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Grady wrote on 01/02/2010:

SHANK is an important debut film for director Simon Pearce (apparently only 21 years old) and writers Darren Flaxstone and Christian Martin. The story has the courage to be honest enough to view gang behavior and the cross section of needs that gang membership provides to young lads in search of their true identity: first comes identification through 'belonging' to like lost souls, and second comes the breakthrough of self discovery. The fact that this rather terrifying tale is based on fact as lived by the writers adds to the punch the film carries.

Cal (Wayne Virgo) is the vulnerable lead lad, a member of a Bristol gang led by a rather despicable female Nessa (Alice Payne) who finds pleasure in 'filming' the gang's bashing of victims. Cal takes on this trait by seeking out victims for release of his same sex energy, using drugs to render his victims cooperative, films his conquests using a cellphone camera, and then beats the victims bloody: an early scene illustrates this behavior with a teacher named Scott (Gary Summers) who while recovering shares the incident with an off screen therapist, gradually unfolding the fact that Scott's partner was abused by this same gang. While Cal displays this pugilistic behavior in secret, in the presence of his gang his physical attraction to fellow gang member Jonno (Tom Bott, in an impressive film debut) surfaces - an attraction that appears to be reciprocal were it not for the forbidden arena of same sex love. The gang attacks a young French exchange student Olivier (Marc Lambert), but Cal cannot tolerate the abuse of this obviously innocent gay lad and follows him, offering him a ride home, and eventually merging into accepting his sexual identity with the kindness of Olivier's open heart. Once the gang discovers Cal's desertion, the stalking begins and Jonno awakens to his own needs for Cal - much to the chagrin of the coarse Nessa. There is a final confrontation between Cal and Olivier and the gang, and Jonno exacts his revenge and devastation in a brutal attack. The manner in which the characters resolve their needs and find themselves is the ending of the film.

The young cast is excellent and the varying chemistries among them is credible. The film is a British Indie and would be more impressive if the dialogue was not so covered with extraneous sound and by the use of Bristol accents which are all but unintelligible. Virgo, Laurent and especially Bott make strong impressions for a debut outing. This team will likely be heard from in additional films. Grady Harp

CJS wrote on 07/27/2009:

I saw this movie at Frameline where it was nominated for best picture. The movie is certainly engrossing at the outset; the setting and characters are well-established, the violence elicits visceral responses from the audience, and a sense of conflict between feelings of sympathy and outrage towards the main character quickly emerges in the audience. A compelling plot develops in the movie's second act, and I, along with most people, was eagerly anticipating the movie's climax.

Unfortunately, that is where the movie completely derails, and the youthfulness of the writers is glaringly revealed. People were openly laughing at the developments during the final confrontation, and many of the characters' actions made absolutely no sense. Still, the movie was enthralling for about two-thirds of the running time, and that is why the movie was up for best picture at the festival.

The acting ranges from outstanding (Wayne Virgo's performance is extraordinarily compelling) to laughable. The script is equally variable. Certainly, though, there is promise for the director and the writers. For those whose decisions may be influenced by it, there is ample nudity in the film, though most of it is from Wayne Virgo (but all four of the main male characters have at least fleeting frontal nudity).

Amos Lassen wrote on 07/19/2009:

“Shank”

A Shocker

Amos Lassen


When I sat down to watch TLA’s new film “Shank”, I had no idea what to expect and as I watched I found myself shocked at some of what I saw. But let me say from the beginning, there are no faults with this film and for me it is near perfect. The acting is excellent and the premise is compelling. The camera work is intimate and raw, the soundtrack is amazing. There is a great deal of tension and at times it is hard to watch but if ever a film deserved five stars, here it is. Here is a rebirth to the coming-out film and this is one that will not be easily forgotten.
“Shank” is the story of a closeted gang member, Cal (Wayne Virgo) who is deeply in love with his best friend, Jonno (Tom Bott). However, this is not known and when Cal stops a senseless beating of a college student, Oliver (Marc Laurent), Jonno and his girlfriend, Nessa (Alice Payne) look for a way to get vengeance and retribution because they believe that Cal has betrayed them. They become angrier every day and they have yet to discover that Cal has a secret.
The film is set in a world that is not approached by gay cinema. Although there seemed to be little sexual magnetism between Cal and Oliver, there is high sexual tension between Cal and Jonno—so much so that it is electrifying. Director Simon Pearce gives us a powerful story of repressed desire and gang violence. There is a lot of violence and perhaps that is what helps to make this film a standout.
I understand that the movie is based on personal experiences of the director and of co-screenwriter, Darren Flaxtone. The climax is brutally shocking and the sex scenes are quite explicit. The film slaps you across the face and it is certainly not for the squeamish.

capeters wrote on 07/14/2009:

I just traveled from DC to Philly for QFEST.Of the (8) films I saw: SHANK was by far my favorite!!! To be the first film; made by so many involved; is truly amazing. Particularly the talented, handsome young star Wayne Virgo. Quite a standout performance!!!
The raw reality depicted was brutally honest and real and something most gays can relate to on many levels. Great story!Great cast i.e. Mr Virgo. Great Movie!!!! Can't wait for the DVD!!!!!!