Overrated and overhyped

Don't listen to the Hype. It's awful

The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

I am so glad I finally got around to watching this title. It is by far the most original film with a gay central character that I have seen in a long while and I have seen plenty. Usually I tend to migrate towards foreign language films exploring gay subjects because their cultural take on gay life is oftentimes quite specific and original. I did not expect such originality from a British film and I can't understand how I missed it. To the naysayers on here I despair - it takes a brave person to write so convincingly and powerfully on a subject not explored before. The depiction of personal hatred and societal hatred was palpable and real. The making of revealed the myriad sources from which the idea had been researched and the significance of this tour de force really hit home. OK some of the acting is not quite on a par with more experience actors but the genuine grit and conviction in the performances made up for these excusable inadequacies. 10 out of 10 quite simply British at it's best. I could go on but I realise I am gushing - but I have to try and counter so much negative nonsense on here. Buy it, don't rent it and don't steal it off an illegal site (like a certain person I know did) - these film makers deserve to get every penny for their effort in the vain hope they make something as good again....

When I was a student (couple of years ago) this film hit the rounds with student groups as a film to watch...and it was universally admired for it's honest and compelling narrative. Plot holes and flaws aside (quite possibly due to budget constraints) in some of the coincidences it still manages to pack a punch and moves with a pace reserved for action films of considerably higher budgets. The DVD extras included a 30 minute making of which gave unique insight into the reasoning behind the production and the genuine intent of cast and crew alike. I'm not gay but you don't have to be to see this film. It is a youthful honest film. A good watch and definitely worth a view. 10 scored because some of the reviewers here are being just idiotically mean and vindictive - in my opinion had the writers been given the budget of say Attack the Block or the other SHANK then this would have been even better than it is....possibly some of the comments are coming from the minds of those who mistook it for the other SHANK and weren't expecting a gay hero!It's the 21st Century people - this should have been widely distributed and supported and I say that as a Brit who appreciates British talent.

*spoiler alert, (I guess, but who even cares)* There's too much wrong with this movie to bother naming all the lousy points. But here are a few.Cal is uber-masculine, and we're lead to believe in the first part of the movie that he's attracted to other masculine guys. Yet we're tilting our heads in confusion when he is suddenly attracted to this flowery French guy whose wardrobe consists of mostly pink. Not believable.Seemingly minutes after Cal gets all lovey-dovey with Frenchie Flowers and starts shacking up with him, Cal is not only able to have loving, passionate gay sex (whereas earlier it is shown that the only gay sex he could engage in was sometimes violent, always impersonal and anonymous, which would then make him throw up), but is also wearing Twinky McStereotype's pink clothes. Yeah, I don't think so. Not believable.The coincidences of how everyone is interwoven and connected is so over-the-top, it'd be almost funny if it wasn't pathetic. The text message sent at the end is great; "Sorry -Cal." Which is to say this:"sorry that this all sucks and my boyfriend, who happens to be your student, who happens to have been beaten up by my gang who also beat up your boyfriend in a non-related incident while you and I also just happened to have hooked up randomly online once, after which I bashed you in the face. But we're going to get on a train together, all smiles, in our pink outfits and be on our merry way while you cry over your comatose lover." That sentence made as much sense as did this movie. Not believable.And, really, I can forgive some goofy plot themes and unbelievability to a point. Because there are some watchable scenes, and some not-so-bad acting, even (NOT including Pepe Le Pew (Frenchie) - he was awkward and painful to watch 'act'). But it was the pre-wrap up confrontation scene which took this from the edge of ridiculous to a you've-got-to-be-kidding-me joke of a movie.Jonno, the best friend from his "gang" (pfft, some gang, by the way), RAPES Cal. In front of the rest of the gang, even. While sobbing. Now, I'm not saying gay rape doesn't happen. I'm saying it doesn't happen LIKE THAT. No way in hell. Everyone's going on about how shocking this scene is. And it is, but only because it's SO OUT OF LEFT FIELD and ridiculously not believable.A lot of this movie, as is the case with much of gay cinema, is used as an excuse to show cute young guys naked. And sure, some of them are totally adorable. But unless that's enough to keep your attention through some idiotic choices which made a movie with some potential really very bad, then you may want to skip this one.

Filmed in Bristol, England, UK on a non-existent budget of 20,000 euros (28,000 USD) with a cast made up almost entirely of first-timers to feature film, "Shank" is one of my all time favorites."Shank" is the story of teenaged "scallie" gang banger, Cal (Wayne Virgo), who is realizing his true desire for other men. In particular, his best friend and fellow gang member Jonno (Tom Bott) with whom he shares several very intimately awkward moments. His gang is known for filming the beatings that they frequently dish out to innocent bystanders. However, when the gang jumps an attractive young gay man, Olivier (Marc Laurant), Cal reaches his breaking point stopping the beating.Having left his gang stranded to go and help the bloodied young man, Cal is now the target of their rage. Can these two young men from opposing worlds and different understandings of oneself survive all that is thrown their way? Directed by 21 year old Simon Pearce, "Shank" is a gritty and unapologetic look at a coming-out story that has never been seen before. Wayne Virgo is an extremely talented newcomer, who also happens to be a gorgeous young man with great attributes which are seen throughout out the movie."Shank" is violent and unsettling at times, sensual and compassionate at others, and has a well-balanced use of intimacy and nudity. All of which is necessary to truly tell this story of self-discovery and love. Most importantly it pulls you into the story from the moment it starts and holds you til the very end. Making you care for and feel for the characters, "Shank" is a perfect blend of every element that a good movie is made of.With it's gripping script (written by Darren Flaxstone and Christian Martin), beyond-their-years-in-talent acting, and superb direction and cinematography, "Shank" is a low-budget film that can stand against any Hollywood powerhouse...Just letting you know...