Running in Traffic (2009) User Reviews

A nugget of a find....

[info-854-571549 · 8/10 · 25 September 2010]

This is a real nugget. No big names, an indie production (which I do try and support) and a well written script.

Two people in parallel lives, so close together, yet so far apart. Each enduring their own personal tragedy. A film that makes you think, and you have to think about. Personal tragedy, loss of a loved one - both things that make us think about our own lives and families.

Winner of a BAFTA Scotland award for new talent and playing successfully at a number of European film festivals, it's hard to criticise this film. The only sadness is, more people probably won't get to see it - just because the system is stacked against it.

Probably the best known of the cast will be Kenneth Cranham, who plays a foil to the key protagonists played by Bryan Larkin and Anna Kerth - both of whom can be regarded as up and coming.

Watch it, buy it. You won't be disappointed.

Sad, Powerful and worth a watch.

[peterburns24 · 8/10 · 6 July 2010]

Two people, are moments away from the worst day of their lives. And in typical Scottish film-making fashion it is clear from the opening scene that this isn't going to be an easy watch. Right from the beginning, we watch them go through some harrowing ordeals that leave them emotionally scarred for most of the movie. The opening scene is so powerful and realistic that anybody who has ever lost a loved one will know all too well how traumatic it can be and the aftermath that follows. But the film doesn't dwell on misery; it is a story about the journey from grief to peace.

Cullen a machinist / part time drug dealer and Kayla a Polish waitress are about to embark on a journey that will take them all over the emotional map. Filled with obligations to an uncaring world, they attempt to rebuild their lives, meanwhile surrounded by a web of denial, guilt, pain and a yearning for peace.

The film's dark setting and intimate cinematography compliment the performances well. The acting is exceptional, even from the supporting roles. Both Bryan Larkin and Anna Kerth in their respective leads capture the emotional heart of the characters in great depth. British legend, Kenneth Cranham, plays a sinister part as the uncle. When the characters crack a smile, which isn't often, Dale Corlett's talent in his directorial debut is reminiscent of Andrea Arnold's. He gives the actors space to perform, which is what makes many World Cinema dramas so memorable.

It is a powerful, honest, yet sad film. But defiantly one you should see. The ending is as uplifting as one might hope, and you almost don't think it will ever come.

Well made drama with some great performances

[nickysmithgirl · 8/10 · 9 October 2010]

I don't often make a point of watching low budget dramas, especially British ones that constantly seem to dwell on misery and hover between bleak and self-loathing - but I gave this one a try. It was a screener so I apologize beforehand if it wasn't the best viewing experience for those of you considering buying this title. The opening of the film is as powerful of any drama you'll ever see. Literally no dialogue and a great setup of the central characters keeps you watching and waiting for the conclusion. That said, it takes an interesting turn as things settle and we are introduced to the protagonists, Cullen and Kayla two people coping with loss. It's a slow burn for the next thirty minutes and it doesn't become apparent immediately what this story is about or why you'd continue to watch two people grieving as they try to get their lives together but then it picks up pace and all the subtle little moments you've been observing start to make sense. The ring, the tattoo, the criss-crossing of lives and six degrees of separation in there keep you interested. What the film does have, if not an overly entertaining story is a highly observed sense of it's characters and their situation. Cullen and Kayla need to find each other but they can't. Life is getting in the way. Running in Traffic is a sad film but it does have a happy ending. Some beautiful cinematography and great acting by all the key players. The score was particularly beautiful and suited the mood of the film very well.

A fantastic Scottish film!

[stuartamcintyre · 10/10 · 19 October 2010]

Running in Traffic is a very gripping, thought provoking story of two lives that run in parallel with each other. It explores the idea of connectivity and these two people seem to have a connection, however they do not come into contact with each other.

The story can be quite depressing at times because it explores the harsh realities of life. It is true in the way that it shows life is not easy. In some ways it could be said to be exaggerated because of its harshness but that's what film does - it often exaggerates real life to help convey a point. The point that comes across, well what I took from it anyway, is that life is hard and at times you may feel desperate but there is always something good ahead that comes to you when you need it most.

The superbly convincing acting is well worth a mention as I feel it is a vital factor in selling the story to the audience. When you are watching it you feel that the characters are very believable. From a film-making point of view I found that I had to watch it a few times before I could concentrate on the film-making aspect. The first few times, the story just grabbed me and I couldn't take a moment to think of anything else other than what was happening.

Overall Running In Traffic seemed to strike a chord with me. It is without a doubt one of the best films I have watched. In my personal opinion it is the best film to come of Scotland in a long time if not ever. It is just fantastic to watch a hard hitting drama that truly has a heart.