6690 105689734932 92264594932 1958418 6762225 n 1 Day Review

Today I attended the screening of 1 Day a British Hip Hop musical set on the inner streets of Birmingham. The film utilised local talent both in front of and behind the camera, which for me definitely enhanced the authenticity. Written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Penny Woolcock (Tina Goes Shopping, The Death of Klinghoffer, Mischief Night ) 1 DAY stars newcomers Dylan Duffus (as Flash pictured above^), Orhan Whyte, Yohance Watson and Tobias Duncan. The film chronicles 24 hours in the life of Flash a young street hustler. Flash wakes up to a phone call from Angel announcing that he’s being released and wants the 500k he’d left with Flash for safekeeping. Short of the full amount and pushed for time, Flash is forced to strike a deal with Evil a shady character who slyly affiliates himself with two rival gangs. 1 Day follows Flash’s race against the clock as he’s pursued by a rival gang, the police, his there irate baby mothers and his granny (who was hilarious).

6690 105689739932 92264594932 1958419 8279692 n 1 Day Review

I was really impressed, out of all the films I have seen concerning this type of subject matter it was definitely been the most authentic by a long shot. The film was extremely engaging, the music was great and I liked the fact that even though it was in no way glorifying that life it wasn’t preachy, the film just acted as a mirror showing the consequences and even positives (financially) of that life. Too many young men are being drawn in to that lifestyle (some of my friends included, a couple who have died from it)

7128 161491694932 92264594932 2523112 3059219 n 1 Day Review

I’m glad there is film on this subject matter, it only seems to be an issue when a little white child or an innocent bystander dies, if a black youth dies its barely reported you’d be lucky to see 50 words on page 46. When a white child dies certain papers (The Sun) offer rewards. Another young black man died the other day and all I saw in the paper was the Mum of the young man asking for armed police on the streets, that’s the only dialogue about the issue at the moment. Simplified ‘cures’ like harsher prison sentences do not cut at the root, the cycle will just continue. In fact I really hope this film is seen as controversial so more of a dialogue can happen. I’m tired of people like David Cameron and Trevor Philips chatting sh*t about ‘hoodies’ and blaming Hip Hop for violence. Every single life means something not just the ones who vote for you or put money in your pocket. I commend Penny Woolcock and everyone involved in this film. The cast was great, the film was great it .  Crime pays but as has been shown countless times it brings its fair share of tragedy.

8/10

http://www.1daythemovie.co.uk/

1 Day is in cinemas November 6th