Rufus Norris’ film: “Broken” (2012) is a
wonderful film. This movie is set in a small cul-de-sac in England. Living in
this quiet neighbourhood is 12 year old Skunk (marvellously brought to life by
acting newcomer: Eloise Laurence) through whose eyes we witness the gradual
decay of this little community after a young man: Rick Buckley (played by
Robert Emms) is violently assaulted by a neighbour: Robert Oswald (Rory
Kinnear). “Broken” was based, to a point, on Harper Lee’s classic novel “To
Kill a Mockingbird”; having said this, the film did not follow the book to
the point of the court case, and I’m quite glad about that because this film
would not have been as passionate or powerful as it is, were it a courtroom
drama. The film is told in a way that really compliments the somewhat taboo
nature of the story.
When I went to see this movie, I had no real
idea what it would be like. I knew very little about it seeing as it was not a
huge filmic event, however I came out of the cinema completely bedazzled and amazed
by not only the amount of care that was obviously put into every technical and
story-wise aspect of the movie, but by the quality of the acting, especially by
these young children with probably very little prior acting and performance
skills. The story choked me up multiple times throughout. This film is an absolute
gem in every notable aspect.
“Broken” has superseded every
expectation (of the limited ones) I had. This is just about one of the best
films that I have seen in a very long time. Although not all aspects of the
film will be relatable to everybody, thematically, everyone should find something
to enjoy about this movie whether it be paternal relationships, bigotry in
society or communal function. This lovely film is about as wonderful a film as I
have seen.
Rating: 10/10