Kevin Chandler

How do you sum this up? Caustically funny in a 'Thick Of It' kind of way; irreverent, satirical, surreal and yet also only too real. And very very funny. Brilliantly conceived, cast, and directed. Perhaps the most surprising thing about it is that despite all the above, it is at times, deeply and profoundly moving. I enjoyed it when first aired on Sky Atlantic several years ago, now watching it again, and if anything,bits even better 2nd time around.

An utterly captivating film that engrossed from beginning to end, and this viewer never really knew what was going to happen next, although throughout one doubted what happened next would be good for the plight of the central characters. A preview had prepared me for a tearful response, although my tears erupted only as I left the cinema; mine being tears of relief, and testimony to all the tension and uncertainty that was contained as the drama unfolded. The plot might suggest a depressing film, but not so. An uncomfortable one? Yes, despite the occasional relief of humorous moments. But don't let that put you off, for despite the poverty, despite the cruelty, and despite the vulnerability of the young, the poor, and the dispossessed characters, this was also an uplifting film, due entirely to the resilience, the courage and the loving care shown towards his tiny charge, by Zain, the film's remarkable young main character. The ultimate victor here being the indefatigable human spirit. A must see.