Shank, the latest offering in the post-apocalyptic-themed batch of films to hit theaters, sees a 2015 London overrun by gangs.The main commodity is food and the means are less than lawful.
The rules are simple; get hard or get beaten. That is the lesson that Fourteen-year-old Junior , played here brilliantly by newcomer Kedar Williams-Stirling, has to learn when his brother Rager (played here by Grime superstar Bashy ) is murdered by gang rival gang members.He then sets out with his gang The Paper Chaserz,with only one thing on his mind:revenge.
Directed by music video producer-cum-film director Mo Ali,this is a typical grimy street drama but with a dystopian twist. The London accents are as thick as spoiled gravy whether it be in the dialogue or the pumping Grime soundtrack so be prepared not to understand everything the characters say unless you happen to be from london or familiar with the slangand the cinematogrophy is indie in feel.
The setting and acting (for the most part) is realistic, as is the violence.The first half of the film sets the tone with every character from different walks of life contributing to the emotional nitty gritty, marking as close to a political statement on federalism and capitalism as it is ever going to get.
Then the second half plods along unsure of where exactly it’s going so ends up giving the intended audience what they want/love from a film of this caliber; sex, booze, video game graphics and beatings.
Let that not deter you from watching it though as it is a thoroughly watchable film. Even though most of it may come off as a slightly eccentric polictial statement on gang culture, it's through the eyes of the disadvantaged in a world gone literally to hell that is the focus of the film.
RATING:***
DVD FEATURE:three behind-the-scenes featurettes, cast and crew interviews, footage from the premiere, a photo gallery, and a short film and music video.
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