Excellent film.

Rating: 8/10 (2 July 2006)

This has remained one of my favorite movies for years and years now. It has always struck me as a very real-life film that needs no more than a turbulent story and great acting to capture its audience.
The first thing that comes to mind in this movie's favor is Edward Norton's performance as Derek Vinyard. Very moving and powerful, and in my eyes the best performance of his career thus far. Edward Furlong's performance as Derek's little brother I felt was good, but not too exceptional. A few of his scenes just didn't sit right with me, maybe because of his age. All the other crucial roles I thought were superb.
A powerful ending is what I think really seals the deal on any great film, and this film definitely delivers. The ending is somewhat of a surprise, and a very drastic change in mood for the viewer.
All-in-all, the film has a great flow; easy to understand and very emotional. Why I gave it an 8 is probably due to watch ability. It's not a movie I'd sit and watch over and over, but more of one that I'd watch and leave on the shelf for a while. For Tony Kaye's first movie, forget about it. Definitely looking forward to more from this guy.