the audience applauded

So much average

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

For all the hype it got I was expecting a lot more!

Urban Hymn, a new film by Michael Caton-Jones, explores depths in London-based youth delinquents that are seldom discussed. Following Jamie, a troubled teenager, she has multiple run ins with the law. She bunks with other troubled kids and feels the need to cause trouble and harm for no true cause other than to live for the moment. But she meets Kate, a social worker, who challenges Jamie to transform herself and abandon her abrasive attitude and make something of herself. This is not a clean act as temptations in the form of possessive friend, Leanne, keeps Jamie in check and fears for being abandoned. Regardless, Kate is determined to show Jamie that she has true potential that can really take her to better places. It's a feel good movie that focuses on character and amazingly, these actors keep the momentum moving and the film more engrossing. It's well paced and sensitively directed. The music is enlightening and pivotal to the story. Wonderfully true to life, film lovers will discover that Urban Hymn really gives character study a good name!

Urban Hymn is the best coming of age movie I have seen in a while! The movie shows the struggles faced by a troubled teen trying to better her future. In the beginning of the film there is not much hope for foster child Jamie, until a new case worker comes along and changes everything. The case worker is played by Shirley Henderson, who also plays Moaning Myrtle. Once Kate, the case worker, gets involved with Jamie's life there are noticeable differences in her behavior. Kate introduces Jamie to a music group and ends up changing her life. My favorite part of this film was when Jamie finally stands up to her friend Leanne, who would continuously draw Jamie it to making very bad decisions. I felt that even though Leanne was a negative influence on Jamie, that she wasn't a bad person, just never learned any better. I think that this film shows the truth of what living in a foster home would be like, also the impact that social workers have on their foster children. Foster children are sometimes given up on, but Urban Hymn shows that a little support and motive great things will happen. I recommend this movie to anyone looking for a feel-good film.

Urban Hymn is a stunning and complex drama that keeps you on your toes throughout. I was surprised by this film's ability to grab my attention and sustain it, I truly couldn't look away. The director, Michael Caton-Jones, takes you on an immersive journey through the lives of a case worker and a troubled teen and their unexpected common ground in music. Jamie has been through many hardships in her 17 years and has barely any hope for her future. Kate, her case worker, teaches her to realize her potential and inspire her to follow her passions. This is a story of overcoming your past, accepting a helping hand and understanding that you are more than your circumstances. This film is truly a tear-jerking coming of age story that reminds us that everyday can be a fresh start. I recommend this film to anyone who has a passion for music, its affect in people's lives and an appreciation for film that isn't afraid to be unapologetically human.

Jamie is alone in the World except for her best mate Leanne (who is a sort of South London hard nut) and they have gotten on the wrong side of the tracks. This is against the backdrop of the riots in London of 2011 which they took advantage of.Anyway they are in a Council run care home when a new social worker turns up who is determined to make a difference and then sees music as a possible way to reach out to Jamie to save/help her.Now a lot of these themes have been used before – falling in with the wrong crowd, nurture versus nature and the idea that all the 'kids' need to find their way out of the gutter is one piece of inspiration; whether it be baseball, rap music or macramé. But this seems to do it with a fresh twist and the music is all great too.Do not expect anything too 'gritty' either this is all a bit sanitised but it still has enough of an 'edge' to make it pack a punch albeit not a 'sucker' one.