Film Review -City Rats

Last week I was invited to the screening of a new British film at the launch of 'Urban Screen' at Curzon in Mayfair, the film they were showing was called 'City Rats'.

This film follows the complex lives of a number of people as they struggle through London living and how they deal with the problems that many face on a day to day basis.

Familiar faces Danny Dyer and Tamir Hussain are both main characters. They both play roles that were quite different to their usual London gangsters, with the script being much more demanding it was good to see them taking on these roles. Other notable performances come from Natasha Williams (who plays a call girl) and Ray Panthaki (impotent artist) who is also the producer of 'City Rats'. Before this film Ray starred in Eastenders and also produced the great 'Kidulthood'.

One thing that really stands out about this film is the way is was shot, the production makes it look like a multi million pound film. The camera work is one of the best I've seen in any independent film and the sound track fits in perfect. There are scenes in the film where you want to look away because its shocking but feel you cant because its shot so well.

Afterwards we were treated to a question and answer with the producer where he shared with us what he had to go through to get the film made and financed, he let slip the budget and the whole audience was shocked that he pulled it off.
Ray also told us about his production company called 'Urban Way Productions' and its plans for the future, its obvious the guy has major talent but his passion was also evident. If you're looking to get into production then this is a guy you want to be speaking to.

I think this film definitely opens the doors to more braver British films, less football hooligans and east end wide boys and more real life issues we all face.

Check the trailer...


Big thanks to Kate Herron for the invite.