Shank (2009)

A closeted teenage street punk takes up with the latest roughed-up gay victim of his bullying gang, which does not set well with the gang's drugged-up, brotherly leader.

Director:

Simon Pearce

Writers:

Darren Flaxstone, Christian Martin

Stars:

Wayne Virgo, Marc Laurent, Tom Bott

3 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Wayne Virgo	...	Cal
Marc Laurent	...	Olivier
Tom Bott	...	Jonno
Alice Payne	...	Nessa
Garry Summers	...	Scott
Bernie Hodges	...	Will
Louise Fearnside	...	Dayna (as Louise Anne Fearnside)
Oliver Park	...	Gang Member 1
Earl Virgo	...	Gang Member 2
Felicia Pearce	...	Class Mate
Christian Martin	...	David / Radio Presenter
Ian Rayer-Smith	...	Muscle Man
Karen Partridge	...	Radio Presenter
Romy Taylor	...	Extra and Background (as Remy Taylor)
James Collins	...	Extra and Background

Storyline

Teenage gang member Cal hides his sexuality from his fellow happy slapping gang members' often futile and violent dislike of anyone who isn't the same as them, be they unsuspecting shoppers, foreign students, gays, etc. Hooking up with a random stranger (Scott), Cal is unaware that this chance meeting will eventually provide him with choices and routes of escape from the tedium of his unambitious and depraved life. When his world collides with Olivier, a French student he rescues from a pointless beating, he encounters a lifestyle that presents as many new experiences as it does obstacles.

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Plot Keywords:

gang | gay | student | beating | gang member | 

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Taglines:

Worlds collide between three strangers divided by economics, social status, gender, race and sexuality

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexual content and violence including a brutal rape, pervasive drug use and language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English French

Release Date:

11 September 2009 (UK)

Also Known As:

Заточка

Filming Locations:

Bristol, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

£20,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£278,906 (UK) (26 March 2010)

Gross:

£469,213 (UK) (2 April 2010)

Company Credits

Production Co:

FAQs

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Nessa: Besides, we know he's a dirty, little shit-stuffer now, anyway, don't we? That's reason enough to hate the bastard.

User Reviews

Outstanding film

I am so glad I finally got around to watching this title. It is by far the most original film with a gay central character that I have seen in a long while and I have seen plenty. Usually I tend to migrate towards foreign language films exploring gay subjects because their cultural take on gay life is oftentimes quite specific and original.

I did not expect such originality from a British film and I can't understand how I missed it.

To the naysayers on here I despair - it takes a brave person to write so convincingly and powerfully on a subject not explored before. The depiction of personal hatred and societal hatred was palpable and real. The making of revealed the myriad sources from which the idea had been researched and the significance of this tour de force really hit home.

OK some of the acting is not quite on a par with more experience actors but the genuine grit and conviction in the performances made up for these excusable inadequacies.

10 out of 10 quite simply British at it's best.

I could go on but I realise I am gushing - but I have to try and counter so much negative nonsense on here. Buy it, don't rent it and don't steal it off an illegal site (like a certain person I know did) - these film makers deserve to get every penny for their effort in the vain hope they make something as good again....