Sinead Gilmartin Sargent

This is a truly gritty, hard look at how the hard, tiresome, emotionally draining work of specially gifted teachers try to support the educational, social and emotional needs of students who need that additional support to try to get them into a place where they can contribute meaningfully to society, their families and ultimately to themselves. The stories are harrowing, the language is foul, the cinematography is gritty and jumpy, but the reality is quite evidently displayed. Cillian Murphy as always portrays his character amazingly. He makes you feel Steve's frustrations at a poorly funded, unwanted institution being let down, but also his empathy and concern for his students and staff. Emily Watson is brilliant as a school counsellor trying to break through to these young boys to find a different way in life. The cast of boys are amazing, they truly show the real inner thoughts and feelings of kids who have lost their way. Most notably Jay Lycurgo who plays Shy has a talent I hope will lead him to a very successful acting career. He portrays Shy's character in an understated, yet believable way, that makes you empathise and really want more for this kid. All round a really great movie that might not be to everyone's taste, it's gritty, it's hard-hitting and it feels real. More of these types of movies and tv shows please, society needs to be educated on the realities of both sides of the coin.