diveinthedark-89834 Review of Men Only

Men Only (2001 TV Movie)

Grim, Disturbing Reality of Contemporary British Lad Culture

[10/10 · 28 July 2017]

I 1st saw this production right back in 2001 when it was originally aired in the UK. As an 18-year-old who spent his teenage years in the extreme social climate of late-90s rural Norfolk, I could identify with the critical,sociological nature of this film right from the off! I remember the Telegraph's review of the film, portraying 'Thirty-something supposedly respectable men' and couldn't possibly have worded it any better myself. Indeed, it was in the late 90s that British 'lad' culture changed from sub-cultural to almost mandatory status; with the marketing of 'alcopops',domination of yob celebs and the emergence of 'ladette' culture, by the time this film was made the depraved nature of contemporary British culture had hit an all time low. It's true that men, poor AND rich, did have increasing pressure put on them back then to behave in a primitive,depraved way that would put Walruses in mating season to shame! Indeed the otherwise middle-class status of the male perpetrators increases the disturbing and shocking nature of the sexual crimes portrayed. With menacing,unpredictable narrative and highly effective photography/visuals, I recommend this dark,intense,insightful and informative film to pretty much anyone; it should perhaps be shown in educational establishments to raise socio-cultural awareness.