Giddy Stratospheres (2021) Poster

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5/10
It was ok
barley_k2 January 2022
I'm a massive long blondes, the cribs, future heads, and other 00s indie music fan so I was very excited to hear about this film. The sound track was great and very on point for that era but I didn't think the film itself was great. The partying I can certainly identify with and have been to many indie nights in London and I knew many people who were similar to the ones in the the film from parties and social circles I've mixed with. The drugs scene is fairly accurate but I didn't particularly like the ending. Watch it for yourself and see if you agreem.
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7/10
The Ongoing Volatile Party
shaftmctavish25 July 2021
As an indie club promoter during the noughties I was eagerly awaiting this film. I felt it captured the 'hedonisitic fragility' that I saw week in week out back then. The ongoing volatile party that could veer off into drama at any time. The change of tone was well handled and powerful.

It would be amiss of me not to mention the soundtrack as I hadn't heard songs like Decent Days & Nights or Emily Kane for years. Some great music on there and that alone will drag you in.
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10/10
Great independent Film
alan-9992026 July 2021
Loved it, took me back to a happier time with great music and a great scene.

Sequel?
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9/10
Heartfelt, fun and real nostalgic
betty5865327 July 2021
Really took me back to the music and the hectic nights!

Loved the soundtrack and the twist (no spoilers!!)

🙌 congrats to the team for a great little film.
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10/10
An extraordinary film with an exciting soundtrack
Ronking234427 July 2021
I ABSOLUTELY loved this film. I found out about it from a guardian article.

I think it really captures the 00's well and has moments of real beauty. It's also pretty hilarious too (I watched it with a group of friends and we were all cracking up)

I also thought the writing was engrossing. Laura's clearly a very talented creative. Her dialogue is witty, heartfelt and embedded in truth.

In just over an hour this film manages to truly encapsulate the indie scene with all its pros and cons.

It takes courage to write, act and direct a film like this. Especially when you consider that it was made in the midst of a pandemic.

I would suggest you watch it on the biggest screen possible, as it has some lovely cinematography.
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10/10
Funny, heartfelt and nostalgic.
I absolutely loved this movie. It really took me back to this time in London and touched all the right spots of my heart. I think a lot of people can identify with it. It's a shame some of the reviews here seem to be written by men who would have vanished under the #metoo movement had we been luck enough to have it kick off back then.
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10/10
A thrilling, tragicomic, soul-baring debut.
weareish27 July 2021
A thrilling, tragicomic, soul-baring debut from wrietr/director/star Laura Jean-Marsh with a fabulous soundtrack. Perfectly captures the grim unsustainability, and often catestrophic consequences, of partying hard in your early twenties. With hilarious turns from the more esablished cast members and a sensitively drawn characterisations from the leads - inc. Jamal Franklin who's delicate performace is sure to lead to great career on film. The film was written and shot during the pandemic, on a shoestring budget, which is an incredible acheivemnent for a first-time director. Looking forward to seeing what other stories Marsh has to tell.
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10/10
Fantastic viewing and a blast from the past.
smellydodoos27 July 2021
My partner decided to put on Giddy Stratospheres so we could have a throw back to our hedonistic youth, and I must say, It really does take you back to the 00's indie music scene. It offers a really interesting story packed with drama. There were some excellent performances and I look forward to see what's next in the pipeline from Marsh and others in the cast and crew.
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8/10
Great Nostalgia trip
rgautier-4627424 July 2021
Flashback to 2006 with a killer soundtrack. Great watch, beautifully shot. Would definately recommend.
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10/10
Full of colourful characters
barbara-239-68361321 July 2021
I found this film to be very vibrant and colourful, it is full of wonderful eccentric characters which I loved! The music was fantastic which took me back a few years! The relationship between the two main characters was engaging, the bond between them was very special. There is a twist in this film that had me floored! I was literally on the end of my seat, very cleverly done. To sum up the film contains everything needed to entertain the viewer, it makes you laugh, makes you sad, and makes you want to dance!!
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9/10
Sweet nostalgia tinged with sadness
For anyone who was around in those heady 00's days, Giddy Stratospheres is a poignant reminder of the eternal 'striving for something better' that many must have felt at the time.

For a first time writer / actor, who also directed and produced this semi-autobiographical story (during lock down!!), Laura has made a solid effort at capturing the 00's music scene despite working with a shoe string budget.

There were many funny moments throughout though the humour is balanced precariously against the sadder sub-text of the story.

For me, certain scenes went on too long and I wondered whether this was done in order to ensure its running time though maybe Laura was just trying to immerse us in fleeting moments and draw us further into that halcyon world.

There are a few strong performances such as Jamal Franklin who's supporting lead gave many nice moments as he veered between overgrown teenager and sensible shoulder for Laura's character to lean on.

A twist in the tale really took me by surprise and was really touching though of course I wont write any plot spoilers here!

Giddy Stratospheres left me wishing the 00's had never ended and is a lovely debut with a lot of heart though it will be interesting to see what Laura does next. I'm sure it will be great.
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10/10
So much fun!
tgzygdvz27 July 2021
Film totally took me back to 2007, would often find me dressed like the cast in the same places they were at that time.

There are darker shifts in tone which reminded me that it wasn't all fun and games too.

Great performance by the cast, and attention to detail with the costume design.

Watch!
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10/10
I was there & it felt like i had gone back!
KellyJadeThompson27 July 2021
The party scenes - wow!

I have met both the delightful AND the horrendous characters in a pub situation in the past - a perfect portrayal.

Several laugh out loud moments & tears while watching, too...

A must-watch for those that were in the scene back then!
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9/10
Loved it...
joeatari27 July 2021
I loved this film. The 00's music scene was a great time for DIY bands and club nights. This film captures that familiar sense of adventure and despair, all often rolled into one nights escapades. The music too is one step removed from the mainstream idea of who was really making waves. Post-punk ideals were resurrected, people"formed a band" just because they could. However, drugs also played a part too, and sometimes, they ruined futures. Really though, the film is about friendship, that one person who's always there for you, sometimes the one you take for granted. Some of the supporting cast are there for light relief, whilst others paint a grim picture of what drugs can do to your sense of reality. Don't read the bad reviews on here, left by internet plankton who never got it it together enough to even write a song, let alone make a film. Now they just lurk on social media like they did in chatrooms in the 00s. Sad. It's a portrait, a snapshot in time, about an era still relatively unexplored by film makers because its too recent. Also, the cinematography is crazy good.
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MASTERPIECE
noahmbutt27 July 2021
Stunning film capturing the highs & lows of a movement I would've dreamed to be a part of, the music is impeccable and a touching story. All the characters are so vibrant and the flashbacks that take place help tell the story so well.

I'm Sold!
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10/10
Honest exploration
jucie_427 July 2021
This film is a gorgeous, raw, honest and nostalgic tour of one persons realities in the 00's.

How any number of trolls seem to think they have a monopoly over this whole period of time is beyond me! Kudos to the Giddy team for putting in all their energy and having the guts to create such a personal piece of film making! I loved it!
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10/10
Lovely film!
tiamcrae-3335827 July 2021
Well shot and accompanied by an incredible soundtrack, the film takes you on an emotional journey!

The Giddy Stratosphere team should be proud of the outcome, especially due to the circumstances

A lovely film and dedication to this time, hats off to all involved!
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10/10
Love
sofiajc-9942127 July 2021
Really enjoyed this film, the party scenes gave huge hits of nostalgia especially after being locked indoors for the last year! The fragility and sorrow of the storyline is so beautifully portrayed and unexpected.

Would definitely recommend a watch of Giddy Stratospheres and very excited to see what the actors and team behind it do next.
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10/10
Loved this film!
rachel_howlett27 July 2021
Loved everything about it! Felt like I was transported back :) Felt like I knew everyone there, amazing soundtrack too! Giddy Stratospheres 2 please!
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9/10
Really effectively evokes the era
jason-730533 January 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this, and it really brought back a particular point in time, of endless gigs, bad behaviour, and the thrill and occasional regret that goes along with that.

Any aspect of making a film can go well or badly. For Laura Jean Marsh to have written it, directed it, and acted in it is especially impressive.
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10/10
A thrilling ride down memory lane
leoncallanan27 July 2021
This was a nostalgic ride through the indie music years with some great performances and a soundtrack that takes you through a journey of the 00s.

It is also so good to see such talented newcomers lighting up the screen, especially Laura Jean Marsh who directed and starred in this movie, bring on the next chapter.
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10/10
Great watch - Nostalgic, Funny & Great story
amclin-9079527 July 2021
An incredible achievement during lockdown not to mention how good the final product is. Great watch, extremely nostalgic and fantastic twist. The team should be proud of this!
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10/10
Giddy Stratospheres is a film that will catch anybody by surprise...
pchell-8730827 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Giddy Stratospheres is a film that will catch anybody by surprise... The film follows a unique story of two friends who are brought together and ultimately separated by the hectic and reckless lifestyle of the 00's.

This fast-paced story is accompanied by a beautifully put-together soundtrack which carries us back in time to a place of wild nights and parties. Jamal Franklin is effortless in delivering a 10/10 performance through the character of Daniel, who is representative of the ugly truth that comes with living life on the edge.

The story is brought to life by its intimate cinematography elements, which follows and sculpts itself alongside the changing moods and atmosphere of each scene.

Ultimately, Giddy Stratospheres is a unique experience which I can see being enjoyed by anybody who appreciates good music and dark twists!
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10/10
Indie British cinema at its best
kirstyosmon27 July 2021
I heard about this film via an article in the Guardian and it didn't disappoint. The soundtrack is great and I loved the gritty, accurate portrayal of London in 2007. It definitely sent me down nostalgia lane!

A lovely ensemble cast full of well defined characters with some excellent performances too.

I wasn't expecting it to be so funny which made the drama even more poignant and moving by the end. It's shot beautifully as well. Highly recommend!
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10/10
Lovely Monday night watch
rjohnsonsinclair27 July 2021
This was the perfect film for a weekday watch. Nostalgic and feeling.
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