Watch Ill Manors

Ill Manors is a gritty and intense crime drama released in 2012. Written and directed by musician Ben Drew, the film follows the interconnected lives of several characters living in the London borough of Forest Gate. At the center of the story is Aaron, played by Riz Ahmed, a drug dealer trying to take care of his friend's son, while also battling his own demons. Aaron's story is interlaced with those of other characters, such as Marcel, a small-time crook trying to go straight, and Katya, a sex worker looking for a way out.

The movie is shot in a non-linear and fragmented style, with abrupt transitions between different storylines and flashbacks. This creates a sense of confusion and disorientation that mirrors the chaos and unpredictability of the characters' lives. The film also incorporates several music videos, as well as various snapshots of social media and CCTV footage, giving the impression of a collage of images and sounds from the city.

One of the key themes of the movie is the cycle of violence and poverty that affects many of the characters. Aaron, Marcel, and others are caught up in a world where crime seems to be the only way to survive, and where acts of violence beget more violence. However, the film also shows moments of compassion, and characters who try to overcome their circumstances and help others.

Another important element of the movie is its depiction of social issues such as racism, police brutality, and immigration. Several characters face discrimination and prejudice because of their skin color or their country of origin, while the police are portrayed as corrupt and violent. The film also touches on wider topics such as the impact of gentrification on working-class communities and the role of social media in contemporary society.

The acting in Ill Manors is generally strong, with Riz Ahmed delivering a particularly powerful performance as Aaron. He manages to convey the character's vulnerability and desperation as well as his capacity for violence and anger. Ed Skrein also shines as Chris, a ruthless gang leader who employs Aaron and Marcel, but who also has a more complex backstory than initially apparent. Other notable performances come from Natalie Press as Michelle, an addict trying to get clean, and Lee Allen as Kirby, a wheelchair-bound man who becomes entangled in Aaron's dealings.

Visually, the movie is dark and gritty, with handheld cameras and a naturalistic lighting style that emphasizes the starkness of the characters' surroundings. There are several moments of graphic violence, but these are usually understated and filmed in a way that emphasizes the impact on the characters rather than the spectacle. The music, which is also written and performed by Ben Drew, is a mix of rap, soul, and electronic beats that adds to the film's atmosphere of urban decay and tension.

Overall, Ill Manors is a powerful and unflinching look at life in contemporary London, with all its complexities and contradictions. With its non-linear structure, politically charged themes, and strong performances, the movie is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Fans of crime dramas and social issue films should definitely check it out.

Ill Manors is a 2013 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.