Sweet Sixteen

This film tells the tale of Liam (Martin Thompson), a sixteen-year-old boy growing up on a run down estate in Glasgow. His family life isn’t exactly stable, with his mother in jail and his mums boyfriend and grandfather dealing drugs around the estate. Bullied by his father to give drugs to his mother in jail, he opts out, and so is the victim of a severe kicking by his male role models.

Desperate to escape the miserable life inevitably about to befall him if he stays with his mum's boyfriend and grandfather, he runs away with his best friend Pinball (William Ruane), seeking refuge in nearby squat houses, while he hatches plans to gain money for his dream; a caravan for himself and his mother to escape to when she leaves jail.

He chooses the most difficult option; selling stolen drugs. This is very different from selling cheap cigarettes and charging children to use his telescope on the hills as he once did. We are led with him to witness the intriguing trials and difficulties he faces; muggings, backstabbing, murder, poverty and responsibility. Liam comes to realise not everyone in life is his friend, and that drugs are most certainly not the objects of a happy life, and indeed as we witness at the end of the film, they only bring upset and danger.

The pulling factor of this film is its realism. Liam’s story is very touching and believable, focusing realistically on UK drug culture. Having said that, the film is not overly dark or depressing. The Glaswegian dialect gives the film definite character, and style (as does the peppering of expletives along the way).

The humour is very real and one which the audience can relate to. Ruane and Thompson are naturals in their roles, and should both go on to star in loads more films.

Rebekah Ireland