Looks unblinkingly at the frustrated, brutalised lives of unemployed working-class teenagers in south Wales. In particular, Leigh-Anne Williams, a 17...
Looks unblinkingly at the frustrated, brutalised lives of unemployed working-class teenagers in south Wales. In particular, Leigh-Anne Williams, a 17 year old, chain-smoking single mother whose own mother committed suicide and whose father abused her.
The film begins with a Turkish Muslim, a long time resident in Wales, being kicked to death by four dickheads as Leigh-Anne looks on. Then it traces the events leading up to this outrage. It follows Leigh-Anne and her struggles with poverty, boredom and a building paranoia about her Turkish neighbour.
The film begins with a Turkish Muslim, a long time resident in Wales, being kicked to death by four dickheads as Leigh-Anne looks on. Then it traces the events leading up to this outrage. It follows Leigh-Anne and her struggles with poverty, boredom and a building paranoia about her Turkish neighbour.
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86 %7 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® rating
75 %602 reviewsAudience score rating
"In terms of skill and passion, the adolescent ensemble recalls that in "Mean Creek," but it's James who shoots the lights out with an absolutely sensational handling of a nearly impossible character. Her fiery delivery seems almost too much to bear early on, but the wrath and love are somehow balanced and paced for full effect..."
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Variety
Variety"Asante has a strong sense of place, the ugly, derelict area reflecting the spiritual emptiness of the embittered community. Without sentimentality or explicit comment, she shows the remorseless escalation towards violence..."
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The Guardian
The Guardian"The ending - plainly prefigured in the opening scene - is as downbeat as may be imagined, yet the viewer is left in awe at the skill on show... [Asante] has made a bleak and darkly brilliant film and announced herself as a bright new talent..."
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New Zealand Herald
New Zealand Herald"As a first film this is bleak but brilliant stuff. Asante is definitely one to watch..."
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Empire Magazine
Empire Magazine"In directorial debut A Way Of Life, Amma Asante achieves two notable feats. As well as making your average Ken Loach film feel like a knockabout comedy, she delivers a raw and immensely moving drama about life on the wrong side of the South Wales tracks. This is a hugely accomplished British movie that deserves to be seen..."
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BBC
BBCA Way Of Life | Details
Award winner- Winner of the Carl Foreman Award for the Most Promising Newcomer (Asante), BAFTAS 2005
- Runtime
- 98
- Genre
- Country of origin
- UK
