Best Laid Plans (2012)

David Blair directs this powerful British Drama, loosely inspired by John Steinbeck's novel 'Of Mice and Men'. Set in Nottingham, the film revolves around the relationship between the ... See full summary »

Director:

David Blair

Writers:

Chris Green (screenplay), Jeremy Sheldon (additional material)

Stars:

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, David O'Hara, Stephen Graham

2 wins.

Cast

Credited cast:
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje	...	Joseph
David O'Hara	...	Curtis
Stephen Graham	...	Danny
Lee Ingleby	...	Deano
Maxine Peake	...	Isabel
Peter Wight	...	Roger
Emma Stansfield	...	Lisa
Brad Moore	...	Jon
Stuart Wolfenden	...	Pete
Mark Strange	...	Vinny
Kieran Hardcastle	...	Hoody
Robert Shannon	...	Kane
Steve Cooper	...	Officer Green
Robert Stone	...	Doyle
Ryan Barr

Storyline

David Blair directs this powerful British Drama, loosely inspired by John Steinbeck's novel 'Of Mice and Men'. Set in Nottingham, the film revolves around the relationship between the thuggish Danny (Stephen Graham) and Joseph (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), a giant of a man with a mental age of seven. When Danny finds himself in debt to a local crime boss, he feels he is left with no choice but to manipulate Joseph into participating in a series of underground cage fights from which Danny can pay his debts. However, as the fights become harder and Danny and Joesph fall for two beautiful women, Danny starts to question his own motives. Ultimately, this is a story of love and friendship and how far you would go for a friend.

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Plot Keywords:

debt | friendship | british | bullying | man crying | 

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Taglines:

Some Friendships are worth fighting for

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 February 2012 (UK)

Also Known As:

Best plans

Filming Locations:

The Bath Inn, 1 Handel Street, Sneinton, Nottingham, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

MoliFilms, Made Up North Productions, AV Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

If The World came Tumbling Down
Written by Michael Knowles
Performed by The Catchmen
Copyright, all rights reserved. Michael Knowles 2011

User Reviews

Of Mice and Meth

"Best Laid Plans" is a gripping film loosely based on the Steinbeck novel "Of Mice and Men". Don't worry, the story differs considerably enough that nothing is spoiled if you're up on your Steinbeck. The story is woven around an odd pair: the mentally challenged gentle giant "Joseph" (phenomenally played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, whom you may remember as the very different Mr. Eko in "Lost") and his guardian, the small-time crook "Danny" (Stephen Graham).

The two seem to have a modestly idyllic life, pulling off small capers to make a living and fishing at the local canal. But due to Danny's involvement with the wrong crowd, he gets into a jam where the only way out is for him to submit his buddy Joseph to a very brutal criminal occupation.

The character development and evolution of each man is what makes this interesting to watch. Danny is plagued by guilt for what he is doing to his friend and slowly descending into drug abuse (coke, not meth like in my title--but hey, clever wordplays don't come easy). Kind-hearted Joseph is profoundly altered by the violence he is subjected to. At the same time, each man finds his own love interest, each woman mirroring the harshness and innocence of the 2 men.

"Best Laid Plans" runs the full spectrum of bleakness, brightness, darkness and charm. It begins with a mildly comedic scene but quickly turns heavy when we realize what is at stake. From then on, the film gets heavier and darker, but it remains peppered with some charming & heartwarming scenes involving Joseph. The extreme contrast makes the film unpredictable, suspenseful and sometimes beautifully disturbing. It's the director's ability to mix the two extremes--beauty & brutality--that makes this a poetic experience. If you like character-driven stories set in a tense, gritty environment, then check this one out.

By the way, if you happen to be a pitbull lover (the dog, not the rapper), definitely check this out because it makes a great metaphor for those gentle, lovable mutts who, simply due to their physique and eagerness to please, are subjected to human brutality just like Joseph. I'm sure the metaphor can apply to many things as well. This film will keep you thinking for a long time.