I Am Urban (2015) User Reviews

Excellent Film and Worthwhile Subject

[fabolass · 10/10 · 7 April 2018]

Just watched today Urban and the Shed Crew, available now to stream through the Blenheim Films website. I had read Bernard Hare's book some four years ago or so, and have been looking forward to finally seeing the film.

It was well worth the wait, what an excellent film, with very strong performances. I do caution that it is a heartbreaking film to watch, it will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. But it will also make you think about our social responsibilities, from our governments yes, but also from ourselves.

I'm in the US, and though the film is set in Leeds in the UK, it is just as relevant to what happens here in our cities, and everywhere really to young people, to children, in need of care and hope.

Very strong performances from the entire cast, including all the young actors involved in this film. Bravo to Richard Armitage as Chop and Anna Friel as Greta, and a double Bravo to young Fraser Kelly as Urban. Bravo to director Candida Brady.

I would recommend watching the film first and then reading Bernard Hare's book, a true story. Mr. Hare is the real Chop.

This film really deserves to be seen.

Urban and the Shed Crew...an uncomfortable but beautiful movie

[daisy1201 · 10/10 · 5 March 2017]

In November 2015 Leeds International Film Festival 2015 hosted the up to now only public screening of a beautiful movie called "Urban and the Shed Crew". The film isn't beautiful because of it's topic or the epic pictures in it. It's beautiful because it shows what compassion and dedication are able to move in a world, that's cold and turning away. It's the world of Urban Grimshaw, a little boy who fell out of the society in Maggie Thatcher's Great Britain. This film, picturing the autobiography of Bernard Hare with the same title is in parts uncomfortable to watch. It shows very realistically how Urban and his friends lived. But at the same time it carries so much sympathy for the characters, children and grown ups. It shows how bad life can get looking at Urban's mother Greta. And it shows how unexpectedly unconventional the way out of that life for Urban and a bit as well for Chop (Bernard Hare) happened.

This is my very personal review about the premiere of the film: http://wp.me/p55723-k8c

convincing and compelling

[emmabcraigie · 9/10 · 13 January 2017]

I loved Urban and the Shed Crew. It has a very strong, engaging narrative with very powerful individual characters who immediately grab our attention and concern. The film presents us with 1990s Leeds, and a world of lost, fragile people who are trying to find some kind of connection, some kind of place in the world as they struggle with the chaos of their lives. The relationship between the young runaway Urban and his erstwhile stepfather figure, Chop, is compelling and convincing. The portrayal of Urban's mother, is equally powerful and very sad. The acting is superb and visually the film is subtle, memorable. This is a film which is very thought provoking, it puts you through the mill emotionally but is quietly heart warming, showing the redemptive power of human love.

Heartfelt story with great performances

[hounds-3 · 10/10 · 7 April 2018]

Poignant and heartfelt film based on Bernard Hare's memoir Urban Grimshaw and the Shed Crew. I've been eagerly anticipating the release of this film and was not disappointed. Great performances by all, especially from Fraser Kelly and Richard Armitage, who play their roles with sensitivity. There are glimpses of pain and love beneath their hardened exteriors. Also, there were some really striking shots--kudos to the cinematographer.

Watched this on Blenheim Films' site and thankful for Candida Brady's persistence and passion to get this finally released to a global audience.

Powerful, moving story packed with memorable, searing performances

[AnnaBurke · 10/10 · 8 April 2018]

Urban and the Shed Crew is a powerful, moving story packed with truly memorable, searing performances, including a terrific ensemble of young actors. Beautifully done, all, esp. Richard Armitage (Chop), Anna Friel (Greta) and Fraser Kelly (Urban) Unforgettable. Thank you, Candida Brady, for this wonderful film, and Bernard Hare for writing something - as Urban says in the film - that means something.

Very powerful

[lornaskelly · 10/10 · 31 January 2024]

Wow, a very powerful & thought provoking story which has been beautifully captured through the film. It is based on a true story of extreme lows and hardships and is at times heartbreaking to know that this has really happened. However it is also uplifting and filled with hope and love. The cast is strong with superb performances from known actors Richard Armitage & Anna Friel. Richard Armitage's part is a complicated character which he portrays incredibly. And also brilliant performances from talented lesser known cast members who are certainly destined for success. This is definitely one to watch. I would highly recommend!

Amazing

[qnhpfknvg · 10/10 · 31 January 2024]

One of the most fantastic films I've seen in years. Must watch it. Brilliantly directed a more agreed cast. If I was to recommend one film to watch in the next year it would definitely be this one. Incredibly thought provoking and wonderful performances. Worth going to the cinema for but equally good to watch on the small screen. There's been quite a lot of poor films lately, but this one really stands out dramatically as being of absolutely the highest calibre. Without a doubt one of the best films I've seen in such a long time and definitely not want to mess. It's a sort of them. You'll be thinking about four weeks afterwards.

Fabulous heartrending film

[imdbtbaj · 10/10 · 5 December 2023]

This is a great movie. Based on a real life tale it is has some difficult to watch moments but is also uplifting overall. Paints a very evocative and gritty picture of the time.

Some great performances. Richard Armitage as Chop is outstanding - he is a much better actor than his other screen hunk roles suggest. Fraser Kelly as the young Urban makes a truly impressive debut and is much more convincing than he should be for his age. Anna Friel is as good as ever, and Neil Morrissey is also excellent as Doc. Look out also for Charlie Heaton, later of Stranger Things.

It is well shot and edited, and the original soundtrack works well with the storyline and action. Try to catch it in the cinema if you can alternatively stream it once available.

Touching film that is a must watch

[tamsellie · 10/10 · 1 February 2024]

I truly can not put into words the volume that the film touched me. I broke down at the tube station after viewing because it really hit something within me. I think being brought up in a very similar area, seeing the issues first hand and that being classed as 'home' to me to see be put in production was outstanding, the way it was done was perfect, I really do hope the film gets the big break it deserves as it's not only inspired myself but I know so many others back home could be transformed by the work. - I sent this message to Fraser after viewing the film in London and truly can not vouch enough for people to watch this film and take in the amazing work put into it.

A beautiful, poignant film

[ccymjvvrb · 10/10 · 31 January 2024]

This is a beautifully observed depiction of the effects of deprivation and neglect. The characters are a powerful blend of raw brutality and fragility. The portrayal of their response to the harrowing circumstances they face is bitter and poignant. It is a perfectly realised story of the quiet tragedies that happen every day and slip beneath the surface of society, unacknowledged and lost. The story of people who have in their own ways found themselves untethered from their communities, from themselves and life, is profoundly affecting and leaves a lasting impression of a world that has been ignored and forgotten. A fabulous film that everyone should watch.

Go and see it - it's wonderful!

[rachelyoung-46065 · 10/10 · 31 January 2024]

An amazing film that is both heart breaking and thought provoking. It's lead actor, the wonderful Fraser Kelly (one to watch in the future) plays Urban - the street-wise young lad trying to make his way in a world of neglect, homelessness and addiction. From the opening scene of him running through the streets - alone and barefoot, to the final, emotional scene where we see how his life has changed, he takes us on a journey with his friend, disillusioned ex- social worker Chop (played perfectly by Richard Armitage) who gives him the hope of light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

The relationship between Urban and Chop (and the rest of Urban's equally broken but resilient crew) are at the heart of the film. All the actors are amazing and perfectly cast in their roles especially Anna Friel who plays Urban's neglectful, cheating and addicted mum. She has momentarily good intentions but not the will power to see them through. We get to see why she is in the situation that she has found herself trapped in and this makes her relationship with Urban all the more poignant.

This film is well worth watching. It will make you question why people are still living like this in this day and age and how many children are having to live like Urban and his crew?

This film will stay with you long after you leave the cinema due to its very important message and wonderful acting. I loved it!

Just awesome 🌟

[osb_hol · 10/10 · 31 January 2024]

I thoroughly recommend seeing this film. A gritty and poignant but ultimately heart warming commentary on society with enough darkness to remind the viewer there are many different realities for people. Character development was beautiful and cinematography wonderful (bleak but beautiful portrayal of Leeds). Casting was spot on (Anna Friel is fantastic as titular Urban's mother and Richard Armitage is also wonderful as ex social worker Chop) as was the score. There is little to fault. I will undoubtedly watch this film again and plan to watch it with my film club - it will surely make for an interesting discussion.

Richard Armitage's performance as Chops was outstanding !

[franmiddaugh · 9/10 · 21 July 2020]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching and rewatching this movie. Such an honest portrayal of how challenging life can be for so many. Drugs poison and add layers of misery for many lost souls innocent children. Bless those who try to make a difference.