Letitia Wright is going to be a big star. It's easy to see why her lead acting debut in Urban Hymn got her the role in Black Panther. She is so good in this film as are the other two female leads, Shirley Henderson and Isabella Laughland. Powerful, emotional viewing. 8 out of 10 for me.

Urban Hymn is a stunning and complex drama that keeps you on your toes throughout. I was surprised by this film's ability to grab my attention and sustain it, I truly couldn't look away. The director, Michael Caton-Jones, takes you on an immersive journey through the lives of a case worker and a troubled teen and their unexpected common ground in music. Jamie has been through many hardships in her 17 years and has barely any hope for her future. Kate, her case worker, teaches her to realize her potential and inspire her to follow her passions. This is a story of overcoming your past, accepting a helping hand and understanding that you are more than your circumstances. This film is truly a tear-jerking coming of age story that reminds us that everyday can be a fresh start. I recommend this film to anyone who has a passion for music, its affect in people's lives and an appreciation for film that isn't afraid to be unapologetically human.

Urban Hymn, directed by Michael Caton-Jones, is the story of a troubled youth saved by her love of music. That may sound all-too-familiar, but the story of Jamie Harrison is set apart by the quality of the performances, filmmaking and music selection. The stellar work of Shirley Henderson and Letitia Wright is sure to have you fighting back tears at least once as the film moves along, as will Caton-Jones' beautiful shots. Close-ups of sunflowers, trees swaying in the breeze, neon-soaked clubs and London streets are all captured masterfully and the accompanying soul songs do not hurt either. At the heart of Urban Hymn, though, is the relationship triangle of Jamie, her rough best friend (Leanne) and her caring social worker (Kate). The three push and pull at each other constantly, enabling one to get what they want while disappointing another. Kate wants the best for Jamie in a way to cope with the death of her son while Leanne wants to keep Jamie in a life of crime because she is all she ever had. This leads to some great tension and emotion throughout. I immediately think of a confrontation between Leanne and Kate that is nerve-racking enough to make you shout at the screen. Caton-Jones' film is at the top of its class and I recommend Urban Hymn to anyone looking for a compelling and expertly-crafted piece of cinema.

Attention soul music fans, people who love inspiring movies, and everyone else: Urban Hymn is the movie for you. Urban Hymn is about Kate, a case worker assigned to Jamie. Kate spends her waking moments trying to better Jamie's life and finally finds a connection through her choir. Through the beauty and expression of music, Jamie not only turns her life around, but establishes the first positive role model relationship in her life with Kate. The contradiction of emotions I felt while watching Urban Hymn was unlike any other movie going experience I've had. I felt so deeply for each character that is was as if they were all truly important people in my life. Isabella Laughland's disturbingly convincing performance of Leanne Dixon was truly a visceral experience in which I felt like she was affecting my life, as well as Jamie's. Urban Hymn takes you to another place while you're watching. I recommend this movie because it is so original in that it just makes you feel different and diverse emotions.