A visceral, dark, but tremendously compelling film

Rating: 10/10 (22 August 2013)

This film is truly incredible. It's basically a picture of the lives of a group of boys as they move from pre-teens to young adults and it's startling yet simultaneously exciting to watch.
The acting in the film is superb, both the older actors and the child actors turn in memorable performances, especially those playing the three leads. Character development is crucial to this film's success and this is down to a great script and some nuanced acting - which in turn creates some very likable characters, although my favourite performance was probably that of the 'villain' Lil' Z, who I feel was able to make us even empathise with him occasionally despite some of the cruelest behaviour possible. The storytelling is quirky and almost fun (shining through the darkness, I guess) - with the narrator, Rocket, guiding us through the events in his life in an unconventional, practically omniscient way. Twists and turns are not overused - on the contrary they are used to great effect at just the right points. Nothing really feels out of place as everything is pretty logical.
The direction and cinematography also deserve high praise. There are some great shots (which I shan't spoil for you) and the dark, green/blue tinted colour of the film is equally noticeable.
All in all, the film is exciting and is one of the best gangster flicks you're likely ever to see - so buy the DVD/Blu-Ray and get watching! You won't regret it.