to brittle and cynical. In Marco, we’ve already
seen this quality flickering. For Timmy, it’s
something new.
Aside from these compelling young actors, the
success here is the fresh and original voice of
Rapman, who has said “Blue Story” is largely
based on his own life; though he wasn’t part
of a gang, he witnessed gang rivalries as a
London youngster.
“I hope these young’uns wake up and they start
seeing the light,” goes one of his raps for the film.
“I ain’t tryna justify but imma show you what these
young boys are fighting for.” Depressingly, though,
what we learn is they’re fighting to defend
something as trivial as what postal code they
wound up in.
“It’s all because the council housed them on
different ends,” Rapman says elsewhere, poetically
and sadly. “This is real, not pretend.”
“Blue Story“ a Paramount Pictures release that
is now available to rent or purchase on digital
platforms, has been rated R by the Motion Picture
Association of America “for violence and language
throughout, drug use and some sexuality.”
Running time: 91 minutes. Three stars out of four.
MPAA definition of R: Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying
parent or adult guardian.