, which should please his fans and provides a diversion for the rest of us.
Despite this film's title, don't expect something light and fluffy.
From its gripping immediacy to its strong cast of unknowns, Sweet Sixteen feels almost like a documentary. Loach and screenwriter Paul Laverty keep an evenhanded focus on harsh truths, and avoid melodrama and grandstanding.
There's a profane but strangely tender rawness to this sometimes brutal movie, anchored by Compston's remarkably assured debut performance.
A raw movie, but it relies on the natural appeal of its main character and the skill with which Loach creates a thoroughly believable environment.
The movie's performances have a simplicity and accuracy that is always convincing.
Under Loach's deft hand, it feels indisputably real ... An undeniable downer, but hellaciously well acted, brimming with compassion, and relevant in a way that doesn't chafe.
Hollywood has manufactured a number of coming of age films of varying quality, yet it's difficult to think of one that tops this powerful character study
You want Liam to succeed. You want a happy ending. You want to try to understand the heavy Scottish accents without reading the subtitles mercifully provided by Loach.
Another fine Loach film that refuses to sentimentalize the plight of the poor and disenfranchised. Compston is a real find.
The story is extremely powerful. This is a very depressing film, but also very well crafted.
Its bleak tale was lightly delivered and filled with a wry Scottish wit and a poignant social realism that rang true.
Sweet Sixteen is an excellent movie on a number of levels; it's just too bad the DVD is so unsweetened.
Sweet Sixteen is a wonderfully bittersweet effort, and one of Loach's best works.
Loach tends to get a little preachy, but his skill is undeniable. His messages strike harsh and true.
There are some terrific performances. Scottish TV star Compston makes Liam quite sympathetic; despite his character's many failings, you want the best for him and his family.
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