After reading a lot of negative reviews for this film I almost decided not to watch it. Had I not been aware of how many idiots there are on the internet I might have missed out on what turned out to be a flawed yet enjoyable film. All the characters range from pitiable to despicable and this provides the flow of the film and depressing content and although the ending came across as a little too contrived ( I had expected something a little more messy given the lives of the characters) the story for the most part seemed an accurate representation of life and rang true for a gritty realism drama. By no means perfect but well worth a watch. I would give this a 6 but as it possesses elements I have not seen expressed in film before I am going to give it a 7

Eddie Mardsen and Tom Sturridge are great as you would expect Sturridge acts against type and is really sinister with a sense of menace and suppressed violence Candice Reid is a brilliant new actress in my view- great to see a newbie given such a key part and really pulling it off. She hold the film together and you care about her fate and fear for her on the streets of East London The central characters are convincing and hold your attention throughout The place is Brick Lane and this part of London is really another character in the film If you know the place it enhances your enjoyment of the film Didn't really see enough character development in the Romola Garai role for that bit of the film to work for me But overall this films will hold your attention and make you care about the people-esp Candice Reid

Please, please ignore any negative comments.I have just had the privilege of watching this film with a group of recovering addicts(drugs,alcohol and of all age groups, most of them at one time or the other had lived on the streets).Everyone of them testified to the realism of the movie, they all recognised aspects of themselves in the film and were moved by how close the director came to understanding their world.The cast are superb,the small spots of humour are handled gently.The whole piece is produced with great care and thought. I will undoubtedly watch it again

As a former trauma consultant, I can safely claim that Eddie Marsan's character draws from a credible and real portrayal of those who have experienced trauma in combat situations and war-zones. It is this authenticity that grounds Marsan's tremendous performance. Tinge Krishnan captures the mood, style and pace well to ensure the emotionality of the piece infuses into the viewer's awareness at just the right pitch, so we share the journey of the characters. Tom Sturridge should also take credit for his strong performance. Hats off to Simon Frank for writing an excellent script on a difficult subject, that doesn't exploit, sensationalise or stereotype. This is a film that will stay with you. And right it should.