Broken
Dir: Rufus Norris
2012
*****
Rufus Norris's 2012 Broken - an adaption of Daniel Clay's terrific 2008 novel of the same name is proof that brilliant independent British film is being produced. If you look at British film in the last two decades you'll see that the hits aren't all that great, there is a deluge of awkward Rom-coms, awful film versions of British comedy sitcoms and dodgy London gangster films. We used to produce great comedy, horror and drama but not so much these days. That is why seeing a film as brilliant as Broken gives me hope. The story involves three interweaving situations involving three families who all live in the same cul de sac. They are all connected by a young Girl nicknamed Skunk. Skunk is essentially Harper Lee's Scout. Broken is a rather clever modern re-telling of To Kill A Mockingbird, although this isn't initially obvious. The direction is brilliant, it is Norris's film debut but his successful career in the theatre has served him well, as there is a certain something original about his approach. The performances are also good, particularly from the children. It's a real success story that seems to have been criminally overlooked. This, and other independent film need public backing, watch Broken and tell me you disagree.