Shank (2009) Press Reviews
“Pearce whips a savvy script into a riveting tale of the highs and lows of a new techno generation who crave sensation at any cost. Undergirding this very authentic urban nightmare is a sense of British class violence dating back to Dickens.”
- David Lamble, Frameline 33 Film Festival.
“The director – a talented 21 year old with a bright future – bravely acknowledges with this slice of life drama that on Britain’s sovereign ring estates, boredom, anger and drug dealing only occasionally give way to ambition and love.”
- Justin Postlethwaite, FILMSTAR.
“21 year old British Director Simon Pearce has taken the bildungsroman, held it up against the wall and punched its face in!”
- P. Scott Cunningham, Miami New Times.
“‘Shank’ is exceptionally technically accomplished and directed with breezy confidence by 21 year old Simon Pearce, who makes excellent use of his Bristol locations.”
- Robin Askew, Venue Magazine.
“Handled with conviction & sophistication”
- Ben Walters, Sight & Sound.
“First time director Simon Pearce, at a mere 21 years of age, has produced a startling film that exposes the dingy underbelly of contemporary life in the UK. Explicit, raw and moving, “SHANK” lingers long after the credits have rolled.”
- Karen Rutter, Cape Times.
“The real revelation here is 21 year old director Pearce, who with his first film creates a fresh and provocative atmosphere that focuses on the characters while allowing us to feel the fierce, emotionally charged world they live in.”
“This is as exciting and urgent as street-level filmmaking gets!”
- Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall.
“The most thrilling, terrifying coming-out story you’ll have seen in years, welcoming debut director Simon Pearce and his team of unknown actors as explosive new talents.”
- Andrew Copestake, Gay Times.
“What’s even more impressive is that it comes care of such a young director, Simon Pearce, 21, who shows a surety and clear-headedness that many a seasoned pro would envy. This is a piece of work to be seriously proud of.”
- Stephen Beeny, Gaydar Nation.
